Winnecunnet Pond facts for kids
See also Winnacunnet (disambiguation).
Quick facts for kids Winnecunnet Pond |
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 Winnecunnet Pond
Location in Massachusetts
Winnecunnet Pond
Location in the United States
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| Location | Norton, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°58′15″N 71°07′55″W / 41.97083°N 71.13194°W |
| Primary inflows | Canoe River, Mulberry Brook |
| Primary outflows | Snake River (Mill River) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 148 acres (60 ha) |
| Average depth | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Max. depth | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
Winnecunnet Pond is a body of water located in Norton, Massachusetts, United States. Even though it's called a pond, many people refer to it as "Lake Winnecunnet."
The area around the pond is also known as Winnecunnet. The name "Winnecunnett" might come from an old Algonquian word. This word is thought to mean "beautiful place in the pines."
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Where is Winnecunnet Pond Located?
Winnecunnet Pond is on the east side of Norton, Massachusetts. It's also north of I-495.
Two streams feed water into the pond: the Canoe River and Mulberry Meadow Brook. Mulberry Meadow Brook is sometimes called "Mulberry Brook."
Water from Winnecunnet Pond then flows into a part of the Mill River. This section is known as the "Snake River." The Mill River eventually flows into the Taunton River.
What is Winnecunnet Pond Like?
Winnecunnet Pond covers about 148 acres (60 ha). It is part of the Taunton River Watershed. The pond is usually about 5.5 ft (1.7 m) deep. Its deepest point is about 18 ft (5.5 m).
According to MassWildlife, the water is fertile and has a stained color. You can see through the water for about five feet. The bottom of the pond is mostly mud. Many homes and businesses are built along the shoreline. However, there are swampy areas near where the water flows in.
Plants in the Pond
Weeds are a big problem in Winnecunnet Pond. In 1989, the pond was listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It was on the "Massachusetts List of Impaired Waters." The main concern was too many noxious aquatic plants, which are harmful water weeds.
In 2007, people living near the pond wanted to fix the weed problem. They asked the town to spend money on a weed control and dredging program. One person said the pond was "a weed-infested, mosquito breeding swamp." However, the plan was too expensive and was not approved.
History of the Pond Area
Metacomet, a Wampanoag Indian leader, is famous in the area. He was also known as "King Philip." It is said that he hid in a cave near the pond. This happened near the end of King Philip's War. He later died in Misery Swamp near Mount Hope. Many children in Norton learn about the legend of King Phillip's Cave.
Wildlife in Winnecunnet Pond
Winnecunnet Pond is home to many animals, especially fish and birds.
Birds Around the Pond
In 1927, Edward Howe Forbush studied barred owls. He wrote about a pair of barred owls near Winnecunnet Pond. This pair nested in the area for 26 years, from 1905 to 1930. They had to move their nests several times because trees were being cut down. Interestingly, a pair of red-shouldered hawks also nested in the same area.
Fish in the Pond
In 1955, some of the smaller fish, called panfish, were removed from the pond. This was done to help the other fish populations.
In a 1978 survey, nine types of fish were found in the pond:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- white perch
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
- white sucker
Black crappie also live in the pond. In 1988 and 1992, northern pike were added to the pond.
Fun Activities at Winnecunnet Pond
Winnecunnet Pond is a popular spot for outdoor activities. The town forest, where King Philip's Cave is located, is also a favorite place to visit.
People enjoy boating and angling (fishing) on the pond. There is a small place to launch boats on the eastern side of the pond, on Bay Road.
According to the MDFW, Winnecunnet Pond is one of the most popular places for ice fishing in southeastern Massachusetts. It freezes early and stays frozen late in the winter. Because it's easy to get to, many people come here to fish.
During the summer, lots of weeds can make boating and fishing difficult. To help with this, the town of Norton once used a special machine to remove weeds from the pond. Fishermen can expect to catch chain pickerel and largemouth bass. Sometimes, they might even catch a northern pike weighing ten pounds or more!
