For the past two years, Chowan County has dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. This storm was a minimum hurricane that left physical damage and emotional scars on the communities in her path. Over 70% of the hardwood trees were torn loose in the storm from Bennett’s Millpond and the immediate surroundings, but replanting has begun in the logged fields. The fish population is making a surprising comeback with a base population of the surviving sunfish, crappie and pickerel; the North Carolina Wildlife Commission is helping to restock bass and bluegill in many of the Northeastern North Carolina streams.
The Millpond has a different beauty about it today as responds to the natural cycle of summer storms. The bottom invertebrate organisms are healthy, the water quality is good, the black fish abound and most importantly, the community is more appreciative of this unique cypress environment. This past year, the Millpond students, with the support of The Science House and a Youth Service grant from State Farm Insurance, initiated the first Bennett’s Millpond Awareness Day to invite the community to enjoy the Millpond surroundings. Activities for this day, April 16th, 2005, included special environmental displays and talks, hands-on water quality testing, a fish tank for our 22-pound blackfish, demonstrations, and refreshments.
Chowan County is supporting many new initiatives for Bennett’s Millpond. The old Millhouse, build in the 1930’s during an extended dry weather period to hold the replacement engine for water-milling, is currently being refurbished. Plans are underway, with assistance from an APNEP grant, to construct an educational demonstration pavilion with a green roof near the boat dock. Students, teachers, and community members will all enjoy a place to relax and enjoy Chowan County’s historic watermark. To quote Bob Dylan ….“ You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” The future forecast is clear with direction and motivation.
