Studying Biodiversity at Pony Pasture

 Why Study Pony Pasture?

As part of the James River Park System, Pony Pasture and the Wetlands (Pony Pasture for short) is a park located along the James River in Richmond, Virginia. This park is popular for its miles of trails and river access. During the summer, Pony Pasture is in its peak season: with many visitors enjoying swimming, kayaking, and climbing on the large boulders that are set out in the middle of the river. 

While this park mostly sees visitation for recreation, a few avid naturalists can be spotted exploring the trails and looking at the biodiversity. By spending an early morning or evening in the park, you can come across dozens of species including songbirds, migratory birds, Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Red Foxes. Additionally, by looking along the forest floor, you can encounter Trout Lily, Virginia Blue Bells, Mayapples, and much more. 

Pony Pasture does struggle, however, with education and interpretation, and many visitors do not know the importance of protecting the biodiversity of the park. As a whole, the James River Park System struggles with an abundance of invasive species that threaten the native communities. In addition, the park system is underfunded and does not have many employees to steward the parks. They rely heavily on volunteers to help remove invasive species, maintain trails, and study the biodiversity that is within. 

I hope that by researching this park and the existing ongoing efforts, I can help to provide education to the public and assist their programs in finding ways of garnering more support. 


 Winter view of the James River

Native Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Native Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)

Sunset along the James River 

Want to learn more about the park?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/krWMDxKyJZ5mXKMf7 

https://jamesriverpark.org/explore-the-park-pony-pasture/

https://jamesriverpark.org/explore-the-park-wetlands/

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