This is an archived post from March 30, 2017 written by Emmanuel during his 4th year in the Environmental Politics, Justice and Arts stream of the Bachelor in Environmental Studies. Emmanuel launched the Environmental Studies “Eco-Tour” blog with his posts for Eco-Navigating the YU Campus. His posts serve as a guide to York University’s Keele Campus, highlighting some of some of Emmanuel’s “go-to” places for studying, relaxation and getting in-touch with the more natural features/spaces of the university.
Stong Pond.
Stong Pond is a human made pond named after Jacob Stong, a settler in the early 1800s whose former property is now the land known as YorkU’s Keele campus. As a storm water pond, its official role is to retain storm water to prevent floods from occurring.
The space’s significance:
Stong Pond not only acts as a storm water drain, but also serves other roles.
It acts as an ecosystem for diverse species (Say hi to Canada geese, squirrels, and groundhogs) as well as offers a place for York students to unwind and immerse themselves in nature. Being Environmental Studies students, we have the opportunity to take full advantage of this space not only because the pond is close to the Health, Nursing, and Environmental Studies building (aka HNES as you’ll eventually dub it) but because we get the opportunity to learn of the various species and ecological systems that are present in Stong Pond through the hands-on courses offered in the program (Like Taking Action, ENVS 1200). This gives us a deeper understanding and a stronger connection to the area.
For you avid selfie and photo enthusiasts, did I mention how beautiful the view of the sunset is from the various benches that can be found around the pond (See below)? You can never go wrong with a little sunlight in the background lighting up those angles.
You can never go wrong with the view from Stong Pond at sunset.
