Thornton
Creek Alliance
FROG PONDS AT THORNTON CREEK PARK 6
In Thornton Creek Park 6, a new frog pond (background) was
constructed adjacent to the South Fork of Thornton Creek (foreground).Ten years ago or more, Pacific chorus frogs disappeared from much of our region. Various projects throughout our watershed are addressing this loss by restoring the type of habitat these frogs need.
At Thornton Creek Park 6, one large pond ten feet across and a smaller pond five feet across have been excavated in an area of the park that is typically marshy almost year around. One-man quarry rocks were used to establish a connection between the two ponds and to construct a rock weir that will hold water back to the right depth unless there is a storm event. When the pond gets too high, the overflow will spill over the weir into a channel that directs the flow to the creek. The ponds receive both ground water and runoff from a nearby hillside to maintain a 10-inch depth.
A Scout troop applied for and received a grant to purchase the plants needed. In spring 1997, they planted reeds, rushes, ferns, skunk cabbage, various types of native shrubs, and a few native trees. The emergent type plants provide support for the frogs' egg masses. Some of the shrubs provide the cover around the edge of the pond that the frogs need while they develop. Small brush piles will be placed to provide hiding places the young frogs need when they first leave the pond. During the months ofJuly and August it is expected the pond will go almost dry and this will prevent bullfrogs from moving in and eating the chorus frogs.
