277 Thornton St., Johnson's Pond

A glacial-kettle pond surrounded by woods this property was acquired with generous neighborhood support in 2007.   This 3.02 acre property in Spring Glen is bordered on three sides by residential properties on Thornton, Greenway, and Ingram Streets and on the fourth side by Regional Water Authority watershed land along the Mill River.  The pond itself is shallow.  Covered in summer with buttonbush and duckweed, it freezes readily in the winter, making an inviting spot for ice-skating.  The woods and pond support a wide variety of plants and wildlife year-round.  More than 120 species of birds have been observed here, as well as turtles, peepers, and snakes.  This site is open for limited passive recreational use, such as walking and bird-watching, and ice-skating in winter.  It is easily accessible from Whitney Avenue on the east and Dixwell Avenue on the west.