THE WILDLIFE REFUGE POND
The Hope Spear Wildlife Refuge Pond is a half-acre body of water that provides essential habitat for wildlife. The pond is home to a wide array of animals, from turtles and frogs to waterfowl, muskrats, and even the occasional river otter.
The Wildlife Refuge Pond accepts all runoff from the northeastern side of the Garden. Surrounding the pond are a variety of plants, including a collection of azaleas (Rhododendron viscosum and other spp.), sweet pepperbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica). Water-loving plants, such as swamp rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), and surrounding plants like beebalm (Monarda spp.) and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) provide a food source for pollinators during warmer months. Hummingbirds can often be found checking out the flowers in the quieter hours of the day.
There are several different spots to view the pond, but the Viewing Pavilion offers the best vantage point for observing wildlife. Looking down, visitors are able to see the activity of birds, fish and a rotating cast of other creatures who have made the Wildlife Refuge Pond their home.
