Willow Pond Habitat Restoration

Since Mount Auburn's previous waterbodies assessment in 2017, several changes to our ponds have been observed, including increased erosion, the arrival of invasive plant species such as Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and the increase in the power of storm events, all of which have negative impacts on the health of these water features. Mount Auburn has expanded its pond maintenance efforts to improve reaction time in addressing invasive plant species arrival and removal before widespread establishment can occur and, additionally, Mount Auburn has implemented out-of-pond efforts to address sheetflow and erosion issues.

Although these efforts have helped, pond edge erosion has become an increasingly worrisome issue, particularly at Willow Pond where several important tree species are potentially at risk. Being adjacent to some of our most active burial locations, and as one of three major waterbodies in the Cemetery that provides food, water, and shelter to a great diversity of wildlife species, Willow Pond is a significant restoration undertaking that benefits all who come to Mount Auburn.

In December 2024, the A.J. & M.D. Ruggiero Trust awarded the Friends of Mount Auburn a $90,400 grant for an assessment of Mount Auburn's three major waterbodies and design for the restoration of the emergent shelves—the shallow areas—of Willow Pond.

Mount Auburn contracted SWCA Environmental Consultants to perform this assessment in August 2025. Over two days, SWCA conducted depth of water (bathymetric) and depth of accumulated sediment surveys within the waterbodies, assessment of vegetation within the banks of the waterbodies, as well as water and sediment samples.

Currently, the water and sediment sample collections are being analyzed for nutrient content, coliforms, and basic water quality parameters, and soil samples are being analyzed for total organics, metal-bound phosphorus, coliforms, as well as soil texture and characterization. The data will inform a full report that summarizes the current water quality and habitat value within the ponds and surrounding vegetation, and provides recommendations for improvements, notably addressing erosion and wildlife resources.

In 2026, Mount Auburn will be following upcoming recommendations from SWCA to improve the health of Willow Pond, maximizing the resources for the wildlife populations that utilize this landscape fixture. Activities will include:

The Friends of Mount Auburn needs to raise an additional $81,610 to complete the project activities listed above. Donate below to support for this vital ecological work!

Total raised as of 11/18/2025: $5,510