Watershed Connections
Our well-being is intertwined with that of the natural environment. That’s why we work with landowners across the Credit River Watershed to restore natural habitats. Our aim is to maximize ecosystem resilience.
By working with landowners to restore habitat on their lands, we’re strengthening the natural systems in our communities against climate change and fostering an ethic of environmental conservation and action.
“Online” Ponds
An online pond is “online” because it connects to a stream. It’s when a stream flows directly into a pond before continuing downstream. One of the negative impacts online ponds have on ecosystem health is the creation of thermal barriers to coldwater fish. That means fish that need coldwater, such as brook trout, cannot pass through the pond to the next section of stream.
Monitoring for Success
We worked with a landowner in Caledon to redirect Caledon Creek around their pond. Before the project began, we monitored the water temperature flowing into and out of the pond to assess the impact of the pond on water temperature as well as how the water temperature changed.
To monitor water temperature, we place temperature loggers underwater in the stream from June to September. These devices measure temperatures every 30 minutes comparing to the air temperature.
In our pre-construction monitoring, we found that the water exiting the pond was 10 degrees warmer than when it flowed into the pond. Online ponds are often shallow, do not have shade and the flow of water slows, all of which leads to the water temperature rising.
Once the construction of the new stream channel around the pond was complete, we once again monitored the stream temperature. We’re pleased to share that we saw a substantial decrease in the water temperature after the project was completed.
This cooler stream temperature not only supports the health of coldwater fish like brook trout, but also increases climate resiliency in the Credit River Watershed by cooling downstream water and providing a healthier ecosystem for all local wildlife to thrive.
Local Action Makes a Difference
Are you a landowner with a rural property in the Credit River Watershed? We can help you care for your land and water through expert advice and funding. Connect with us to get started.
By Lauren Overdyk, Coordinator, Restoration Monitoring.