Welcome to the Delta Ponds

SLP website!

During the winter and spring terms of 2005 our team monitored the populations of key species at the Delta Ponds. Such species included fish, turtles, frogs, salamanders, vegetation and migratory birds. We focused on salmon, western pond turtles, pacific chorus frogs and many other critical, rare or threatened pond species. We also monitored and studied exotic invasive species such as Armenian blackberries, bullfrogs, warm-water fish and red-eared slider turtles. The information that we gathered was presented to our client, the City of Eugene in June of 2005.

The data we gathered will be used as the baseline for future monitoring activities. This contributes to a long-term habitat enhancement project at the ponds. The project is spearheaded by the City of Eugene, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The main objective of their habitat enhancement work is to improve water connectivity between the ponds and the Willamette River and to increase the accessibility of the area for recreational and educational purposes. This project was rewarding and educational and all those who partook in these monitoring activities are glad for the experience.

Project Update 06/01/05

As we wrap up this academic year, we wish to thank all of the volunteers that assisted us in our monitoring efforts. This experience has been most rewarding and we look forward to watching the changes take place at the Delta Ponds. A special thanks goes out to our project manager Kate Darby for her hard work and dedication (also for keeping us on task throughout this busy year). Below are a few last updates on our monitoring efforts. Be sure to check the archives link at the bottom of the page for more detailed updates from past weeks.

Turtle Survey

The turtle survey was a huge success! Traps throughout the ponds collected a large number of both western pond turtles and red-eared sliders. Each was marked (western pond turtles with white dots and sliders with a large circle). The marking were used to assess the larger population of turtles present in the ponds through visual surveys. Of the turtles spotted during the visual survey, half were marked indicating a 1:1 ratio of marked to unmarked turtles.

Fish Derby

The fish derby took place on May 21, 2005. Lots of families came out to participate. Throughout the day volunteers walked around and helped the participants identify and measure fish, tie fishing line, weights and lures, and also to share a bit about the restoration efforts at the ponds. Prizes were awarded to the youngest angler, the most fish caught, the largest fish, and many others. On behalf of the SLP we would like to thank everyone who participated. We would also like to extend a special thanks to the 4J schools for their outreach of the event and also to extend our warmest gratitude to G.I. Joes and R.E.I. for donating prizes.

Education and Outreach

On May 26, we were joined by Spencer Butte Middle School for a day of caring and education. The students received first-hand experience of our monitoring efforts. They also got to do some hands-on work clearing black berries. The students learned about the nesting habits of western pond turtles and how their hard work clearing the berries would allow more turtle nesting habitat for the future. They also participated in a salamander survey and visual surveys of turtles and other wildlife.

Report

The final report of our monitoring efforts was given to the City of Eugene in June of 2005. This included extensive information on the monitoring of fish, turtles, birds, amphibians, and vegetation utilizing the Delta Ponds. It is our hope that the data collected on the species present (and also those not present) will be paramount in future monitoring efforts and also in the restoration of this urban yet flourishing area.

Archived Updates