While lily pads may be nice to view in small doses, no one likes a freshwater pond so covered in the plants that a visitor can’t even see the water.
Such was the problem at Wilton’s Horseshoe Pond, which welcomes visitors traveling from Wolfpit Road to the town center. For more than 20 years, neighbor Anne Deware said last week, the pond was covered by seemingly indestructible lily pads.
In fact, up to 95% of the water body could be covered by lily pads in any given year, she said.
But thanks to an effort over the past few years by Deware to spread the word about Horseshoe Pond’s problems, environmental remediation work was begun, and so far this year, the pond has been free of lily pads.
“The pond is the gateway to Wilton Center. Now everyone is looking out and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s so beautiful!’” Deware told The Bulletin Tuesday.
“Now we want to keep it that way. We want people to come and enjoy it.”
In order to help the pond remain free of lily pads, the pond must be treated with aquacide chemicals for three years. The first round of treatment was finished last year, and another was performed this year.
The first year’s application has been paid for, but payment is still due to environmental contractor Pond & Lake Connection for this year’s and next year’s treatment.
In order to pay for further lily pad reduction and provide for continued maintenance of the water body, the Friends of Horseshoe Pond need to raise $10,000, Deware said.
Getting involved
There are a number of ways for residents to help prevent Horseshoe Pond from being overrun by lily pads again, Deware says.
The Friends of Horseshoe Pond are holding a guest bartender night at Marly’s Bistro in Wilton Center, where all tips from the evening will benefit the pond.
Wiltonians may stop in at the restaurant on Monday, June 8, from 6 to 10 for a drink to support Horseshoe.
The Friends will also be raffling off a Jeff Lavety painting to help support the pond. That painting will be on display at Village Market today, Thursday, May 28, and residents may buy four tickets for the raffle for $20.
The painting will also be on display at Marly’s during the guest bartender night.
Residents may also make simple donations to the cause by mailing a check with Horseshoe Pond in the memo section to Conservation Commission, Town Hall Annex, 238 Danbury Road, Wilton, or may call Anne Deware at 203-762-8256. Donations are tax-deductible.
Volunteer
Wiltonians will also get the chance to get their hands dirty for Horseshoe Pond on Sunday, June 7, when the Friends are organizing a workday.
The intent of the workday, which will run from about 8:30 to 2, is to clear the shores of the pond so those walking around it can have a better view of the water.
“We’re trying to get together a bunch of people and have a workday at the pond and have people bring their shears and stuff and try and get rid of the invasive vines and things,” Deware said.
Aquacide
Using an aquacide to kill lily pads is not a cause for concern for those worried about other plants and animals in and around the pond.
“Some people have been surprised and have asked, Have all the animals been safe?” Deware said.
“Of course they are safe. I would never do anything to harm them. Jeff Stahl from Pond & Lake Connection is wonderful, because the ponds he works on are like his babies. He comes over just to check on what’s going on, and things like that.”
In fact, when a car was recently pushed into Horseshoe Pond, he came down personally to make sure it hadn’t damaged the pond, Deware said.
Information: Call Anne Deware at 203-762-8256.