Management and wildlife highlights this month included the following:
Due to the solitary nature of the research, Bowling Green State University was able to continue its multi-year investigation into northern pike reproduction and the top predator's dependency on coastal wetlands as critical spawning habitat.
The 40-acre Rest Pond was intentionally drawn down over several pumping events to move relatively warm marsh water from within the wetland into the (comparably cold) adjacent bay to coincide with ice-out. Bay water was then allowed to flow freely back into the marsh, inundating desirable spawning habitat (note deep water canal above and emergent vegetation below). This carefully timed water movement through Standing Rush's "fish-friendly" Structure 1 was intended to encourage pike passage into the marsh just as they and their future offspring would benefit from its refuge.
A Fyke net (aka fish trap) set by BGSU researcher Nate Stott just inside Standing Rush's West Marsh (see black framed structure highlighted by the red arrow in the left channel of the Rest Pond).
Two male northern pike trapped in the estuary off of Sandusky Bay immediately adjacent to Standing Rush's Structure 1.
A major goal of this year's research is to fit individual adult northern pike with small radio transmitters that can be harmlessly inserted into the abdomen to track future movements in and around the wetland, the bay, and broader Lake Erie over the next 2-3 years.
A true sign of spring -- one of three nesting pairs of "our eagles" -- birds that have set up residence on or immediately adjacent to Standing Rush.
How many bald eagles can you count in one willow tree? Many of these birds are juveniles, likely offspring of "our eagles."
Trail camera images retrieved late this month demonstrate why I may not have seen many deer the couple times I got in the stand this past season.
Our inability to secure a trapper this spring (due to the pandemic) has direct consequences in the marsh. The badly injured muskrat immediately above -- aside a healthy specimen for comparison -- shows the outcome of finite food and space availability, especially during the spring breeding season. It is not unusual for muskrats to battle to the death as populations grow and competition for mates escalates.
Beaver activity just north of our Tower Woods -- while SO COOL to see on one hand, a bit ominous on the other; these water-loving structural engineers are persistent and can be very destructive!
The view from atop our newly constructed water conveyance structure (looking south/southwest); most of the field of view is of the
~40-acre "Rest Pond" (restored starting in 2016) -- the main ~145 acres of our "West Marsh" lies just beyond the open water toward
the top of the shot, and Sandusky Bay wraps this perspective to west (right) and to the north
Well, I finally got my drone in the air over the marsh! I beat this past weekend's crazy winds and took to the sky late Friday afternoon. Lighting was harsh, but the images still provide decent perspective. All were captured just above our recent construction site.
Our new pump and water conveyance structure ("Structure #1") from just inside the marsh, looking west/northwest
(the water on the top half of the image is what we call the "estuary" because it is directly tied to Sandusky Bay where
the cluster of trees jut from the water in the upper left of the image; the highway visible on the upper-right is Route 2)
Similar vantage point, facing more or less due west (image provides good overview of estuary, good view of access
to the open bay, and the winter vegetation within the Rest Pond)
Structure #1, the Rest Pond, and the Main West Marsh from the estuary/bay side of the newly constructed
water conveyance structure
We look forward to gathering more imagery from above -- not only of this project but of other restoration efforts around the property. Check out this post to read more about the many benefits of an aerial perspective.
Success -- the newly installed water conveyance infrastructure on the day our contractor pulled all equipment
from the job site (I hope to capture some drone footage of the structure very soon!)
Well, except for an ever-shrinking punch list of final to-do's, our single largest rehabilitation project to date is about in the books. While we will wait for the official ribbon cutting, we want to thank everyone who has been involved. It really has been, and continues to be, a great collaboration. And it will provide opportunity to do even more great things on this special corner of land and water.
We are really down to odds and ends now, and as of last week, our contractor decided most everything else needs to wait till spring -- when things finally dry out.
Bay ice heaving onto our shrinking "barrier island"after
multiple freeze-thaw cycles and a strong west wind
The construction team has jokingly dubbed the site "Stand-in Mush," the area has become so sloppy. Every time we think we've finally firmed up (even after a week of sub-zero temperatures), we find a way to hit 50+ degrees for a day or two, watch the snow melt, endure a half-inch or so of rain, and watch it get muddier.
Roy and I affectionately refer to this time period (February through April) as "the mud months." It's sometimes hard to keep morale up because everything takes longer than it should, and some things just can't happen at all (like final grading and grass seeding of the tops of dikes -- two of the final items on our punch list).
