top of page
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Home -> Community Conservation -> Lakes & Ponds

Lakes & Ponds

Hemlock Farms is home to a variety of stunning lakes and ponds, offering members and guests serene landscapes and recreational opportunities. These tranquil bodies of water provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, while also contributing to the area's natural ecosystem. Our lakes and ponds are vital resources, and we are committed to their preservation and sustainable management to ensure they remain a cherished part of Hemlock Farms for years to come.

List of Lakes & Ponds within Hemlock Farms

  • Elm Lake 

  • ​Hemlock Lake

  • Lower Hemlock Lake

  • McConnell Lake

  • Bluestone Pond

  • Ledgeway Pond

  • Little Bell Pond

  • Mirror Pond

  • Rimrock Pond

  • Rockwood Pond

  • Saddlebrook Pond

  • Willow Pond

  • Wish for a Fish Pond

Citizen Science: Eyes on the Lake

Hemlock Farms Conservany (HFC) will continue to lead a group of citizen scientists as we begin our second year of Eyes on the Lake (EOTL). EOTL serves to support Management in being aware more quickly of changes and potential problems, such as algal blooms, on our lakes and ponds.

 

Pocono Lake Ecological Observa[1]tory Network (PLEON)/Lacawac Sanctuary scientists regularly collect data and samples in Hemlock Farms, but can’t be on the water as often as our members. EOTL complements and enhances the already-estab[1]lished lake-management initiatives of the HFCA Department of Natural Resources that include treatment by Princeton Hydro and data collected by PLEON.

 

Our volunteers participate by col[1]lecting visual data as they boat, fish, or enjoy the lake or pond view from their homes. This work is as simple as recording what is seen and expe[1]rienced on the water, such as color, clarity, and other surface changes. Observers then send that information on to HFC so that it can be rapidly communicated to both Management and PLEON scientists.

 

It is important to remember that our lakes and ponds are organic bodies of water. They are always changing. As human stewards of our water, we can observe, report, and take actions when necessary that can lessen the impact of harm for people and wild[1]life. We may not be able to fix prob[1]lems like algal blooms immediately, but our data can assist scientists as they seek answers and potential solu[1]tions to protect water quality for the future.

 

If you are a regular boater/kayaker or have a waterfront home and are willing to be an “Eyes on the Lake” observer, please join us! We will be collecting data late May through October. If you are interested in dedi[1]cating time to this work, please email us at hfconservancy@gmail.com.

Tips For Boaters On Invasive Species

Recreational boating is one way that Aquatic Invasive Species are spread. Boats, motors, and trailers have ideal hiding spots where species may attach and be transported to new locations. Many of these species can survive out of water for five days or more!

​

Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that cause harm to the environment, the economy, and human or animal health. Preventing the spread of AIS is important because once introduced, these species disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and cost communities huge amounts of time, money, and resources.

​

While many species are large enough to see with the human eye, others are too small to be readily noticed, and can easily hitchhike to new locations on boats, trailers, motors, and in livewells, bilges, or bait buckets. By following a few simple steps, boaters can play an active role in preventing the spread of AIS.

​

Algal Blooms​

​

Algae is present in our lakes and ponds and under certain conditions they can produce large blooms that are potentially toxic. These blooms can appear at any time and can be very harmful to people and animals. Stay out of the water if you see or smell anything unusual, including but not limited to green or blue-green thick mats, paint-like or other scum-like appearances on or below the surface of the water.

​

Check These Areas:

  • Anchor

  • Axle

  • Bilge

  • Dock Lines

  • Hitch

  • Hull

  • Gimble Area

  • Motor

  • Rollers & Bunks

  • Trailer

​

Clean

Boaters should:

  • Inspect and clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, motor, trailer, and equipment before leaving water access.

  • Scrub hull using a stiff brush

  • Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water when possible.

  • Flush motor according to owner's manual.

​

Drain

​

Drain water from watercraft, motor, bilge, bladder tanks, livewell, and portable bait containers before leaving water access.

​

Dry

​

Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen or if drying is not possible, wipe with a towel before reuse.

​

​

​

bottom of page