This is my first cache. Brownie's Pond, also known as Clark's Pond, is overseen by the Hilltop Conservancy and Friends of Clark's Pond. They look to preserve, restore, protect, and enhance the natural resources of Clark's Pond Nature Preserve and the contiguous Third River Corridor. I am not a member of either group. Just an admirer. Two other optional things to do: snap a photo of you (or some of the beautiful wildlife) by the pond (I love photos) and take a piece of trash out with you. Please replace everything exactly as you found it. Thanks! Here's some more history on the pond:
"Once called Brownie's Pond in the late 1800's, the pond and surrounding acreage was purchased by Clark's Thread Company for manufacturing purposes. Bloomfield Township regained ownership in 1961 after the company ceased using it for its processing. At that time, the pond and the surrounding land was considered to be in reasonable condition. But over the years that followed, with the construction of the Garden State Parkway and residential and commercial expansion, the condition of the area has deteriorated. The once six foot deep pond now stands only inches from disappearing forever. Since its last dredging in 1981, an alarming amount of silt has nearly filled the pond and damaged both the quality of the land and the safety of the wildlife it's home to. The Clark's Pond restoration Project is aimed at returning the usefulness and beauty of the area to Bloomfield. Currently used for numerous educational and recreational purposes and activities, including the annual fishing tournament, an event that is attended by hundreds of men, women, and mostly children every year..." ~Hilltop Conservancy
Congrats to slukster for the FTF! 30 minutes after the listing was published!