Campus Pond (Amherst, Massachusetts)

A view to the east of campus, with the pond in the foreground

The Campus Pond at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a pond located in the center of campus that was created in the early 1890s. It is bordered to the south by the Fine Arts Center.

History

In the early years, the pond was dammed during the winter of 1890 and 1891 by two students. Damming a river that ran through campus, the pond was justified as a source of natural ice in the days before refrigeration. Over the years, the pond was used for various student activities, as well as numerous events,^[1] including the Spring Concert.^[2]

Over the years, the number of Canadian geese has increased around the pond, a direct result of increased acreage of lawns around the region. Furthermore, their waste has combined to create a nuisance for pedestrians in and around the pond, as well as foul the pond with algae growth.^[3]

References

External links

• Official history
• Video showing the 2010 dredging of the pond

University of Massachusetts Amherst Academics College of Education College of Engineering College of Humanities and Fine Arts Isenberg School of Management College of Natural Sciences College of Nursing School of Public Health and Health Sciences College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Stockbridge School of Agriculture Research Center for Public Policy and Administration DEFA Film Library Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory (defunct) Large Millimeter Telescope National Center for Digital Government Political Economy Research Institute Research centers Campus Facilities Fine Arts Center John W. Lederle Graduate Research Center Morrill Science Center Murray D. Lincoln Campus Center (Blue Wall Cafe) Orchard Hill Observatory University Museum of Contemporary Art W. E. B. Du Bois Library Landmarks Campus Pond Old Chapel Chestnut Ridge Historical Area East Ridge Historical Area Ellis Drive Historical Area Athletics Programs Men's basketball Football Men's ice hockey Men's lacrosse Facilities Curry Hicks Cage Earl Lorden Field William D. Mullins Memorial Center UMass Softball Complex Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium Rudd Field History and traditions UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen Sam the Minuteman UMass Fight Song University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band Student life Housing University bus & PVTA Five College Consortium Greek life Student Government Association University Without Walls Amherst People Alumni Faculty Presidents and Chancellors Media The Campus Chronicle Jubilat The Massachusetts Daily Collegian The Massachusetts Review WFCR WMUA Miscellaneous 1980 campus water shortage Academic dress

Coordinates: 42°23′21.87″N 72°31′35″W / 42.3894083°N 72.52639°W / 42.3894083; -72.52639