The property slopes steeply toward Blossom Street, creating a "bowl" effect.  The steep slopes are covered with grasses, vinca, honeysuckle, brambles and ivy.  Most of the approximately 80 trees on the site are mature hardwoods, although there are some trees which have been planted relatively recently.  Food sources include the abundant magnolias and oaks, small fruit trees, and many insects.  Shelter and nesting sites are provided by the many trees, several snaps, an old stone retaining wall, thick groundcovers, and several areas of dense shrubbery.  (It would be desirable to add to the shrub layer, but campus safety considerations will probably preclude significant new plantings.)  Vegetation in the pond consists primarily of iris and a thick patch of lizards tail and other wetland vegetation.

     The "boggy" corner of the pond is home to some very large bullfrogs.  The pond also houses gambusia, Blue Gills and Large Mouth Bass, as well as toad tadpoles in season (and until the bullfrogs eat them.)  Other wildlife in residence includes a variety of smaller "herps" and the expected range of "urban birds" -- thrashers, mocking birds, robins, finches, sparrows, towhees, wrens and woodpeckers.  We assume migrants use the site, but haven't been able to observe at the right times.  One or more hawks routinely patrols the area encompassed by the garden and nearby city park. 

     Over the years, the garden has been used informally by students, faculty and city residents.  It has also been used as a "Teaching aid" for various classes ranging from college students to pre-schoolers at the University's day care center.

     The garden was recently "adopted" as a volunteer project by students gathered in Columbia for a National Wildlife Federation/USC campus ecology clinic.  The USC organizers of the clinic, SAGE (Student Allied for a Greener Earth), were attracted to the garden's potential as wildlife habitat, and are considering a long term commitment to the area.

     Future plans include the addition of paths and boardwalks, as well as one or more structures over the pond.  A small pond on the uphill side of the garden, emptying into a waterfall and artificial stream (flowing into the existing pond) is also under consideration.  SAGE hopes to work closely with University officials as plans go forward.  The members have expressed an interest in discussing the addition of native plants and artificial nest boxes, bee or butterfly shelters, etc. with campus administrators and would welcome suggestions from the National Wildlife Federation.