Especially with all that has happened (or not happened) in Washington since December, this particular stretch has truly been a season of waiting. Currently, the ripple effect from the government shutdown has impacted us in at least two significant ways: lawyers reviewing our easement process were furloughed (causing delays), and agency personnel reviewing permit applications for future projects were not working (keeping those projects on hold). That said there is never a shortage of work. After all, spring will be hear before we know it.
Last year's lotus bloom, drooped into a seemingly perpetual freeze-thaw-refreeze cycle; the warmth of the sun on its stem
and the residue from last season's vibrant display are a reminder that another growing season is not far off
The construction trailer was one of the last items to go
Blue skies still do happen (occasionally), as do large numbers of ducks and geese; we've been surprised to see the
numbers of gadwall around the marsh -- even after all that bitter cold a couple weeks back . . . tough birds
Prior to our recent efforts on the West Marsh, "free flow" out of the marsh has typically been limited to periodic and
very calculated events that are usually confined to a 24-72 hour time window -- when west winds lower Sandusky Bay
below the elevation of the adjacent marsh; all water (in or out) has been confined to this single 24" pipe
The new pump, being lowered into position
Earlier this week, I read excerpts from The Marshes of Southwestern Lake Erie by Louis Cambell, a 20th century naturalist and highly acclaimed outdoor writer from Toledo. While I've read the text cover to cover several times over the years, I still find myself picking the book up every six months or so.
During this last read, I randomly flipped to a page where I had written the following in the margin of one of the dog-eared pages, probably sometime around the year 2000: Wetlands managed behind earthen levees (diked marshes) can be perceived as starved of the life sustained by Lake Erie but are at the same time provided vital protection from the wrath of high winds and changing water levels.
This note is very apropos to our current management energy and our philosophy more broadly. In a perfect world (and in the natural world before European settlement), marshes of the Western Basin of Lake Erie wouldn't need earthen dikes to "contain" them. Marshes would ebb and flow with changing water levels in the lake -- over a season and over multiple years. Sand bars and silt deposits would move with currents to help hold back water, encouraging wetland habitat development inland. And if a storm blew out the temporary protection, new marshes would form wherever water levels found a new equilibrium.
The challenges arise when the human footprint is delineated and expands. We determine this railroad is going to go here, and that highway needs to run there; our family is going to farm these fields; this town is going to establish itself here (and grow over time). Boundaries are set, property lines are drawn. And Lake Erie no longer determines where the marshes should be (or where they shouldn't).
Pump placement into the new structure; note addition of new guardrails over channel/dike crossing (temporarily covered
in plywood) and a new utility pole
As these lines were drawn throughout northern Ohio, the space left for marshes dwindled. As early as the early 20th century, dikes were being erected -- sometimes by mule, cart, and hand shovel, and best-case by coal-driven dragline -- to preserve some level of consistency to wetland environments. Just as settlement was working to drain much of northern Ohio, a subset of our ancestry established itself as early conservationists. Some were motivated by a heritage of trapping or hunting (particularly duck hunting). Others -- those who derived a livelihood from fishing -- saw the link between marshes and a bountiful catch. But no mater the reason, lines were being drawn and earth was being altered to encourage a desired response from nature.
The pump, after more than a year of planning
and construction, finally set
Our management efforts are really just a continuation of that momentum. An expanse of wetlands and associated coastal habitats once expanded over a region of northern Ohio larger than the Everglades. More than 90% of that habitat is now gone -- having succumb to a huge array of (often noble) land use changes. But we now have a much better understanding and appreciation for the tremendous role these environments play in natural processes. They are a lifeline to clean water and a critical center to biodiversity, just to name a couple of those I hold nearest and dearest to my heart. Wetlands aren't just cattails and croaking frogs; they truly are something to stand for.
The first test run of the new pump; when water levels do not allow for passive (gravity-induced) "free flow" (see top image and video below), we sometimes have to resort to pumping water to maintain the water levels within the marsh that support the rest of the targeted ecosystem (remember: water levels dictate vegetation and vegetation dictates about everything else)
While we perceive dikes as the only means to the desired ends, considering all the land use changes that have occurred as the human population has increased, there is no question that direct connections to the lake and bay are highly desirable -- especially if there is capability to let the ecologically "good" in and keep the "bad" out . . . to the fullest extent possible. That's really what this entire Water Conveyance Project I've been droning on about is all about. It's hands-on, it may not look "natural," but it allows us to work with nature to some pretty profound ends. I feel blessed to be a part of it all.
The bayside half of the new channel, now surrounded by a safety fence
Pretty thrilling to finally see crystal clear marsh water freely flowing into Sandusky Bay from our newly constructed channel; there should be lots and lots of fish interested in seeing it, too!
