East Cove Pond


East Cove Pond
The East Cove Pond has not always been the still body of water you see today.  Up until the late 18th century, this pond was part of ta meander of the Thames River.  Areas of this meander have been filled in by people and nature over the years, and now three ponds exist - the East, South and west Ponds.  The East Cove Pond is an important natural environment as well as being home to interesting local history and cultural heritage.


Natural Heritage
The many different ecosystems found in and around the East Cove Pod support a vast array of plants and animals.  While exploring the area, you may be lucky enough to see a heron eating a snack, or an osprey gliding overhead.  In spring, frogs ad toads gather to breed in the marshy areas of East Pond Woods.  Snapping turtles can be spotted swimming in the water, while sunny days lure painted turtles to bask on submerged logs.  You will also find wild raspberry and black walnut while walking through the East Pond Woods.  Different types of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates and plants can all be found in and around the East Cove Pond.


 Cultural Heritage
The East Cove Pond has been a choice spot for recreation for a long time - curling matches were played on the frozen waters in the mid 1850s, while hockey and skating continue to be popular pastimes.  Ice houses existed in the area to store ice cut from the East Cove Pond, to supply London residents with ice all year round.  In the flood of 1937, the East Cove Pond spilled over its banks, crept up Old Springbank Drive, causing high water levels in many homes!



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