Jackson Pond
Lightspun Lane, Columbia Maryland 21045
This 3-acre north/south oriented pond boasts a paved path around it and a variety of habitats within an easy walk.
Amenities: Limited on-street parking on Lightspun Lane. No facilities. A paved path encircles the lake; connections to the Columbia’s path system can be found at each end; a few short trails offer limited options. Along the paved path there are a few picnic tables and benches, one fishing pier, and an island connected to the main path by a bridge.
Handicapped Access: The paved path is mostly level with a few gentle grades making the entire pond visible and accessible. The path north of the pond is flat for some distance along the stream. To the south, there are a few short sections with steeper grades. All wooden bridges should be approached with caution in wet weather.
Habitat: Water and brushy pond edges; a limited amount of Columbia Association open space (some mowed); adjoining yards with trees, lawns, and an occasional feeder. A stream flows from north to south through the pond with scattered vegetation and deciduous trees at each end. A mature beech woods with little understory is obvious at the north end, while a mixed deciduous woodlot at the south end can be scanned from the dam. An open, grassy powerline lies south of the dam.
Layout: Although Jackson Pond is a bit removed from other major birding sites, it has hosted a wide variety of bird species, including a few rarities, and is worth checking occasionally. A 0.5 mile paved path circles the pond passing numerous yards with trees, and connects to other portions of the path system in Long Reach. There is a fishing pier on the east side. The east side also features a bridge to an island where there are a two benches, a small dock, and planted ornamentals. The dam constitutes the south side of the pond.
With this pond’s north/south orientation, the time of day may determine whether to scan from the west side (afternoon) or east side (morning) to avoid facing the sun. From the entrance on Lightspun Lane, bear left on the path around the north end to reach the east side, or continue straight past the tot lot to survey the pond from the west side. Especially in the colder months, check any feeders. There are paved path extensions at both ends. To the north, the path passes through a mature beech woods and follows the stream. Although there are houses on both sides of the stream valley, it is a pleasant walk with numerous bridges. South from the dam toward MD 175, the path winds past open mowed areas and wooded sections with tangles and undergrowth providing a different and, generally more varied, mix of birds than at the north end. A trail at the southwest corner connects to the powerline.
In addition to birds, look for spring wildflowers in the wooded areas along the paths. Ornamental plantings on the island and a variety of wild blooming plants in unmown areas attract butterflies.
Coimpilers: Joanne Solem and Clayton Koonce
