Starr’s Mill is a mill pond. It is basically a pond that in the past was used as a reservoir to power a water turbine mill for processing corn and gains for the local agricultural community. In 1991, Fayette County purchased the property and incorporated it into its water system. At the top of the dam is a pond that resembles a swamp and this pond was created by making a dam along Whitewater Creek. The land acts to retain the water by surrounding the pond at a higher elevation and as the water cascades down the dam the land slops down as well. The dam water falls into Whitewater creek and continues around a bend and goes under a bridge (that is Hwy 85) and continues to an unknown distance.
Starr's Mill Park freshwater marsh is found in an open area near stream/river. A freshwater marsh is a type of wetland that is submerged (surrounded) by water. It provides habitats for many different types of wild life such as ducks, birds, frogs, and fish. Marshes are usually low-lying areas around lakes, rivers and streams. Grassy vegetation usually thrives in the wet conditions and the surrounding grounds are higher and covered with trees and bushes. This area also provides a variety of food and shelter for local wildlife. They are very common at the mouths of rivers/streams and it formed in an area with mineral soil that drains very slowly. The freshwater marshes at Starr’s Mill Park looked between 2-6 feet deep and rich in minerals. The marsh receives its water flow from rain and from a water source like streams/rivers.
Another habitat that was identified was the pine forest that surrounds Starr Mill pond and stream. It acts as a buffer between the water habitats and the residential areas on one side and the highway on the other side. This area also creates another habitat for animals such as deer, small foxes, raccoons, birds and wild rabbits. The pine trees are abundant but are only one type of plant life that surrounds the Starr Mill’s pond. Small bushes and shrubbery blanket the area underneath the pine trees.
Streams are a body of water that is important to the water cycle. They provide for fish and wildlife migration. Smaller streams are known as brooks or creeks. Most streams receive their water from rain and snow. Starr’s Mill stream would be considers a perennial stream because it flows all year. Starr's Mile Park stream/river is shaped by soil, climate, and vegetation around its region and the slope of the landscape.
The relationship of how people interact with this environment is one of preservation. The site has not been designated as a historic landmark but it has also been purchased by the county’s water department so that it can be maintained and incorporated into the county’s water system. The site serves as a local park with hours from sun rise to sunset. The enhancements include lighting, trash cans, portable toilets, picnic tables and upkeep of the mill and building that houses the turbine equipment. Donations are used to maintain the mill. Local resident’s fish, photograph, picnic and hike on the trails that surround the area. It does not appear that the area has been adversely affected by people. The enhancements and designations that have been done by the county appear to help preserve nature and conserve the natural resources (water, plants and animals) in the area. I do not necessarily think that I would enhance anything or make any changes. In my opinion, more enhancements would make it more of an attraction and thereby causing more interruption of the natural habitat. I believe just enough has been done to keep it preserved and a place for people to enjoy nature yet maintaining its natural serenity.
