HomeRestoration Work at Second Marsh Takes a New Twist 
Barrie ON, Sept. 5 – Oshawa's Second Marsh will soon be a healthier wetland thanks to the efforts of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DU) on behalf of project partners including the City of Oshawa, Friends of Second Marsh, Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, Ontario Power Generation and KPMG.
As part of the long-term management plan for the 303-acre wetland located along the north shore of Lake Ontario, construction of a natural channel began today to re-route the flow of Harmony Creek around Second Marsh and manage water levels within the marsh. This will result in significant improvements to water quality at Second Marsh and allow conditions for the germination, growth and establishment of aquatic plants.
"Second Marsh is the most precious wetland within the heart of urban Canada and provides one of the most significant recreational experiences for the Greater Toronto Area," said DU biologist Owen Steele." "It is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland and a provincially significant Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest."
Second Marsh provides valuable natural habitat for more than 380 plant species, 288 species of birds and numerous species of mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Waterfowl and other birds, including shorebirds, utilize Second Marsh for both spring and fall staging habitat. It is also an important local nesting and breeding area for a diversity of wetland dependent wildlife species including some that are uncommon in southern Ontario.
"We look forward to the work that Ducks Unlimited is undertaking to build upon past restoration efforts," said Friends of Second Marsh Executive Director, Chris Conti. "The Ducks Unlimited program should expand high quality habitat in Second Marsh and help to counteract some of the damage done over the years by human activities."
Since the first surveys were prepared in the late 1700's, Second Marsh has changed dramatically due in part to fluctuating water levels in Lake Ontario, increased urbanization and development within the Harmony Creek watershed.
A healthier Second Marsh will not only benefit water birds; efforts will also enhance spawning, nursery and foraging habitat for warm water fish species. The construction of a fish passage structure will promote the movement of fish between the marsh and Harmony Creek while restricting the entrance of large common carp that have historically been destructive to the wetland environment.
Future, on-going restoration efforts will be focused on improving the health of the Harmony Creek watershed. Friends of Second Marsh, Ducks Unlimited and other partners will work with local landowners to deliver an environmental stewardship program aimed at reducing the impacts of land use practices on downstream systems and the people who live there.
The ultimate goal of the restoration project is to restore the watershed and resilience of the wetland itself to its historic condition.
Ducks Unlimited Canada is a private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to conserving wetlands for the benefit of North America's waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
