Around the Goose Pond

Let's talk about Goose. No, not the guy from "Top Gun." I am talking about Goose Pond in Keene. Goose Pond was the very first reservoir for the city of Keene in 1868. It consists of 1,044 acres, which is the largest open space of land owned by the city of Keene. The land and trails are maintained by volunteers of the Greater Goose Pond Forest. "Stewardship of the Greater Goose Pond Forest is an ethic that embodies the careful and responsible management and supervision of the property," according to the 2019 Stewardship Plan. It protects the land that surrounds the pond as well as the pond itself. The stewardship and volunteers focus on "Enhancing the natural communities that serve to protect sensitive plants, wildlife and supporting public access." Recreation and education for anyone willing to learn and be involved. They also focus on increasing habitat diversity. For the Stewardship, all I can say is "Get involved, volunteer, get engaged in community service to promote environmental conservation and awareness. Let us all work together to help protect the land and wildlife for the next generations. Please investigate participating in local educational programs to help raise awareness about sustainability. Get involved and collaborate with local organizations to protect our natural resources and habitats." I say this because within today's world, the truth behind it is, once it is destroyed, it will be gone forever. So, let's all work together, as one to help protect all our natural resources, so that we can leave something wonderful for the next generation and their kids or their grandchildren. As for the hiking and walking trails around Goose Pond, I can honestly say you will not be disappointed. Goose Pond trails are truly beautiful, and very well maintained by the many volunteers. You will encounter other hikers and dogs, lots of chipmunks, red and gray squirrels. There is a small waterfall near the first walk bridge. The brook flows down from Drummer Hill. You will see fish jumping, rippling the water's surface as they feed on the many aquatic bugs. You will see dragonflies and butterflies silently gliding here and there. You may even see wild ducks swimming. Most common is the wood duck as well as mallards. It is truly a peaceful place. Goose Pond is a recreational area where people venture to swim, hike, walk and fish. As for fishing… I would just like to add an important tip. If you decide to go to Goose Pond for fishing, you will indeed be catching small mouth bass as well as perch. However, Goose Pond is strictly catch and release. Meaning anything you do catch for fish must be humanely released. Also, when you do go to Goose Pond to fish, I suggest prior to taking photos with your catch or handling the fish at least wet your hands first. I say this for a simple reason. All fish have an outer membrane that protects them from bacteria and disease. That membrane is the slime you may feel when handling a fish. So, by wetting your hands prior to handling any fish will help protect them from all bacteria and viruses. Don't forget your fishing license. Let us not forget about the heavily forested area around the pond. The forest is a beautiful place. You will find a beautiful mixture of mature hemlock, beech, oak and pine trees. There are softwoods called conifers, which are the eastern hemlock and the white pine. You shall encounter hardwoods, the northern red oak, the American beech tree and the beautiful red maple. Closer to the water you shall find the paper birch, black birch, gray birch as well as the lovely quaking aspen trees. Closer to the water's edge there are many shrubs and bushes. They are the shining sumac, willows, and the amazing dogwood. All in all, I do hope you can get out and explore Goose Pond, no matter what time of day or time of year. Bring your family, friends, or your furry friend, just get out there and experience a beautiful part of the Monadnock region. It is so close to where most of us live and work, and it is truly worth the time to just go out and enjoy nature. From Keene center, take Court Street for 0.4 miles, take a slight Right onto East Surry Road. Follow for about two miles, and you will see a medium sign that says "Goose Pond South Parking Lot" on your right. There is also a second parking lot about 300 feet up the road on the right, that is the main parking area.