By Francis Maltby
I thought I would like to share a recent observation I made down in the Greenbelt. Several years ago I dug what I like to call “The Ditch.” It was dug for two purposes, to create the only purpose-built experimental wetland and to raise a section of trail above the Arrow Reservoir’s high water level, making year-round trail use possible.
I have, over the years, been pleased to see the ditch being used by chorus frogs, shorebirds and the occasional mallard ducks; it is full of bugs and plant foods for these critters.
Last Thursday evening, May 7, I was pleased and amazed to see a school of 15-20 tiny fish (2-3 centimetres long) swimming away as I approached the water. This seems like another milestone to my simple yet always curious mind, Awesome!
The reason I am letting you know this is I also know that there is a persistent and sadly uninformed opinion out and about that this algae covered water body is of little value. Sad, but truly oh-so-human. The algae is a function of upland areas having been septic fields for decades. These are gone, everyone is on sewer now, but the nutrients remain slowly leaching out. The ditch is a small testament to what works for nature and for this guy that is what is important.
People need to understand the value of observation and experimentation. What appears to be a slime-covered pond is, in fact, a nice home for many.
Francis Maltby is a long-time Revelstoke and environmentalist
Here is a series of photos that document the creation of Francis’ experimental cell:
