A pond of dreams:
via Andrew Kornacki/USACE
Unity Island sits in the Niagara River in Buffalo, New York. At its northern tip is a manmade deep water pond.
Ecologist Andrew Hannes is with the Army Corps of Engineers. He says the area does not support wildlife. But that’s about to change, thanks to a restoration project that will turn the pond into a coastal wetland habitat. The project includes removing invasive species, like purple loosestrife and mugwort, and filling the pond with fifty-thousand cubic yards of clean sediment.
Hannes: “And then, starting next spring we’re going to get in there and plant it with native wetland vegetation.
He expects to see plenty of amphibians, turtles, frogs and birds enjoying their lush new digs. After all…
Hannes: “Once you build it, they will come.”
Hear More:
Listen to Andrew Hannes talk about the planting plans:
Get Schooled:
- Learn more from this WIVB report.
- Hear more about the restoration project from WBFO.
The Fine Print:
- This segment was produced with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future.
