Update — April 2026
The Everblue proposal for the pond's paid assessment has been tabled. The neighborhood is proposing a community-led, science-based baseline assessment instead. Read the next-phase plan →
Kaplan's Pond
Background: The Everblue Proposal
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In September 2025, the community spoke unanimously against the aerator project, the vendor withdrew, and the Village agreed to pursue an independent scientific partnership with Cornell and Sea Grant. In early 2026, without community input, the Village Manager re-engaged the same vendor (Everblue) with a new $6,000 proposal for a paid pond assessment.
After neighbors wrote to the Village Manager and Board of Trustees, the proposal was tabled ahead of the April 8th board meeting. The next step is a community-led baseline assessment — see the next-phase plan.
Background: September 2025
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Success! The aeration project has been stopped and the electrical panel structure has been removed.
The community is now forming a Kaplan's Pond association to continue advocating for the pond's health and tranquility. Join the interest list to be part of future conservation efforts.
Previous Advocacy Information
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Comprehensive analysis, talking points, and detailed information about the Kaplan's Pond aeration project has been archived for reference.
Includes: Three Essential Questions, Stop the Noise campaign, talking points & facts, cost breakdown, Duck Pond analysis, and more.
What is it like up at Kaplan's Pond?
Kaplan's Pond - 4 Screenprints - Kara Wilson, Croton-On-Hudson
Three young goslings exploring the peaceful shoreline at Kaplan's Pond - part of the thriving wildlife ecosystem that calls this tranquil sanctuary home.
Come up for a visit! It is a beautiful park at 400 feet above sea level with a thriving ecosystem that includes:
Aquatic Life: Wide mouth bass (some are 12 inches), sunfish, spring peepers, bullfrogs
Reptiles: Box turtles, painted turtles, snapping turtles (as big as a car's spare wheel)
Birds: Great blue heron, the occasional bald eagle, osprey (sometimes carrying fish they have just caught), hummingbirds, barred owl, screech owl, mallard ducks, wood ducks, Canada goose, cormorant, Carolina wren, cardinal, catbird, tufted titmouse, wild turkey
Mammals: Humans (fishing, boating, hiking, enjoying the wild outdoors) bobcat, black bear, coyote, beaver, woodchuck, deer, opossum, squirrel, chipmunk, rabbit, mouse, vole
Insects & Others: Tree frog, fireflies, dragonflies, butterflies, bumblebees, carpenter bees, honey bees, and more.
All of these creatures depend on this forest-aquatic natural environment for hunting, mating, raising young, and survival.
A large largemouth bass caught at Kaplan's Pond in July 2025, demonstrating one part of a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Large Snapping Turtle at Kaplan's Pond
A large snapping turtle crossing the road at the edge of Kaplan's Pond on September 6th, 2025. These ancient reptiles are part of the thriving ecosystem that calls this peaceful sanctuary home.
Caterpillar stage
Chrysalis stage
Adult monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly lifecycle at Kaplan's Pond - Photos by Jeff Weber
Share your Experiences of Kaplan's Pond
"In all seasons, it is peaceful during the day when people jog past it, fish there or take their dogs on walks and peaceful at night when they do the same thing. The only sounds are the occasional plane flying overhead, the various birds singing, the turtles scampering off their sunbathing logs, yard work being done, young lovers and neighbors chatting and an occasional car driving by. At night, heard only are the croaks of the bullfrogs and the hoots of owls. As in the past, day or night 24/7 people go there to unwind and enjoy the peace of it. Its tranquility."
— Seth L., Kaplan's Pond Neighbor for 54 years
Evening Soundscape at Kaplan's Pond - ASMR
Experience the natural silence of Kaplan's Pond broken only by some enthusiastic bullfrogs. This peaceful soundscape captures the sounds of nature on a cool summer evening in July.
You may have to turn the volume up to hear all the nighttime sounds.
Reflections on Seymour Waldman - a dedication plaque near the community bench and waterfall at Kaplan's Pond.
Announcements History
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Track of all announcements that have appeared on this site: