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Sutherland Pond is the only fully natural (i.e., un-dammed) pond in the Black Rock Forest. Located at its outlet is the largest natural shrub wetlands in the forest. The pond is shallow, about 6 feet at the deepest point, and contains natural cold-water springs. But the muck at the bottom is up to 30 feet deep in places, having accumulated for 14,000 years or so since the last glaciation. Sediment cores taken from the muck have documented how plant life in the area has changed dramatically since that time, from tundra to coniferous forest and then to deciduous forest starting about 10,000 years ago. In addition to populations of fish and turtles, and occasional visits by river otters, loons, and osprey, the pond features water lilies in summer, populations of the insect-eating sundew plant, and thick masses of sphagnum moss in the wetlands. Spaghetti Bridge on the Arthur’s Trail provides boardwalk access across the wetlands. Sutherland Pond itself, the area that drains into it, and the watershed of Mineral Springs Brook that flows out of the area together comprise the Mineral Springs Ecological Reserve.