I remember looking out the window one day curious about what lies within the pond. Answerless, I sought out teachers who were familiar with this topic, Mrs. Popescu. I assume a majority of students at Greenwich Academy experience the same lack of knowledge in this field. Throughout this article, I plan to explain the usage and benefits of the pond, as well as enlighten students on the condition of the pond.
Mrs. Popescu relays that the pond is in fact not artificial. Water is pumped from the Upper School spring into the pond, and the amount of pond water can vary depending on the run-off and rain flow. An interesting yet unexplained aspect of the pond is the fountain. From what I have been told it is taken out in the winter and there are two bubblers on either side of the fountain, allowing oxygen into the pond. However, an upsetting truth relating to the pond is that when standing in the pond, the mud would surpass your thighs. And yet, a wide range of animal life is located in the pond.
The most common organisms in the pond are the bluegill sunfish, but it’s also home to an excessive amount of microorganisms. Many other animals, however, roam this pond: largemouth bass, turtles, ducks, havens, and mallards. In addition to the pond being a habitat for a variety of animals, it plays an important role in Greenwich Academy as well.
Aside from it taking up a portion of GA’s property, the pond makes GA unique and “special. Some schools may have high level academics with many extracurriculars, but very few have a pond. Greenwich Academy benefits from the pond by using it for ninth grade biology, chemistry, and fifth grade history, and is referenced and used in many classes in addition to the ones listed. Moreover, the pond is an important part of GA through the incorporation and usage in academics and learning, giving GA classes an advantage.
Trash. Something Greenwich Academy generally focuses on terminating in our environment, by composting in the cafeteria, using reusable silverware, plates, and cups, yet they seem to ignore the pond. The pond is filled with trash. Each day at school, at least one piece of trash finds its way into the pond. Despite exceptional maintenance, a deep clean of the pond is unfeasible. The countless cleaners at Greenwich Academy can only clean around the pond and occasionally on the surface of the pond. This lack of cleaning builds up over time, and only causes more hardship to Greenwich Academy’s property and the wildlife who seek a habitat inside of it.
Hopefully, this article highlights the value of having a well maintained pond and the asset the pond brings to education, and encourages you next time to throw out trash near the pond or playground, to avoid additional garbage in the pond.
