The WBC has been granted access to Cranston’s Mill Pond.
Cranston’s Mill Pond (CMP), a 55-acre impoundment in James City County, VA has been in existence since the mid-1800s. In its modern state (since 2011), CMP is authorized by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Nutrient Offset Facility. Essentially, it captures phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment from the surrounding seven square mile watershed and prevents negative effects to the downstream Chickahominy River, James River and Chesapeake Bay.
The field trip will start at 8 a.m., and we expect the group will be birding most of the morning. Wear good walking shoes! The site is entered from Cranston’s Mill Pond Road, between 1/2 and 3/4 mile from Jolly Pond Road.
Limits on People and Cars
Parking is possible at the site, but it’s limited to 12 cars maximum. And we’re limiting the total number of people to 24, a number which includes the leaders and organizers. If you want to participate on the field trip, please let George Martin know.
1) will you be driving? and
2) how many people will be traveling with you?
George will keep a list, with your placement on the list determined by when he receive your email.
Logistics
If a lot of people choose to drive themselves (the site is very close to both Ford’s Colony and Colonial Heritage), we may organize a “collection point” at Hornsby Middle School where people can consolidate into cars. That’s where the information regarding the number of cars will be helpful. The address for the middle school is 850 Jolly Pond Road, and it’s less than 5 minutes from the site entrance.
If you’re driving to the site, the gate will be opened at 7:30 a.m. Parking will be at the top of the hill, less than 100 yards from the entrance. Someone will be pointing to parking spaces.
FYI – the property does NOT have restrooms!