Wetlands Restoration
Half of Wonderland is considered a wetland. With 14 spring fed ponds, touching the southern tip of Wonder lake, a big part of our land restoration efforts are focused here. While land restoration is more centered around human needs, the wetland restoration is centered around the whole ecosystem.
We restore the wetlands by following the Beaver’s teaching: slowing the water flow, recharging the aquifers and opening up new areas as a form of stewarding.
Wetlands Restoration Timeline
2021:
Discovered extensive beaver activity and captured otters on trail cam
2022:
Learned that this extensive beaver activity was in a fen: peat-forming wetlands that rely on groundwater input. Established initial fen restoration plan with the help of Tom Simpson (MCCD)
2023:
Worked on manually removing nettles and reed canary grass and carried out a prescribed burn with Tom Simpson. Sowed a mix of native plants including Tussock, Porcupine and Brown Fox sedges, and Spotted Joe-Pye weed, Blue Vervain, Giant Angelica and Swamp Milkweed
2024:
Continued efforts to suppress RCG and nettles without herbicide. Installed 2 water control monitors and found that the groundwater level is low. Started a hydrology restoration plan, including raising the groundwater level working together with Tom Simpson and Jeff Boland-Prom.