FISHLESS POND(S) Fish are apex predators in small ponds. Some invertebrate species, amphibians, and reptiles are limited by the presence of fish. Oak Spring’s three smaller ponds: Spring House, Eliza’s, and Wild Pond could all have fish eliminated making them more suitable to non-fish species. With the recent pond dredging, Spring House Pond may be without fish already. Short of draining, the most common method for eliminating fish is through the use of Rotenone. Leaving the two larger ponds with fish will add to Oak Spring’s diversity and provide a food source for Osprey and other fish-eating animals. SCATTERED TREES Scattered trees in open environments have been termed “keystone structures” by ecologists for the enormous role they play in open land ecosystems. They function as habitat for a host of invertebrates, and as perching, resting, and nesting sites for birds and mammals, among other functions. The addition of one tree in a field can increase diversity 100fold. (These are covered in more detail in Part 3.) SHRUB ISLANDS In Oak Spring’s sea of grasses, islands of shrubs can become wildlife hotspots. Like scattered trees, thickets add cover and complexity for critters large and small. One shrub island of less than ¼ acre, per 5-acres is a reasonable goal. Species can include: Rubus spp., sumac, wild plum, dogwood, cedar, elderberry, Viburnum spp. buttonbush, Ilex spp., Devil’s walking stick, false indigo, wahoo, and others. A publication
by the Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (2017) outlines planting plans for cover thickets. COARSE WOODY DEBRIS AND DEBRIS PILES In forests and woodlands, animals are often limited by the amount of woody debris from fallen logs and branches. A host of invertebrates depend on these features, as do the vertebrate species that feed on them. When large trees are cut at Oak Spring, the wood can be repurposed in the young woods, the floodplain, or emerging reforestation areas. This adds critical structure into a system that if left to its own, will not generate such features for centuries. CONIFER GROVE In winter many birds spend cold nights in dense groves of conifers (pine or cedar). Within the reforestation plan a small cluster of conifers should be planted to host the turkeys, owls, and other birds that roost in such places. This is described more fully in Part 3. BUTTERFLY GARDENS Butterflies and other pollinators thrive in places with dense concentrations of showy flowers blooming throughout the growing season. With the installation of warm season meadows, much of this will occur. Additional gardens can be designed in locations closer to Oak Spring’s residential spaces.
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