Wisconsin Ephemeral Ponds ProjectCitizen Monitoring Network

WISCONSIN EPHEMERAL PONDS PROJECT – CITIZEN MONITORING NETWORK

Connecting People to Wetlands

What is an ‘Ephemeral Pond?’

DepressionalPond

Autumnal Pool

Vernal PoolWoodland

Pond

EphemeralDepression

Prairie PotholeSeasonalPool

So many names!

National Geographic Magazine-April, 1999Photo by George Grall

Where does it occur?When does it occur?

And they can look so different!

Riverbend NC

UWM Field Station

Harrington Beach SP

Hawthorn Hills

Richard Bong SRA Kettle Moraine SF

Greenfield Park

Ephemeral Pond Definition

Depressional wetland

with ponded water

during spring and

summer but regularly

dries by early fall.

Isolated

DriesAnnually

NaturalOr

Artificial

Wooded or Open

Breeding Grounds!

National Geographic Magazine-April, 1999Photos by George Grall

Critical Reproduction Habitat

National Geographic Magazine-April, 1999Photos by George Grall

Birds and Mammals

Epicenters of Species Diversity

WEPP Goals – Building a Foundation

Create a process to map and document ephemeral ponds in Wisconsin.

Study ephemeral ponds to identify the different kinds, and to learn more about the diversity of plants and animals that depend upon them.

Share the knowledge on the ecological value of ephemeral ponds by …

Engage citizen support in wetland conservation through monitoring partnerships that connect people to the importance and responsibility of protecting wetlands for future generations.

Why do we need Citizen Monitors?

WEPP 2009 Includes

1. Interpretation of air photos to map what may be Ephemeral Ponds (done)

2. Using #1, Visit sites to verify (ground-truth) map locations & improve mapping methods

3. Collect baseline data to describe the different types of ponds

4. Establish selected EPs for long-term monitoring and reference sites

Collect, record and submit data via protocols

Monitor minimum 3 sites

Adhere to a monitoring schedule (approx. 4

visits per site)

Communicate– needs, insights, evaluation

Report data to your local partner

Record and submit time & travel logs

Spread the word & HAVE FUN!

What’s my Commitment?

What can I expect from my Partners?

DNR/UWEX (What do they do

anyway?)Partner SupportProtocol & Training Development

Data ManagementReportingProgram Evaluation

Wisconsin Citizen-Based Monitoring Network

http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/index.html

Final Comments

Working Together

PEP, VEP???

YOU!

Thank You!Please help

protect my

home.

http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/level3/WIephemeral.htmU.W. Extension Link:

WEPP – CITIZEN MONITORING NETWORK

Richard Bong State Recreation Area