Site 3

Rainwater is the best way to keep the pond ecosystem thriving. However, some ponds like ours at the O.W.L.S. site have an inflow that moves run-off water from nearby ditches and higher plain levels to a waiting pool. The inflow itself is like a tiny creek that funnels water and nutrients into to the basin of the pond.  From here, the water is dispersed or diluted in such a fashion that silt falls to the bottom of the pond and freshwater feeds and revitalizes all the diverse ecosystems within the pond. To balance the use of an inflow, ponds usually have an outflow (or a spillway) at the opposite end of the pond that moves unnecessary debris and excessive water that the current basin cannot hold.   

Since inflows pull water from surrounding agriculture areas and nearby neighborhoods, many diverse pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, and agriculture chemicals are also funneled into our pond.  If not monitored carefully or the water doesn’t exit through the spillway at the opposite end of the pond, the pollutants can settle in the pond and create sickness or death to the wildlife, as well as kill certain plants that stabilize the pond ecosystem, or last, stimulate algae blooms on the surface of the pond in the summer.   

The tiny creek seen at this site is a shallow and rocky habitat that provides a healthy niche for juvenile organisms, crayfish, and young fish.  Raccoons will visit at dusk to hunt crustaceans and insects to supplement their diet.  

In this area, look for these trees and plants:

• Black Willow Tree 

• Mulberry Tree 

• Wild Plum Tree 

• Wild Grapes 

• Virginia Creeper 

• Poison Ivy (Warning!)