Freshwater Pond

Freshwater ponds that dot the landscape in the prairie provide a vital source of water for wildlife.

NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Quick Facts

Location:

Decimal Degrees: 27.44318, -97.29988

Significance:

The freshwater ponds located throughout the grasslands serve as an important habitat and provide a vital source of drinking water for wildlife.

Designation:

National Seashore

Amenities

4 listed

Benches/Seating, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Located along Park Road 22, just south of Park Headquarters, is a small freshwater pond. This small pond is a great spot to stop for a chance of wildlife viewing. The small, paved pull-off has an adjacent bird blind that is wheelchair accessible. The sheltered bird blind has nine cutouts at various heights for wildlife viewing and photography. A bench is located inside the bird blind.  

A Year-round Water Source 

The freshwater ponds located throughout the grasslands provide a vital source of drinking water for wildlife such as coyote and deer. These ponds would have also been a water source for cattle during the island's ranching history.  

More often, those who make a stop at this small pond will see turtles, such as red-eared sliders and box turtles sunning themselves on the banks of the pond. Bird species such as ducks, egrets, ibis, crested caracaras, and sandhill cranes can also be spotted wading in the pond or perched atop the bird blind.