A $9,500 donation from RBC to the Nickel District Conservation Foundation will allow researchers to better study and map one of Sudbury's urban wetlands.
This particular wetland is located near Adanac Ski Hill and is part of the Rotary Trail system. Sarah Woods, research manager, Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, said wetlands are incredibly important for flood mitigation and for filtering the water, but they are also important for wildlife habitats.
“They tend to be hidden and not very accessible, but there are a few that can be thoroughly enjoyed by the public, such as the wetlands that run behind Adanac Ski Hill and are part of the Rotary Trail system,” she said. “One of our goals is to bring as many community members out to enjoy these wetlands.”
The funds will give researches an opportunity to really take the time to do a wetland evaluation of the area to understand the role of this particular wetland.
“We know it's important, but there are ways of quantifying that, and that work wouldn't be possible without the support from RBC Blue Water,” she said.
Research started a few weeks ago, Woods said. Interns from Cambrian College are conducting vegetation surveys.
“One of the really important parts of a wetland evaluation is understanding what plants are there to have a better understanding of the ecosystem. We will be collecting data on the bugs — dragonflies in particular. We've been collecting information on this wetland for years, so we already have data on the turtles and fish.
We know there are birds that breed in this area that can't breed in woodlands.”
A number of events will take place to engage the public in helping to survey the wetlands, she said.
The first is a community hike, a "turtle talk and walk,” that will take place at the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area Chalet on June 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
“We'll be looking at turtles and some of the research that goes into turtle conservation,” Woods said. “I will conduct a guided hike and try to spot and identify some of the turtles that call the area home. If it's raining, there will be indoor activities for kids.”
On June 16, volunteers will be planting trees with Vale Canada Ltd.
Data collected during these events will be included in an Ontario Wetland Evaluation to determine the relative importance of the Ponderosa Wetland complex located in the heart of the city.
