SMALL MARSH RESTORATION PROJECT by Brenda Brydon 
     
    
   
   
    
     One program of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture is the small marsh 
     
     restoration program. Under this program, small overgrown wetlands are restored 
     
     increasing habitat for many wildlife species. This type of wetland may be 
     
     located on agricultural land that is too wet to farm, as an extension of a salt 
     
     marsh, or in a natural basin. 
     
    

    
     An on-site inspection of the site is conducted and information such as the 
     
     amount of open water, vegetation present, size, and proximity to other wetlands 
     
     is recorded. Each wetland is evaluated according to this data. If the site is 
     
     selected for restoration, a plan is prepared, agreements with all applicable 
     
     landowners are signed, and a contractor is hired to excavate a series of small 
     
     ponds and channels throughout the overgrown areas of the wetland. These 
     
     excavated areas are approximately two to three feet deep to allow for maximum 
     
     feeding opportunities for dabbling ducks, herons, and other shallow water 
     
     wetland wildlife. The area surrounding the actual wetland is not disturbed. 
     
     Spoil piles are levelled after marsh development and, by the following spring, 
     
     the spoil banks are re-established with vegetation thus returning the area to 
     
     its natural state within a year. 1 
     
    

    
     To date approximately twenty small marshes have been restored around the 
     
     Island. We are monitoring wildlife usage of these areas both before and after 
     
     restoration. This information will allow us to determine some of the effects 
     
     which we may be having on wildlife associated with these habitats. In most 
     
     cases, we are observing an almost immediate increase in amphibian populations in 
     
     these areas after creating the ponds and channels. 
     
    

    
     We are continually looking for freshwater areas to develop. If you know 
     
     of an area which may be developed under our program, please let us know. If the 
     
     wetland is not eligible, we offer helpful hints on what the landowner might do 
     
     to protect the wetland or to increase the use of the area by wildlife. 
     
    

    
     If you would like more information on this or any of our other projects, 
     
     please contact me at 368-4668 or write me at P.E.I. Department of the 
     
     Environment, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, P.E.I. CIA 7N8 
     
    
   
   
    
     SQUIRREL PROOF FEEDER 
     
    
   
   
    
     NOTE: The drawing for this structure 
     
     became separated from the covering letter. 
     
     Would the author please contact the Editor 
     
    
   
   
    
     f d so that proper credit can be given. 
     
     ee er 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     __ 12 In piece a? 6 In sieve pipe Eflfl’fiffl‘fl'fl 
     
     :3“ 6 m to 8 m adapter _ 1 in. x 1 'm. flanges cut 
     
     .. .. and bani cut 90 degrees 
     
     7 : With hole: mum 1:» cans 
     
     so d can hc s:revzd on 
     
    
   
   
    
     eta! doihesdryer duct pm: —' fa bait?" 3‘ Itfdsr 
     
    
   
   
    
     M 
     
     "’ ‘ 2 — 30in secfions 
     
    
   
   
    
     7’ ""‘H' 64 m PM.t Success raie fiwfi :uer 5 year 
     
    
   
   
    
     _- HUTDCFD REFRDFWCTiQW EY'Lur NSLF<J 
     
    
   
   
    
     —l4-