New Mexico State University's Alumni Pond has reopened to the campus community following the completion of key restoration work, allowing students, employees, alumni and visitors to once again enjoy one of the university's most recognizable landmarks.
The project recently reached several significant milestones, including the installation of a new clay liner, refilling the pond and the removal of construction fencing. The reopening marks the completion of the primary phase of restoration and the beginning of the pond's natural ecological recovery.
Project leaders said the reopening comes after additional improvements were made beyond the project's original timeline to help ensure the long-term success of the restoration. While a few finishing touches remain, the pond is now ready to welcome visitors back.
"We're happy to invite the community to start enjoying the pond," said Robert Farrer, assistant director of project development and engineering at NMSU. "We've worked with various groups across the state, including New Mexico Game and Fish, pond experts, engineers and contractors, all collaborating to make this project a success."
As visitors return to the area, university officials are encouraging everyone to help protect themselves and the pond's developing ecosystem. The newly installed clay liner is extremely slippery, and visitors should remain out of the water. While the pond has been refilled, there are no fish at this time as the aquatic ecosystem continues to reestablish. Visitors should keep pets out of the aquatic plant areas and avoid introducing fish, turtles, ducks, plants or other animals into the pond, as doing so could disrupt the restoration process.
The university appreciates the campus community's patience throughout the project and looks forward to seeing the Alumni Pond once again serve as a place for learning, reflection and gathering while its ecosystem continues to flourish in the months ahead.
Watch a video of the Alumni Pond officially reopened here.
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-alumni-pond-reopens-following-restoration-project/s/656d08cc-d399-4c28-91ee-917a94a5145d
