Baisley Pond was once a Brooklyn water-supply reservoir, and mastodon bones were pulled from its bed in the 1850s when crews dredged it — which is a fair introduction to a pond worth looking into. This program does exactly that, netting the shallows and identifying the larvae and nymphs that reveal how healthy the water is. If you have kids who like getting close to slimy things, this beats a nature documentary.
What to expect
Expect a naturalist-led session on the lawn beside the pond, with sampling from the shallows and hands-on examination of what comes up in the nets and trays. Insects are identified and returned to the water. It is a short, kid-friendly program that runs whatever the pond serves up that day.
Good to know
- Baisley Pond Park is in South Jamaica, Queens, off Baisley Boulevard and Sutphin Boulevard.
- The E, J and Z at Jamaica Center are the closest subway hub, with a bus connection south.
- Dress for getting a little wet and muddy at the pond edge.
- Bring sunscreen and water — the lawn area has limited shade.
- It is a free NYC Parks program; check whether registration is required before traveling.
- The lawn and paths are flat, though the pond edge is uneven.
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Common questions
What is Baisley Pond?
A freshwater pond in South Jamaica, Queens, once used as part of Brooklyn's water supply; mastodon remains were found in its bed in the 1850s.
Is it good for kids?
Yes — it is a hands-on nature program built around netting and identifying pond insects.
Do the insects get kept?
No, specimens are examined and returned to the pond.
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