Watchaug Pond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Watchaug pond |
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 Watchaug pond
Location in Rhode Island
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| Location | Washington County, Rhode Island, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°23′00″N 71°41′23″W / 41.3834339°N 71.6897864°W |
| Type | kettle pond |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 573 acres (2.32 km2) |
| Average depth | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 36 ft (11 m) |
Watchaug Pond is a special type of lake called a kettle pond. It's found in the southern part of Rhode Island, in a town called Charlestown. This pond is a great place to explore nature and learn about the environment.
Contents
Discover Watchaug Pond
Watchaug Pond is a large body of water, covering about 573-acre (2.32 km2). That's like more than 400 football fields! It's not very deep in most places, averaging 8 ft (2.4 m), but it can go down to 36 ft (11 m) in some spots.
How Kettle Ponds Form
A kettle pond like Watchaug Pond was formed a very long time ago. When huge glaciers melted, large chunks of ice were left behind. These ice chunks got buried in the sand and gravel. As the ice slowly melted, it left a bowl-shaped hole in the ground. This hole then filled with water, creating a kettle pond.
Public Land and Access
Watchaug Pond is surrounded by a huge area of public land. There are about 3,000 acres (12 km2) of public space around the pond. This means there's lots of room for people to visit and enjoy nature. You can get to the public boat ramp by following Prosser Trail to Sanctuary Road.
Explore the Vin Gormley Trail
A fantastic way to see Watchaug Pond is by walking or biking the John Vincent Gormley 8-mile loop trail. This trail goes all the way around the pond.
History of the Trail
John Vincent Gormley spent many years creating and caring for this trail. It was officially opened and dedicated in 1999 by Senator Jack Reed. The trail is an important part of the Gormley family's history with the land in "South County" Rhode Island.
Part of a Bigger Journey
The Vin Gormley trail is also a key section of the North South Trail. This longer trail crosses almost the entire state of Rhode Island. The North South Trail ends just past historic Route 1 in a place called Ninigret.
Learn at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center
Near Watchaug Pond, you'll find the Kettle Pond Visitor Center. This center is a great place to learn about the pond and its surroundings.
What You Can Learn
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge run the visitor center. They offer many educational programs. You can learn about the different plants (flora) and animals (fauna) that live in and around the pond. They also teach about the natural homes (habitats) of these creatures.
School Field Trips
Many schools bring their students to the Kettle Pond Visitor Center for field trips. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about nature outside of the classroom. They can see firsthand the amazing wildlife and ecosystems of the area.
Nearby Nature Refuge
Watchaug Pond is also close to the Audubon Society's Kimball Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is another protected area where animals and plants can thrive. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the peaceful outdoors.
