Little Pond, Thompson

2024 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Little Pond

Transect Data | Water Data

Little Pond is a 65-acre waterbody located in Thompson, Connecticut. The pond features a public boat ramp on its eastern side, maintained by the state.

CAES OAIS conducted its first survey of Little Pond in July 2024. During the survey, 20 plant species were identified, including three invasive species. One invasive species, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a wetland plant, was observed in small patches on the northwestern and eastern sides of the pond. The other two invasives, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and a variable-leaf watermilfoil hybrid (Myriophyllum heterophyllum ×laxum), were also documented. Eurasian watermilfoil was primarily concentrated on the eastern side, while variable-leaf watermilfoil was found in small patches scattered along the pond's edges.

The rest of the aquatic vegetation found in the pond was native. Of particular importance is dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata) also known as water pennywort, a threatened plant, found along the northwestern side of the pond in small patches. White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) was the most abundant species, occurring in small patches along the entire shoreline. Other prevalent species included pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata), both of which were widespread throughout the pond. All other native species were present in smaller populations, distributed across various areas of the pond. Overall, Little Pond supports a diverse array of native aquatic plant species, with relatively limited patches of invasive plant populations.