Three Ponds, One Landscape - A Defining Part of the Property
Red Star Farm is home to three ponds — the Front Pond, Fishing Pond, and Forest Pond.
Each was built or evolved during different periods of the farm’s history, originally serving as reliable water sources for cattle and places for fishing. Over time, they’ve become something more — natural landmarks that shape how the land is experienced today.
For years, they’ve drawn people in, even bringing in the occasional visitor from beyond the area — including stories of Kansas City ballplayers stopping by to fish in the off-season.
Fishing Pond - The original water source
The Fishing Pond is the largest and oldest of the three, dating back to the early days of Red Star Farm in the 1940s.
It served as the primary water source for cattle, with a pipe system that once carried water downhill to troughs in the surrounding fields. Even into the 1990s, it remained a working part of the farm’s operation.
Today, it’s quieter — home to blue herons and other wildlife that now move through the area, continuing its connection to the land in a different way.
Front Pond - Water, Views, and Movement
The Front Pond, while naturally present in some form earlier, was rebuilt in the 1980s when our family took ownership of the farm.
Fed by runoff from the hay fields and a natural spring near the windmill just to the south, it became both a functional water source and a place for fishing.
The surrounding terrain gives it a unique character — with hills rising on either side and trails that offer views across the pond and out over the rest of the farm.
Forest Pond - Hidden Back in the Timber
The Forest Pond sits deeper within the property, surrounded by trees and accessed by a network of trails.
Built in the 1980s by damming a natural water flow, it added another water source for cattle and quickly became a favorite spot for exploring and fishing.
Over time, the dam has deteriorated and the pond now holds only a portion of its original size — but even in its current state, it remains one of the most secluded and peaceful areas on the farm.
From Overgrown to Restored — The Ponds Over Time
Restoration in Progress - Bringing the Water Back
Today, we’re focused on restoring each of the ponds — repairing aging dams, reshaping the edges, and clearing years of overgrowth.
We’re also deepening certain areas and opening up natural inlets to allow the ponds to fill more fully, improving both their function and appearance.
At the same time, we’re creating walkable paths and open areas around them, with the goal of making each pond a place to explore, fish, camp, or simply enjoy the quiet side of the farm.