When Beavers Abandon Their Dam: Heron Pond, South March Highlands

This summer a breach in the dam at Heron Pond in the South March Highland was discovered that appeared to be a natural occurrence. In such cases the beavers will usually repair the dam, but this did not happen and it appears they have abandoned the dam and the pond. This has caused the water levels in Heron Pond to drop dramatically so that what once appeared to be a lake now appears to be drying up.

This has caused concern amongst nature lovers and others who appreciate hiking and biking along the pond, but in reality it might provide an opportunity to observe and study a changing ecosystem if the beavers do not return to the pond and it gradually reverts to forest or pasture or a yet to be determined other natural state.

The following photos were taken before and after the beavers abandoned the pond. The first two in each series were taken from what mountain bikers call The Shield, a flat rocky area on the trail that goes through the Metcalfe Realty lands northeast of the pond. The last three photos in each set were taken from what mountain bikers call Pete's Wicked Trail in the city-owned South March Highlands Conservation Forest southwest of the pond.

Click on the images to see enlarged versions
BEFORE





AFTER

Walk the Land to Heron Pond -- Sunday May 30th 1:00 pm

Bring your friends and family! Spread the word -- please pass this on to your networks. We've invited all municipal election candidates and we want to show them that people care about the South March Highlands and don't want the Terry Fox Drive Extension!

The Coalition to Protect South March Highlands is inviting everyone out to hike in this special and little-known area. This area is an overlooked gem of biodiversity within the City of Ottawa, on a par with Gatineau Park or Algonquin Park. It contains unique Canadian Shield geology, wildlife habitats and pristine forests, and is the most densely bio-diverse area in the City. It is home to more than 654 species, seventeen of which are species-at-risk, including the Blanding's Turtle, American Ginseng, Whip-poor-will and Butternut tree.

The Terry Fox Road Extension, currently under construction, and the planned residential development to follow, will devastate this ecologically significant and sensitive area. Come out and see why we're fighting so hard to protect it.

We will hike to Heron Pond, which is the largest body of water in the South March Highlands. We expect to see Blanding’s Turtles.

WHERE: The hike will leave at 1 pm from the intersection of 2nd Line and Klondike. There is ample parking along 2nd Line on both shoulders of the road. The walk will take place rain or shine, so dress accordingly and with proper footwear for hiking in the woods.

For more information contact Andrea Prazmowski at praz@magma.ca