Norwalk in Fairfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
A Habitat Renewed
In the past, the shallow and stagnant Mill Pond was not a good place for marine life. In 1996-97, the City of Norwalk undertook a $500,000 project to improve the aquatic habitat. Funds for the work came from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Long Island Sound Programs.
At the culvert connecting the pond with the harbor, a new tidal gate was installed to let in a refreshing rush of sea water twice a day.
Dredging helped in several ways:
• First, it removed sediment that had been contaminated by previous industrial discharges.
• Second, the pond is now deeper, especially at high tide. Besides providing more water for fish, this helps keep summer water temperatures from getting too warm.
• And, third, peninsulas were built to encourage a cleansing water-flow pattern within the pond.
Improving the tidal flow did more than bring in fresh sea water. Young crabs, clams, marine worms and other animals in their tiny larval stages are carried into the pond on the incoming tide. They now find a more suitable place here to settle and grow, expanding the pond’s biodiversity.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 41° 5.91′ N, 73° 24.334′ W. Marker is in Norwalk, Connecticut, in Fairfield County. Marker is at the intersection of Seaview Avenue and East Avenue, on the left when traveling south on Seaview Avenue. Marker is located in Mill Pond Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norwalk CT 06851, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Birds (a few steps from this marker); Mill Pond History (a few steps from this marker); Fitch’s Point (approx. 0.4 miles away); Roger Ludlow (approx. 0.4 miles away); Norwalk Founded (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Marvin Property (approx. 0.7 miles away); Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (approx. 0.9 miles away); Taylor Farm Park (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norwalk.
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a map of the area, showing Mill Pond, Norwalk Harbor and the culvert that connects the two. A photo of Mill Pond being dredged also appears on the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 684 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.