History of Edwards Wetland

Edwards Wetland is located on the property of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center in Northern Indiana (41°19'N. 85°31'W) Edwards Wetland was formerly used as farmland, but was restored as a wetland in 1999. It is approximated 20 acres. Several species of birds can be observed at Edwards Wetland. Below is a constructed table of birds observed in August.

Research

I examined predominant bird populations using DBH and point counts in a restored wetland. Previously published data was used to compare Red-headed Woodpeckers and the diameter of snag trees in a restored wetland.

I used tape playbacks of the Barred Owl (Strix varia), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) with an iPod Nano and Logitech speaker system to attract woodpeckers. Each playback was looped for 10-minutes. One net had a baited suet feeder nailed to a snag behind the net. Although attempts were made to lure birds into mist nets using tape playbacks of the Barred Owl (Strix varia), Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), and the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) with an iPod Nano and Logitech speaker system, no birds were caught with this playback method. After attempting to bait the net with a suet feeder nailed to a snag, no birds were caught in the mist net.

I measured diameter at breast height (DBH) of snags in the wetland. DBH was measured using a 5m DBH tape from Forestry Suppliers Inc. Breast Height was measure at 137 cm above ground. Trees were randomly selected using the wandering quarter method. I randomly selected a starting point in Edwards Wetland, and then selected a southern compass line that lead through the stand of trees. I stood at the starting point, and located the nearest snag that stood whose center lies within a 90° angle. The first tree was on the 45° angle to the right of the Southern compass line. The next tree was marked and measured by locating the nearest tree sighted along the Southern compass line. This tree was located in the 90° inclusion angle. Both 45° angles to the right and left of the Southern compass line were used to locate trees. The closest tree in the 90° inclusion angle was the tree measured. I recorded the distance of the first tree to the second tree with a Garmin_® eTrex_® GPS unit. The waypoints were mapped with Google Earth.

Considering other factors effecting woodpecker populations, DBH may not be the limiting factor. The number of snags in a restored wetland may effect woodpecker populations more than DBH.

Field Trip

Edwards Wetland is one of three restored wetlands at Merry Lea. Kesling Wetland, Onion Bottom and Edwards Wetland are all restored wetlands at Merry Lea. Edwards Wetland is more recently restored, and thus, has unique wetland properties. This field trip will focus on these unique properties.

Outline of Edwards Wetland Field Trip

1. Participants of the field trip will enter the wetland near the North gate. Near the gate there is a small wooded area. Participants will make observations of the woodlands before entering the wetland. The elevation is higher at this point, and the woods contain many plants typical of the Oak-Hickory ecosystem. By entering the ecosystem at this point, participants will observe ecosystem differences. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide will be used to observe plants in this ecosystem.

2. At the wetland participants will record differences between the two ecosystems observed. Because Edwards was recently restored there are many dead tree “snags” in the water.

3. Participants will need hip waders to enter the wetland. Participants will walk to the middle of the wetland. The middle of the wetland has a majority of the snags. Participates will hear a small explanation of ways to measure trees. Participants will measure diameter of breast height (DBH) of the snags using DBH tape, a compass, and marking tape. We will use the Wander Quarter method to randomly select trees.

4. After participants measure approximately 40 trees, we will retrace our steps by looking for the marked trees. While the path is retraced participants will use the point count method to observed woodpecker populations.

5. Although there is not enough time to observe all three restored wetlands, a discussion about DBH of snags and woodpecker populations will be conducted. The relationship between woodpeckers and snags will be explored.

6. Edwards Wetland has a large population of Northern Leopard Frogs. Several frogs will be caught in nets. The Northern Leopard Frog population has been declining since 1970. This decline could be a result of acid rain or pollution. Participants will discuss the surrounding landscape of Edwards Wetland, and speculate if this landscape contributes to declining frog populations.

7. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide will be used to observe plants in Edwards Wetlands, and will also be used to compare the Oak-Hickory Ecosystem at the beginning of the trip.

Haiku

Five Haikus for Edwards Wetland.

1.

Duckweed everywhere

Boots covered in tiny green dots

Nature laughs in here

2.

Woodpeckers mock me

They see the black nets waving

Even the wind sees

3.

The dead trees remain

Homes for those who call loudly

Soon they will be dust

4.

Only the dogs hear

The call of recorded birds

Their barking won't stop

5.

This lone trail is now

Water once existed here

It's path is my guide

Friends

My friends from Chicago decided to pay a visit to Merry Lea one weekend. I thought they would enjoy seeing Edwards Wetland. Plus, it was an opportunity for me to put them to work. Kevin, Greta, and my wife Hannah slapped on some boots and we ventured into the wetland. They helped me take down the mist nests I used for my research project, and we explored the land. Everyone had a great time!

Painting

You may think that my wife painted this, but she didn't! I swear I am not lying. I did it. I call this piece Sunrise at Edwards Wetland.

A reminder

I was just reminded of the Annie Dillard quote from Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.

“It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won’t stoop to pick up a penny, but if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then since the world is in fact panted in pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. What you see is what you get.”

I didn't know what to expect when I entered Edwards Wetland. I didn't know what I would "see." Although the research left me a little disappointed, I will never forget this place. I'll return every year to see the changes. I wonder how long it will take before all the snags are gone. Will it be twenty years, or more? Where will the woodpeckers go when all their homes have fallen. I'd like to know. I must afford myself the luxury of visiting this place.