GIS and GPS in Resource Management at Hullett Marsh
To maintain and properly manage the multitude of habitats and species in Hullett Marsh, Friends of Hullett uses ArcGIS; a complex computer program that records, stores, and analyzes information based on physical features. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can do many wondrous, mind-boggling things, such as generating detailed maps on habitats, nesting boxing, water levels, parking lot points, road conditions, locations of water structures, sightings of phragmites, locations of endangered species and many other subjects.
The uses for Geographic Information Systems are vast and continue to grow. Its ability to communicate complex land-resource information in the form of analysis maps, allowing managers to better visualize areas and site-specific issues, is an essential tool for anyone who's serious about habitat management.
One example of how this technology is utilized by Friends of Hullett staff is in our duck box program. Duck box locations and associated data such as species usage, hatch status, evidence of predation or abandonment, height and condition of the box, and anomalies are all entered into a database on an annual basis. Once a few years worth of data has been collected, the result from each year can be compared to previous years or to neighbouring boxes. This enables habitat managers to determine which boxes most often see continued usage and success and which ones don't, allowing changes to me made as required. This information is also useful when determining which areas to install new boxes in that will lead to the highest chance of success.
FOH also leverages GIS can be found in our tree planting and forest improvement program. Using GIS, FOH staff can deduce what areas require infilling, what species of trees should be planted, which areas need to be cut, and which areas are to be left alone.
GIS is a powerful tool that is used on a regular basis at Hullett. It saves time and enables wildlife values to be accurately measured and managed. From these measurements, features can be statistically analyzed and compared to other features and informed management decisions can be made.
Bluebird Boxes
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), is "a member of the thrush subfamily" and can be distinguished from its cousins, the Western and Mountain Bluebirds, by its brilliant blue back and red its throat and chest. The Eastern Bluebird requires areas of "at least 8 ha (2 acres) of undisturbed fields, hay-field, meadow, or lawn with some of it mowed". Males also need perching spots for proclaiming their territory, such as fence posts or shrubs, and of course, it is essential that water is nearby! (Laubach, R & C. 1998).
Bluebird populations have severely declined over the past few decades due to several factors such as:
If you are interested in helping out with the Bluebird Program, contact FOH at fohoffice@hullettmarsh.com
It is a misconception that Hullett is managed specifically for waterfowl. Other species are given equal consideration, however, waterfowl are a key wetland indicator species and a healthy waterfowl population indicates a healthy wetland.
We have a wide range of research and development happening here at Hullett.
Along with Mallard nesting tubes, Hullett Marsh contains over 150 Eastern Bluebird boxes, 118 Wood Duck boxes and 18 Eastern Screech-Owl boxes.
The Friends of Hullett take great effort in providing nesting habitat for Mallard ducks. There are 36 mallard tubes installed in the Hullett Wildlife area. During the summertime, staff retrieve all mallard tubes from the marsh, bringing them back to the office complex for evaluation which consists of noting species usage and hatch success rates. During the fall and winter, staff and volunteers venture out onto the ice to install fresh tubes stuffed with timothy hay in preparation for the next years brood.
Another type of nesting structure that is surveyed on a yearly basis are duck boxes of which there are a total of 118 scattered throughout the marsh. Duck boxes are mainly visited by staff during the wintertime as most are best accessed by traversing across the ice covered ponds via snowmobile. The boxes are searched for evidence of usage by various species (most often wood duck and hooded merganser) and evaluated to determine hatch success rate. The contents of the boxes are then emptied and replaced with fresh wood shavings to welcome the next years guests.
Both mallard tubes and duck boxes are surveyed every year with success rate varying from year to year due to several factors such as weather and predation.
What is Phragmites?
Phragmites australis subsp. australis or Phragmites is a highly invasive grass known throughout Southern Ontario. Originating in Eurasia, this grass grows very aggressively once established; out completing native species, such as Common cattail, for water and nutrients. This plant species can be found throughout wetlands in Ontario, including Hullett Marsh. Another name that Phragmites can be known is European Common Reed.
How Do I Identify Phragmites?
Phragmites can be identified solely on the height and the density the plant grows. Stands of Phragmites can grow as high as 5 meters (15 feet) and as dense as 200 stems per square meter. Other identifying features of this plant include: tan or beige rigid stems, blue-green leaves and large, dense seedheads.
Phragmites within Hullett Marsh
Phragmites has been located within Hullett Marsh boundaries prior to 2000. Since then, Phragmites has spread to various locations throughout the marsh. Friends of Hullett is working hard to help to map and control Phragmites stands throughout the marsh, with funding assistance from MNRF, Ducks Unlimited, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and other various funding programs.
What can you do to help?
To help prevent the spread of Phragmites throughout Hullett Marsh, the Friends of Hullett recommend removing any seeds, plants or mud from footwear, clothes, watercraft and pets if you are around any stands throughout the marsh.
Fun Fact: The word Phragmites originates from the Greek term phragma, meaning fence, hedge, or screen.
Motus
Motus Wildlife Tracking System installed an antenna on the orange trail in the Spring of 2013. This antenna allows researchers to track and identify specific species who have trackers within them. This includes various species at risk like barn swallows and bats. When a species who has a tracker comes within distance of the antenna, it will track their movements. All of this data is available online at https://motus.org/explore-data/
Eastern Screech Owl Boxes
The Eastern screech owl or Megascops asio is a common owl found at Hullett Marsh. Its colouring can vary from grey to red and is the second smallest owl in Ontario after the northern saw-whet owl. Throughout the property, a total of 18 boxes have been installed for this small owl who prefers to nest in tree cavities or similar habitats. These owls prefer wooded areas close to water making the HPWA a prime location for nesting activity. These boxes have been strategically placed for optimal usage. They can be found whilst walking most trails and are marked with a large number on the front and a carving of an owl on the side.
Here are a few resources to compare various owls found at Hullett Marsh:
