Life is Thriving at a Restored Stream Site

Restoration monitoring  is one of our main jobs as County aquatic biologists.  Following stream restoration, where the shape, channel, and habitat of a stream has been historically damaged (usually by destructively fast-flowing stormwater in urban areas), we monitor the site to assess whether the restoration efforts have been effective in reaching their stated goals (which can include: whether biological life is thriving again, and whether stream life is recovering).

The project we visited today is in the Rock Creek watershed.  As part of the restoration, wetlands were artificially constructed into the stream’s floodplains.  This is critical habitat for frogs, salamanders, and toads, particularly in their reproduction phase.

A man-made wetland pool at a stream restoration site in Gaithersburg

 Although stream conditions in the Upper Rock Creek watershed tend to be good to excellent, the Stream Valley Drive tributary was suffering from development impacts resulting from historic agricultural practices, a power line crossing, and road crossings. These impacts caused the stream to experience increased stormwater flows, erosion, high sedimentation, incised channels, and degraded stream habitat. Important forest and floodplain habitat was also lost.

We visited the site to evaluate one of the man-made wetland pools, assess stream habitat, and collect a benthic macroinvertebrate sample to use as an indicator of water quality.  This is the last time this site will be monitored and it marks the fifth year following restoration activities. 

Environmental scientists gathering data from the edge of the restored, created wetland.

The man-made wetland pool we were monitoring was alive with activity! Before arriving at the pool, we could hear the calls of northern spring peepers! We also heard several calling birds: downy, red-bellied, and pileated woodpeckers, Carolina wren, and tufted titmouse, among others. We even caught a glimpse of the red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers actively in search of food amongst the treetops.

Once at the pool, we began collecting data on the conditions of the pool and the animals and plants associated with it. The first thing noticed were over a thousand tadpoles throughout the pool – and we were thrilled!

Underwater shot of the tadpoles in the man-made wetland pool captured by Jenny. How neat is it to see the tadpoles schooling like fish for protection?

We captured a few of the tadpoles to confirm what species were present in the pool. The representatives we caught were all toad tadpoles. 

A closer view of one of many tadpoles observed at the restoration site. Although tiny, we could tell it was a toad tadpole based on the body, coloration, and tail shape.

 While examining the wetland pool we also found several spotted salamander egg masses! It is a great sign to see that this pool is being utilized by this very sensitive species. Spotted salamanders require seasonal pools for successful breeding, and the pools must have good water quality and remain wet long enough for the larvae to develop. Additionally, the adults retreat to upland forested habitat following breeding so this component must be present as well. Spotted salamander egg masses have been observed every year of monitoring following construction of the wetland pool, telling us that installation of this particular pool was successful. We did not take any pictures of the egg masses at this site because they were too far from the water’s edge to capture a clear photograph. We wanted to minimize disturbance to the pool so we did not enter it.

As we continued to examine the pool, we got on our hands and knees and peered closer into the pool and found many invertebrates that told us the pool is doing well – copepods, predaceous diving beetles, and water striders. These invertebrates were too quick and small to get a picture of this time!

 In addition to examining the pool itself, we looked at the area surrounding the pool. The majority of the trees and other vegetation appeared to be fairing well.

A tree planted as part of the restoration at the Stream Valley Drive Project. The tube at its base stabilizes it and protects it from hungry deer and other wildlife

 As part of our assessment, we also searched for adult amphibians and reptiles around the pool’s edge by looking under cover objects such as logs and rocks. In doing so, we found another treat – a young northern brownsnake!

The northern brownsnake we caught was just as interested in observing us as we were in it. Its tongue was constantly flicking to pick up smells and gather information while Rachel snapped pictures.

 Northern brownsnakes are a fairly common species of snake that feed primarily on earthworms. This species is very docile and does not bite when captured. They also very rarely musk (release a foul smell from their cloaca), so they are great ambassadors to folks who may be leery of snakes. Although relatively common, we do not encounter them very frequently and were excited to see another animal contributing to the biodiversity of the site and using the restored habitat.

Rachel examining her catch -- a young brownsnake

 

Jennifer St. John with a brown snake

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Canaries of Our Streams

We biologists are busy this spring collecting data on the presence and range of amphibians and reptiles (known as herpetofauna) during the brief time when the species are actively breeding.

This herpetofauna component of the biological monitoring program provides useful information on headwater streams, where monitoring fish is not as reliable an indicator of water quality.  Monitoring a variety of species improves the County’s ability to assess biodiversity and watershed health trends.

Monitoring frogs and salamanders in seasonal pools  is an important part of DEP’s efforts to assess the health of the county’s watersheds and ecosystems. These creatures are very sensitive to stressors that impact water quality or habitat conditions. A decline in their health can be an early indicator of ecosystem problems.

 

Jenny with spotted salamanders

 

We investigated the McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area in the evening hours, when the salamanders and frogs come alive, and start moving around. We’re finding a number of calling frogs such as wood frogs, northern spring peepers, pickerel frogs and toads, as well as spotted salamanders. We’re noting their numbers and looking for any anomalies on their bodies.

Locate McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area on this Map
 

Spotted salamanders getting cosy on Rachel's lap

 

Frogs, toads, and salamanders are all amphibians. This group of animals act like “canaries in a coalmine” for indicating water quality problems or environmental problems. All amphibians absorb water through their skin, allowing a direct route for toxins and pollutants into their bodies. These animals also rely on good water quality earlier in their lives. Their eggs must be laid out in very moist soil or directly in water. Most tadpoles and salamander larvae finish their development directly in the water. These animals are also very long-lived, most exceeding at least five years of age, and some salamanders living to over 20 years.

 

Rachel Gauza holding up a Spring Peeper

In general, we see areas of the County that are more rural and forested having a lot of amphibians and reptiles, including the sensitive and specialized ones. Areas of the County that are highly-urban (such as those closer to the District of Columbia) have much lower numbers and the specialized and sensitive species are no longer there.

 

Spotted Salamanders laid against a leaf

During our surveys we will visiting stream sites, wetlands, and seasonal pools and search for amphibians and reptiles. We listen for calling frogs, look directly in the water for animals, and look under rocks, logs, and other places where these animals would be hiding.

 

Northern Spring Peeper on a Tree

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