26-SEP-2016
Asters and fence
Asters tower over the split-rail fence around one section of the 'old' Butterfly Meadow. By 'old', I mean the area that was first turned into such a meadow about 25 years ago.
24 September 2016
Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Noticed in low trees on the south edge of the Old Woodlot.
26-SEP-2016
Sludge above pond
This is all the mud and vegetation removed from the pond in order to deepen it. It is piled up above the south slope of the pond, and is very deep and very soft, so don't try walking on it!
26-SEP-2016
Pond
The pond looks bigger now, devoid of all aquatic vegetation. In time, the cattails may return, and so will the blackbirds, and the aquatic invertebrates also. I am sure they will.
26-SEP-2016
Changes
Big changes at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden as the pond was cleared of all cattails and other aquatic vegetation in order to deepen it and remove invasives. A new very wide path around the south side of the pond, was also part of the rehabilitation of the site.
26-SEP-2016
New trail around pond
This wide, stone-dust path replaces the narrower, more natural path that once went above the pond. It will make it easier for people to walk on as the other was quite sloped.
26-SEP-2016
Pond rehab
Another view of the extensive changes brought to the site. The sludge will apparently be removed and spread elsewhere in the spring when it has all dried out.
21-SEP-2016
New trail around pond
Diane took this photo of the new, but not quite completed, trail curving around above the pond.
20 Sept. 2016
Surprise resident
A large Snapping Turtle seemed to be enjoying the mud. You can see a small mound of it on its back, and later it buried itself near the edge of the pond. Two Green Frogs were also hopping around.
20 Sept. 2016
More ducks
Yesterday one duck, now two. And water is flowing back in.
22 Sept. 2016
More ducks
The ducks are slowly returning to the pond, with much more space to swim around rooting for food.
22 Sept. 2016
Return to normal
By Thursday, the pond had filled with water and peace returned.