Campus Pond (Amherst, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campus Pond |
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A view to the east of campus, with the pond in the foreground
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 Campus Pond
Location in Massachusetts
Campus Pond
Location in the United States
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| Location | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
| Coordinates | 42°23′21.87″N 72°31′35″W / 42.3894083°N 72.52639°W |
| Type | Pond |
The Campus Pond is a lovely pond right in the middle of the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. It was created a long time ago, in the early 1890s. If you stand by the pond and look south, you'll see the Fine Arts Center.
History of the Campus Pond
The Campus Pond wasn't always there! It was created in the winter of 1890 and 1891. Two students built a dam across a small river that flowed through the campus.
Why did they build a pond? Back then, before refrigerators were common, people needed a way to keep things cold. The pond was a great idea because it could freeze in winter. This provided natural ice that could be harvested and stored.
Over the years, the Campus Pond became a popular spot for students. Many fun activities and events have taken place there. This includes the annual Spring Concert, which brings lots of people together.
Wildlife and the Pond
You might notice many Canada geese around the pond. Their numbers have grown because there are more grassy areas nearby.
Sometimes, the geese can cause a bit of a mess for people walking around the pond. Also, their waste can lead to more algae growing in the pond. This can make the water look green.