It took Roy a 75-yard "military crawl" along a dike and a one hour sit in fading light to capture all these puddle ducks
at close enough range to yield decent photographs (as always, click to enlarge)
Last week marked another largely spent at my desk. End-of-year accounting, 2019 forecasting and planning, and some outings for and to Toledo Public Schools made for another "eye blink" Monday through Friday. The federal shutdown -- which probably justifies its own post because of how it is now impacting Standing Rush -- has added some unforeseen challenges to the New Year, but as the photos herein demonstrate, life most certainly goes on in the marsh.
A Cedar Waxwing conceals much of its vibrant
color behind the shadow of a dead ash tree;
even in the shade, an impressive bird
The daily phone call, email, and text updates that I receive from Roy are critical to my ability to stay connected, but the photos that he forwards have become not only a routine highlight of my day, but also a visual lifeline. Photos are certainly not the same thing as experiencing first-hand, but as this blog can hopefully attest, they really help offer a taste of all that is happening -- even as ice and snow wrestle to put the marsh into a state of relative dormancy.
Many of the common creatures of winter on the lakeshore -- from eagles and waterfowl to cardinals and white-tailed deer -- as well as some of the less common ones (e.g., red fox, coyote, mink . . .) flash in and out of my subconscious on a regular basis when I'm working at my desk. But the images that Roy passes to me (many of the best which I then pass to you) help to solidify in my mind some of what I am missing while I am away from the property.
And then there are the update photos from improvement projects -- which also help to fill in the visual blanks. The series below shows this week's highlights: (1) removing the bayfront cofferdam that temporarily held water out while the new West Pump structure was constructed and (2) installation of the new electrical service in preparation for the new pump.
Following the removal of the earthen cofferdam (remnant visible on the lower right), Jason and crew had to remove the
temporary sheet pile that has helped keep the construction site free of bay water since late August
Shiny and new; a far cry from the 50+ yr old
equipment we've been relying on
While the real money shot will be from above -- hopefully via my new "hobby" drone -- (to show the entire structure with water in the entire channel), I am waiting to share that until the pump is installed. Before that can happen, the electricians needed to make sure we were all ready from a utilities perspective. That work seems to be just about completed, so we're hopeful that the pump can be placed this week.
We have not been able to remove water from this location since the old pump was pulled in early September. There have been a decent number of decent rains since then.
Our only other option is to gravity drain water from more than 185 acres through a 24" pipe that connects directly to the bay on our southwest corner. The challenge there is we need sustained west winds to drop bay levels enough to do so, and that has been a pretty hit-or-miss proposition lately. We aren't desperate to take out water, but we certainly don't need any more. A solid free these last few days will help reduce the risk from erosion. Now we just need to take a foot of water off to reduce the stress on the emergent vegetation. (While water depth tolerances are species-specific, most do better with more leaf area out of the water than under the water -- even in winter.)
Pump pit awaiting new pump -- shouldn't be long now!
Numbers can be deceiving when ducks are relaxed, snoozing and feeding in winter afternoon sun within the marsh
(click to enlarge); note splash in center of image
This close-up was taken from 750-800' away (based on Google Earth) -- not bad for a $500 camera!
(click to enlarge); note water coming off drake mallard's head on lower right
Roy estimates the total number of ducks coming and going from the West Marsh in this flock at somewhere around 2,000;
this image captures about 200 of them
At first blush, I just missed the perfect image here; but the more I look at it, the more I think that this might be one of my favorites taken on the property thus far (be sure to click to enlarge to check out the detail in the talons and wings)
The weather held for us late last week and for much of the weekend, with afternoon lows staying above freezing -- which in this particular case, was a good thing. The crew still put heat around the newly poured crossing over our new structure, and the curing concrete was wrapped in plastic ahead of Saturday's rain.
Construction oversight
Roy and I thought we were overseeing the day's progress, but as we left for the afternoon, it became clear who the real "pour supervisors" (Roy's term) were that day. This pair of mature bald eagles stood at attention for a good minute on the sturdy limb of a nearby cottonwood, basking in the near 50-degree weather and penetrating late afternoon sunshine. Conditions -- and a successful day's work -- seemed to put everyone in a good mood.
It was fitting that eagles presented themselves on the other end of my camera lens. I don't think I'd be exaggerating to say that I saw 50 individual birds over a 5-6 hour period. Many were sunning themselves or riding warm southerly breezes on my drive to and from the property. But I'd say an equal number were cruising over or past the West Marsh. Lots of mature birds, but lots of juveniles, too. They really love patrolling our bayfront dikes, especially when dead fish are washed or frozen near shore.
