Both nature and humans have shaped Mirror Ponds. This area of the Preserve is just upstream from the Dry Creek that you crossed earlier.

When you step into this area you will notice that the rock walls and floor are smooth and worn. Run your hands over the rock to feel just how smooth they are. What do you think caused this?

When it rains heavily water comes rushing through this part of the creek. Over many years the rock becomes eroded away by the water and forms the fantastic shapes you see.

In between rains, water collects in pools or small ponds. Throughout the year these ponds will grow and shrink, and sometimes even disappear!

Although the ponds are small you will be able to find all kinds of living things in them. Look very closely. What do you see?

You may be able to see beetles that have special adaptations for swimming.

You may see insect larvae that look like fish. How can you tell if it's an insect? Count the legs - even insect larva will have six!

If you visit in the spring or early summer you will most likely find tadpoles in the pond by the stone wall.

Tadpoles are young frogs. In summer they will grow legs, develop lungs, and hop out of the pond as frogs. They will spread out into the Preserve and become an important food source for other animals.

This pond is very important to the health of the whole Preserve.

The tadpoles are usually hiding from predators in the leaf litter.

To see them, very gently disturb the dead leaves and wait to see them scatter about.