Summer Fun at the Waterfront
One of the things Campers at GRP most look forward to is the Waterfront. It’s easy to understand why. Fresh out of a long school year, who wouldn’t want to take a dip in a nice, cool lake? But the Waterfront has much more to offer than the chance to swim. GRP’s lake is a thriving ecosystem that hosts a number of beautiful, fascinating animals. From the hungry grass carp, to hundreds of tadpoles, to friendly sunbathing water snakes, follow along as we go on a guided tour of what every corner of the lake has to offer.
We start at the dam, a gravel lined path that takes us up to the Lodge, our most popular (and only) dining hotspot. When walking from Cabinville, you may notice a smaller pond to your left shrouded with trees; this is the Trout Pond, and if you look just a little closer, you’ll learn why it earned that name. The Trout Pond is teeming with fish: massive, lovingly hand-raised rainbow trout that will swim alongside you as you walk if they think you have food. And boy, do they get food! It’s common to see a staff member handing out small handfuls of fish feed to Campers by the water, and as soon as those pellets hit the water, you’re bound to hear gasps of delight and wonder as the trout leap over each other to be the first to get a bite. The Trout Pond might be chilly, but it would be impossible to say it isn’t lively!
A little further up the path, you’ll see the place where those fish were raised: the Trout House, an impressive wooden structure home to two massive fish tanks, enough fly fishing rods to supply an activity period and then some, and a garden full of thriving plants and pollinators. Early in the summer season, baby rainbow trout are delivered to the trout house, where they’re released into one of two tanks, depending on their size. Once they grow large enough, they graduate to the Trout Pond, where they live with their new family.
There’s also the Wetlands, which is another popular free time destination. It’s easy to spot from afar; a small winding boardwalk sequesters a shallow corner of the lake away from the rest, and blooming water flowers cluster together, providing shelter for small fish, frogs, tadpoles, and salamanders. Here, Campers are allowed to take off their shoes and dip their feet in the water. If they’re patient and still, they’ll make new friends: curious little fish who primarily eat algae, but are willing to indulge in dead skin every once in a while. They’re funny to watch; sudden movement will cause the fish to flee, but they’re quick to reapproach if they don’t think you want to cause them harm. These little fish have earned the Wetlands a clever nickname: the Pedicure Pond, where your hike-weary feet will see new life!
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and hustle and bustle of summer camp. Our days are packed full of adventure, fun, and brand new experiences. But it’s okay to look at the wonder of the smaller things, too. The next time you pay a visit to the Green River Preserve, don’t miss out on all that the lake has to offer—a life changing experience might just be waiting in the tall grass!
Story by Li Shuford