The Botany Pond, a beloved fixture on the university campus, has reopened after a two-year restoration project.
The pond holds a special place in the hearts and minds of members of the Department of Ecology and Evolution (E&E). The department building is situated right next to the pond, and faculty and students have always enjoyed the respite provided by a quiet stroll through the greenery or beneath the golden leaves of the gingko tree. As E&E Chair Stefano Allesina pointed out, the pond is a centerpiece at departmental events, a gathering place for lunches and always advantageous for recruiting efforts.
The reopening marks the first stage of the Botany Pond returning to its full glory. All planned wildlife reintroduction will take place in the Summer of 2025, to allow the pond ecosystem more time to establish prior to introducing larger species, accodring to Facilities Services, which was in charge of implementing the project.
For now, the combination of foliage, water, birdsong and comfortable benches is back for anyone on campus who would like to just sit back and enjoy a moment of peace.