Created in 1986, the pond at Highstead was formed by an earthen dam and catch basin that impounds groundwater and is fed by the headwaters of Tannery Brook, an intermittent stream flowing from the adjacent wooded swamp. This nearly three-acre pond maintains a fairly stable year-round water level, supporting open water, woody and herbaceous vegetation along with wildlife communities associated with inland ponds and marshes.
The south and west edges of the pond were altered during its construction, and restoring this area to a more naturalistic feeling led to various plantings of species and cultivars of native and non-native plants. Collectively they provide a display of flora best suited to moist soils and large open spaces. A planting of native sweet pepperbush cultivars complements this natural pond side. View the Clethra Collection.
