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The location I have chosen to observe over the period of this course is very close to home (literally). I live in rural Ontario on my family farm. The 100 acre farm is situated in the town of Kincardine. Historically, home to dairy, poultry and beef cattle, but now primarily functions for cash crops. The property is partially forested with tributary creeks from the Penetangore River in the northerly portion of the property (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Shelton Family Farm Property (Lot 20, Concession 5)
The primary focus of this project will be the pond in the south easterly portion of the property (Figure 2). This pond was man made approximately 30 years ago. It has an approximate perimeter of 94.32 meters and surface area of 527.82 m2 (Figure 3). The depth of the pond is about 6 meters. Although a smaller study area then what has been chosen by other students in this course it is thriving with biodiversity. The pond goes through many changes from season to season, and evidently has become increasingly vegetated and overgrown in the last 5 years. (To be discussed in a later post with comparative air photos and hypothesis).
Figure 2: 2015 Air Photo of the Shelton Pond
Figure 3: Approximate Pond Measurements
In my childhood, as well as my mom and her siblings’ kids have spent numerous hours catching frogs, tadpoles, toads, salamanders, fish, and observing various birds and snakes thrive in this ecosystem. A variety of animal tracks indicate that it is frequently visited by deer, coyotes and racoons as well. I am keen to take the time to identify these species. My initial questions for this research project are as follows,
1. How many varying species of plants can I identify? Are there any invasive species? Which species are more rare than others?
2. How will the upcoming weather changes (fall to winter) effect the vegetation and functionality of the pond ecosystem?
3. How have reduced water levels (compared to Spring and Summer) effected vegetation and species? (Figure 6).
4. Do any endangered or species at risk live in or utilize this ecosystem?
These observations and photos were taken October 6, 2019 at noon. The temperature was approximately 15 degrees celsius, partially cloudy and windy.
Figure 4: Side Profile of the Pond
Figure 5: Close Up View of Pond
Figure 6: Reduced Water Levels in Pond
Figure 7: Mammals den or did my dog dig this hole?
