Size: 25 acres of land; the three adjacent ponds have a total surface area of 4.6 acres; a fourth satellite pond is 0.9 acre.

Habitat: Three tandem stormwater management ponds flow west to east and are surrounded by wooded areas and shrubbery. Most of the park is within 100-200 feet of residential structures. A fourth, more secluded, satellite pond is located approximately 1,000 feet to the south of the main park.

Best Months: Spring and fall migrations produce the largest diversity. Wintering hawks have been observed on a regular basis in January and February.

Coverage Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Trails/Paths: A one-mile paved path encircles two of the ponds with an offshoot at the western end of the park leading to the third pond. Access to the fourth pond is obtained via an access road on the west side of Oakland Mills Road between Loring Drive and Malindy Circle (across from the Verizon building).

Notable Birds: Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron, American Coot,
Caspian Tern, Yellow Warbler, Palm Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Blue Grosbeak.

Amenities: Various decks and sitting areas; a playground and a fishing pier. No restrooms available.

Handicapped Access: There is a paved, mostly level, path that encircles all or portions of the three main ponds.

Operation and Hours: Howard County park; dawn to dusk.

Special Attractions: The ponds are the biggest attraction since they allow for a nice array of waterfowl during the migratory seasons. The western-most pond usually accounts for most of the surprises since there is a secluded portion of the pond that can be easily seen with binoculars but offers no direct trail access. Black-crowned Night-Herons and Great Egrets have been spotted in this quiet area. Green Herons are also seen there on a regular basis in the summer months.

Nearby Sites: Elkhorn Garden Plot, Jackson Pond, Lake Elkhorn.

Compilers: Chris Toscano and Jenny McClintock

Howard County Recreation and Parks information

Google map
Detailed Info
Directions
Large Site Map
Species Lists
Photographs