Susie Wood posted on September 16, 2009 08:19
If you’ve driven past the Zenda Farm Preserve on Route 12E lately, you may have noticed the construction across from the historic barns. The Thousand Island Land Trust (TILT) is restoring wetland potholes here. These are depressions in the earth that hold water during the spring, winter, and fall. Basically, they look like natural ponds. The Zenda Farm Preserve currently provides grazing grounds for cattle and nesting area for grassland birds. The potholes will provide habitats for wetland species. The “wet spots” serve as important nesting and loafing environments for waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. The water will also attract many amphibians. Turtles from French Creek are expected to lay eggs in the freshly upturned soil. Naturally, the potholes will also provide drinking water for mammals, including deer.
Over the past few years, TILT has worked with Ducks Unlimited and US Fish and Wildlife Service to restore potholes on Grindstone Island. In the past, farmers drained the natural potholes in order to maximize tillable acreage for their crops. Restoring the potholes reintroduces varied wetland wildlife back to these areas in Grindstone Island’s interior.
So next spring, be on the look out for new types of animals and beautiful potholes in the fields opposite the Zenda barns!