Mendon Ponds Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mendon Ponds Park |
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Devil's Bathtub, Mendon Ponds Park.
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| Type | Regional park |
| Location | Towns of Pittsford and Mendon, Monroe County, New York |
| Nearest city | Rochester |
| Area | 2,500 acres (10 km2) |
| Operated by | Monroe County Parks Department |
| Open | All year |
| Designated: | 1967 |
Mendon Ponds Park is a huge county park located near Rochester, New York. You can find it in the towns of Mendon and Pittsford. It's the biggest park in Monroe County, covering over 2,500 acres (10 km2) of land!
In 1967, Mendon Ponds Park was named a National Natural Landmark. This special title means it has unique natural features. The park is famous for its amazing landforms created by ancient glaciers. Monroe County first bought land for the park in 1928.
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Explore Mendon Ponds Park's Unique Geology
Mendon Ponds Park is home to some really cool land shapes. These were all formed by glaciers long, long ago. Imagine giant ice sheets moving across the land!
Discover the Devil's Bathtub and Other Glacial Features
One famous spot is a "kettle hole" called the "Devil's Bathtub." Kettle holes are dips in the ground left by melting ice. The park also has eskers, which are long, winding ridges of sand and gravel. You can also see kames, which are hills of sand and gravel.
The Floating Bog: A Home for Carnivorous Plants
At one end of the park, there's a special peat bog with sphagnum moss. This moss has built up so much that it's created a floating island in the middle of a lake! Because of the moss, the water here is very acidic. This makes it a perfect home for carnivorous plants. Look closely, and you might spot sundew and pitcher plants. These plants get their nutrients by trapping insects!
Wildlife at Mendon Ponds Park
Mendon Ponds Park is a fantastic place to see all sorts of animals. It's especially popular for people who love watching birds.
Birdwatching Paradise: Spotting Feathered Friends
In the wet areas of the park, you can see many different birds. Keep an eye out for wood ducks, red-winged blackbirds, and tall blue herons. You might also spot Canada geese and even some shy birds like Virginia rails and soras.
In other parts of the park, you can find smaller birds. These include colorful eastern bluebirds and scarlet tanagers. Look for chickadees and nuthatches too. In winter, the chickadees are very friendly! They will sometimes eat seeds right from your hand if you are patient.
Mammals of Mendon Ponds: Beavers, Deer, and More
Quaker Pond in the park is home to a group of beavers. These amazing builders create dams and lodges. You might also see Muskrats, clever foxes, graceful deer, and quick minks roaming around the park.
Wild Wings: Helping Birds of Prey
Near the park's edge, there's a special place called Wild Wings. This group helps injured birds of prey, like hawks and owls. They care for these birds and help them get better.
Fun Activities at Mendon Ponds Park
Mendon Ponds Park offers lots of ways to have fun outdoors.
Trails for Hiking, Riding, and Skiing
The park has over 21 miles (34 km) of trails for hiking and exploring. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery as you walk. If you love horses, you'll be happy to know there are many miles of riding trails too. In the winter, some trails are even prepared for cross-country skiing!
Other Park Facilities for Everyone
The park also has shelters and lodges where you can relax or have a picnic. You can go fishing in some of the ponds. There's even a special sensory garden designed for visitors with disabilities. It's a great place for everyone to enjoy nature!
Images for kids
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The Devil's Bathtub.
