September 2019

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park, NYC

Saturday, September 14, 2019 0
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park, NYC
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a reservoir that is no longer in use as a water supply. It's a massive body of water that covers over 100 acres and holds over a billion gallons of water. Water access to the reservoir is not permitted to the public and is completely gated in, making it a haven for waterfowl and turtles.

It was 'retired' back in 1993 after it was determined that it was vulnerable to contamination and was also made obsolete by superior methods of supplying the water supply for the city. The reservoir was still considered a part of the city's water supply, for emergency use during droughts, until 1999. 

The reservoir used to be called the Central Park Reservoir, but in 1994 it was renamed in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady and fashion icon.

If you're looking for a place to go for a run or walk, the reservoir has got you covered. There's a 1.6-mile track that circles the entire thing, and it's super popular with joggers and walkers alike. It attracts thousands of walkers and joggers every day.  It serves as the primary water supply for the park's other ponds and lakes.

Other facts about the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir:

Construction on the reservoir began in 1858, and it was completed in 1862. Irish immigrants were the main workers working on the reservoir during those years of construction. The reservoir was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who were also responsible for the design of Central Park itself. The reservoir covers an area of 106 acres and has a maximum depth of 40 feet.

The reservoir was originally called the Croton Reservoir because it was fed by the Croton Aqueduct, which brought fresh water from the Croton River in Westchester County to New York City.

The reservoir has been featured in a bunch of movies and TV shows over the years, like "Sex and the City," "The Devil's Advocate," and "Law & Order." 

Some people have suggested turning the reservoir into a pool or recreational area, but there are concerns about water quality and safety. So for now, it's just a really cool spot to check out in the heart of Central Park.

Related: 131-Year-Old Reservoir Is Deemed Obsolete

The street view panorama below was taken during the January 2016 blizzard







Tulip Poplar Trees - Quick Facts and Pictures

Wednesday, September 04, 2019 0
Tulip Poplar Trees - Quick Facts and Pictures
The tulip poplar goes by a few names, including yellow poplar, tulip tree, saddle-leaf tree, and its scientific name, Liriodendron tulipifera. There is also a similar species in China and Vietnam that has the scientific name, Liriodendron chinense. The tulip poplar, related to the magnolia tree, is a hardwood tree native to the eastern regions of the United States, except for the Northwest United States. It also grows in a few regions of Ontario, Canada, including from the Southern shores of Lake Huron, the Northern shores of Lake Erie, and the Niagara Peninsula region.

Given the right conditions, a tulip poplar can grow 150 feet in height or taller. There are records of tulip poplars reaching upwards and above 190 feet in height. On average though, a tulip poplar will be anywhere from 70 to 100 feet in height. Being a quick growing tree, you'll have a good beginning of a shade tree within a few years. What's also good about tulip poplars is that they are long-living and can live for a couple hundred years.

As for the flowers of the tulip poplar, they won't appear until the tree is around fifteen years old. From then on, the flowers will develop in the spring in southern areas and in late spring in northern areas. The flowers are typically yellow but can also be a pale green. The tulip-shaped flowers of the tree are good for attracting bees and if provide an abundance of nectar for bees' production of poplar honey.

Read More:
Tulip Poplar Tree Facts, Uses, and Planting Tipsand-Planting-Tips


Tulip Poplar Seeds
Tulip Poplar Leaf in Autumn
Tulip Poplar Flower
Tulip Poplar Leaves


Katelyn Nicole Davis ? Forever Missed