Leverett Pond is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Pioneer Valley and a gateway to the Leverett community. People come for fishing, ice fishing, skating, boating, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and more. It’s home to eagles, blue herons, geese, beavers, otters, osprey, turtles, fish, and an abundance of other wildlife.

Early records show Ye Olde Fish Pond occupied an area within the northern third of the current pond footprint. During the aftermath and cleanup of the Hurricane of ‘38, it served as a repository for sawn logs from a temporary sawmill built on its western shore. To this day, logs occasionally float to the surface, creating something of a hazard to boats. However, throughout its changes over the years, Leverett Pond has been the center of naturalist recreation for the residents of Leverett and the surrounding community.

Leverett was named for John Leverett, an early governor of Massachusetts, who stood strongly against religious persecution and British rule. Today nine faith communities are active in Leverett.

Leverett Pond has been the site of numerous studies, in part due to its proximity to the University of Massachusetts. A Water Watch Partnership has existed for many years, due to concern about the long-term health of the pond. There is a substantial amount of data, most of which reflects a healthy balanced ecosystem.

This is one of the best ponds in the area to observe wildlife. Bring binoculars and move quietly and you will be rewarded. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has done extensive studies over the years.