BE-71 The Ecological Value of the PC Pond for Wildlife Abstract

Stormwater ponds are man-made systems that when properly managed have potential to host a rich and biodiverse haven for native species. Studies have shown amphibians and reptiles are good indicators of habitat complexity and conservation of freshwater habitats. On the Presbyterian College campus, we have a stormwater pond that is notorious for its mismanagement via addition of invasive species, blue dying and vegetation removal. In this study, we collected information on wildlife utilizing the PC’s freshwater habitat and used the data to determine how we could better support more native biodiversity. The PC Pond was compared to more natural ponds at Lush Acres Farm in town. It was hypothesized that ponds with less human involvement and more native vegetation would support a higher richness of amphibian, avian and reptile communities due to higher habitat complexity. During sampling events, we collected data focusing on avian, reptile and amphibian taxa presence. D-frame nets were used to sweep the habitat within ponds and organisms were counted and water quality data was collected. Variables such as turbidity, odor, and aquatic plant density. The data was transformed for presence absence and diversity was compared by pond type. A SIMPER analysis and a Sorensen’s coefficient was calculated. PC pond had the highest richness of taxa compared to the farm ponds. However, the vast majority of the organisms found at the PC Pond were invasive, domestic, or were destructive universals. The farm ponds were most dissimilar to PC pond due to Hyla cienera, american green tree frog, which was highly abundant. Overall, amphibian diversity was highest in the farm ponds which is an indicator of a higher quality habitat. The most prominent differences between the two ponds were the abundance vs. lack of natural vegetation. Based on this study, a suggestion is to be made to repair our pond and prevent an ecological meltdown in this minsicle, but significant environment. We suggest that the dye and liner from inside the pond be removed, domestic and harmful waterfowl be rehomed, and healthy native vegetation be planted to foster a better habitat for native organisms. This is a permanent stormwater pond that with these management suggestions could host a healthier freshwater ecosystem for native species.