The photo series below captures what ended up being an uneventfully smooth (pun intended) concrete pour. Again, this is a milestone for the project, because this is what we (and our contractor) promised we'd have finished by the end of the calendar year. Now, it's a push to see if we can wrap up the project before the New Year. As is so often the case, it will ultimately come down to weather.
By the time we got ourselves in position with a camera, most of the mixer truck's contents were more-or-less where
they were going to be; the rest of the work was finishing and babysitting
Floating and troweling took less than an hour; these guys have done this before!
Finishing touches before the smooth surface was "broomed" to add an anti-slip texture (we didn't stick around for that);
then it was just left to cure for a long weekend
These two, who remind me of the old guys from The Muppets, ultimately seemed content that their work was done
and they took off for the day just about the time we did
Somebody forgot to tell the snake that this red-tailed hawk is gnawing on that it is mid-December in northern Ohio!
Another busy week both at the marsh and at the desk this last week. In addition to the ongoing efforts at what will be the new West Pump site, we are readying two more permit applications with the US Army Corps of Engineers (more on those later), making headway with the USDA on the conservation easement on our East Marsh, and are prepping for some significant developments with how we present ourselves online (again, more on this to come soon, but for all our faithful followers of this journal, the blog isn't going anywhere). These are the highlights among a whole smattering of other day-to-day priorities. Suffice it to say December is FLYING BY!
On the project front, Jason and crew have been concentrating on (1) bringing the surrounding soils up to grade, and (2) prepping the channel crossing for a concrete pour -- a milestone that is supposed to begin in just a few short hours! Photos do better than my words, so here are some recent pics:
Moving dirt (and finally some clean rock!) while Jason preps the wooden form that will receive the concrete
that will ultimately make up the channel crossing
The end of a day's work; the form is more or less complete
Wiring a complex grid of rebar that will serve as reinforcement for the crossing concrete; this bugger isn't going anywhere
Finishing touches last evening; final prep is going on now and the mixer truck is supposed to arrive a little before noon today
Today's efforts are significant in that the completion of this crossing signifies "substantial completion" (a contractual term) for the project. Our contractor committed to reaching this milestone by the end of the calendar year with the contingency that they could use early next year, if needed, to finish everything up. With 2+ (albeit crazy) weeks before the New Year, they "show no sign of stopping" . . . to borrow from one of my favorite Christmas carols. So I say, press on! Once we get this work completed, we can "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" . . . at least until we are permitted to start our next improvement project -- which we hope could happen as early as January of February!
In the meantime, I gotta get myself on the road so I can go watch for a mixer truck.
With much of the heaviest lifting behind us, it is now time to start assembly;
a delivery from Lakecraft just after the Thanksgiving weekend has kept the crew very busy
(Above: Jason installing the steel outer stoplog channels that will receive the aluminum logs
that ultimately allow us to set and change the marsh's water elevation)
Between a Thanksgiving holiday weekend and some seasonably sloppy weather (both rain and dustings of snow), it would be easy for our contractors to get bogged down at this stage in the project. But progress has most certainly continued over this last week and a half. Despite heavy boots and raw cold, morale seems to continue to ride high as the project clips along. There's still plenty to do, but it now feels like we all see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Since the floor was poured, the crew has been concentrating on receiving and installing various components of the actual water management infrastructure. The series of photos below depicts several of these components in various stages of installation.
A 36" "screw gate" being bolted to a steel mounting plate that will then be bolted to the precast concrete
A debris and carp screen mounted on the marsh side of the precast with the 36" screw gate mounted
to the interior of the "pump pit"
That same 36" screw gate as seen from within the pump pit
(carp/debris screen frame visible at top of image on other side of precast concrete)
A second series of carp/debris screen, precast, and then screw gate photographed from the bay side shows one side
of the precast pump pit nearly completed; work has continued on the 24" side (to the left of the 36" above)
A current view from the pump pit looking back toward the bay; all of the cap welding that creates the top
of each wall is now complete
The snow-covered area with the vertical pins (above) depicts the 12'-wide, 12" deep area that will receive a final concrete pour . . . if all goes well, later this week. This area will serve as our dike crossing and will be another milestone for the project.
I left the site yesterday with the crew working on two excavators. One was moving clay while the other was compacting it up against the sheet pile walls. They are working toward a finished grade, and we are seeing what was just a drawing on paper three months ago come to life at the site. The real fun will come when we can reconnect the waterways and let the life from each intermingle. Won't be long now!
