11. Middle Farms Pond Trail
Middle Farms Pond Trail connects to the Rec Path between the Middle Farms grassland and Chocomount Trail. The trail crosses undulating terrain. As with most trails through Fishers Island’s woodlands and thickets, a variety of flora and fauna may be observed throughout the seasons.
In spring, red maples of different ages are among the first trees to add color to the landscape with their red buds and flowers. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Redstart, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nest here from May through August, along with many other migrants. Trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials support bumblebees and other native insect pollinators. Canada mayflower carpets the forest floor with its tiny green leaves and short spikes of subtly fragrant white flowers. This common native ground cover, also known as wild lily of the valley, appears throughout the Island’s forested natural areas but dies back in summer after it fruits.
In mid-spring, look for starflower, and in late summer, blue-stemmed goldenrod and woodland aster. Black cherry, highbush blueberry, common greenbrier, and Virginia creeper thrive where a grove of mostly dead black locust trees has created sunny openings. The trail ascends a steep slope, offering glimpses of Middle Farms Pond in winter. The surrounding thickets provide prime habitat for Gray Catbird, Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, and Common Yellowthroat. At the trail’s end, you can loop back on level ground along the Rec Path and continue on to other trails at Middle Farms grassland or connect to the trails at Chocomount and Treasure Pond.
