Warner Pond

Warner Pond, just a few yards off Route 47 and bordered by Warner Hill and North Hadley farmlands, was a relaxing two-plus hour paddle last Saturday under a sun and puffy cloud blue sky. Swans with their cygnets, painted turtles, and a maze of blossoming Pond and Swamp Dock Lilies greeted us as we slowly meandered past a shoreline teaming with the signs and sounds of plant and animal life.

On our arrival, the Friends of Mt. Warner were launching their Annual Invasive Species Water Chestnut Pull. A couple of us joined in but it was a challenge to do from a kayak. Want to lend a hand? Contact Cynthia at [email protected] or call 413-548-8002.

Great news about Warner’s dam restoration: Kestrel Land trust of Amherst announced that a generous donor is offering $25,000 dollars in support for Warner's dam restoration – if $25,000 dollars in matching donations can be raised. This is a wonderful opportunity to double your contribution. For more information please contact Kristin DeBoer, Executive Director, Kestrel Land Trust, 413-549-1097. ( Excerpts for the last two paragraphs from The Friends Facebook Site. )

We topped off our morning with noon hour freshly made sandwiches at the North Hadley Sugar Shack, just down the road. Their Maple Soft Serve is whipped up with maple syrup. Having shared a large, I was tempted to have another for the road home.

-Elbert Bowler