Farm Pond

Farm Pond is a “kettle” lake, meaning it was formed by the melting remnant of one of the glaciers that departed from New England more than 12,000 years ago. Because it was formed between the late oligotrophic and early mesotrophic periods, Farm Pond is a “young” pond. As shown by the map on the back cover of this booklet, the pond is about 58 feet at its deepest. The pond covers about 124 acres. Local folklore claims that Farm Pond is spring fed, but limnologists say this is not so. The pockets of cool water, which swimmers often feel, are the result of thermal stratification of water layers, due to water density differences. Fed by a small watershed of about 380 acres, Farm Pond is actually about 35 feet higher than the surrounding ponds, streams, and the Charles River. An estimated 80 million gallons of water per year flow out of Farm Pond or are lost to evaporation, resulting in a dependence of about 45-50 inches of annual rainfall to maintain the pond’s normal level. Farm Pond has always been a very active wildlife area, providing habitat to fish and many birds, including geese, blue herons, eagles, and hawks. Some species of fish and amphibians that inhabit the pond are relatively rare. The island in the southern portion of the pond is private property; its owners maintain it as a sanctuary for the numerous birds that nest there.

Sailing, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are popular recreational activities on Farm Pond. There is a boat ramp on the north edge of the Reservation for launching. Moorings are available for those who wish to leave their boats at Farm Pond. Motor boats of any kind are prohibited on Farm Pond. Craft powered only by sail, oar, or paddle are allowed. This prohibition extends to all electrically powered boats.