A Community Morning at Lompico Pond
Video by Tamara Stolzenthaler
Want to be part of the next restoration adventure?
Join us for our monthly volunteer work days at Lompico Pond or at any of our other active project sites. Bring your energy, your gloves, and your love for local nature—we’d love to see you there!
On a serene Saturday morning, ten passionate neighbors gathered at Lompico Pond to launch something special: a turtle raft! This buoyant creation, designed and built by the talented Olivia Potter, now bobs gently in the pond, ready to welcome our shelled friends.
Why a turtle raft, you ask? It’s a floating sanctuary for our pond’s resident turtles—mostly red-eared sliders, who’ve found refuge here, often after being released as pets. While they’re not native, the pond also offers potential habitat for the threatened western pond turtle and endangered red-legged frog. Giving any of these species a resting place is a step toward nurturing our local ecosystem.
Dawn Harker kindly loaned her husband’s kayak, and neighbor Ben Short bravely paddled out to tow the raft, guiding it behind the kayak like a proud little boat parade. Once in place, Ben dropped anchor—well, a large cinder block with a 10' line to keep it floating free but not floating away.
After the launch, we circled the pond, admiring Olivia’s handiwork. The raft's ramps dip just below the surface, offering easy access for basking turtles. It's as beautiful as it is practical. (Olivia might share her design and materials list for any aspiring turtle-raft builders—stay tuned!)
Inspired, the team didn’t stop there. We turned our attention to the rampant weeds—bedstraw, thistle, and forget-me-nots—and filled two green bins by noon. The habitat’s now a little cleaner, and our hearts a little fuller.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, showed heart, and showed what’s possible when community and conservation come together.
❤️ Here’s to more mornings like this.
The San Lorenzo Valley Native Habitat Restoration Program integrates environmental and community needs to restore the riparian habitat and ensure the ongoing health and beauty of the watershed.
