Building a massive herp habitat

[infernalis]

One problem I have seen on my property is the amphibians get screwed over every year when the spring rains form puddles and the eggs get laid in them.

Buy June the puddles dry up and all the tadpoles and baby newts die off.

For the last few years I have busted my butt pumping literally millions of gallons of water from the nearby creek into my woods to keep the puddles filled up long enough for the metamorphosis to occur and give them a chance to perpetuate.

Throughout this thread I will show you what it is I have going on and what I am doing about it.

Firstly, here is a few pics from just this last summer....

This puddle was all but dried up, there were dozens of tadpoles dying in the goo, so I did what I could.....

http://www.thamnophis.us./wogs/wogs.jpg

This is a 5 horsepower water pump that can move tremendous amounts of water in short order, the suction pipe is in the nearby creek.

http://www.thamnophis.us./wogs/pump2.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.us./wogs/pump.jpg

On the other end is the discharge hose feeding much needed water to the tadpole pool.

http://www.thamnophis.us./wogs/hose.jpg

That same puddle with some water added. Ensuring the survival of the tadpoles.

http://www.thamnophis.us./wogs/pond.jpg

[infernalis]

My vision taking form...

Phase one, removal of some trees.

http://www.reptard.info/rocky/sucks.jpg

looking down on it from the hillside..

http://www.reptard.info/rocky/sucks2.jpg

How I am paying for the project.

http://www.reptard.info/rocky/sucks1.jpg

looking at it from the other side..

http://www.reptard.info/rocky/beforeitsucked.jpg

more shots of the crew at work..

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/skidder.jpg

the next step will be stump removal and excavating a large deep pond..

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/stumps.jpg

I will also be leveling the ground surrounding the pond and planting grass.

It should be a sight to behold when we get done.

I will have to fence it all off to keep the 4 wheelers out of there, or they will tear it all up.

Then I will plant blue spruce trees, they are a beautiful species of tree.

For anyone unfamiliar with that species of tree....

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/spruce.jpg

[marvelfreak]

Now your talking.:)

[infernalis]

it's back about 1500 feet from the roadway, so it will make a killer retreat.

The whole area should be crawling with assorted species of amphibians and snakes by summer 2011.

I can't hardly wait, but there is much work to do first.

[presspirate]

That would be great! Imagine the herp haven you will have!

[infernalis]

I met with Jim out back this morning at the crack of dawn.

I am so happy now I get to make a whole new habitat behind my house.

I will be sure to post pics of the progress, If we can get the pond dug before the big snows hit, it will be already filled in time for this springs frog breeding season.

[shaunyboy]

2 or 3 generations from now you''ll have them sitting in a lovely spot that was done by " old great great grandad wayne "

look at it as your contribution to the family estate

you can plant or design anything you want

your pretty much at one with nature

so let your hippy side loose

cheers shaun

[presspirate]

That's great to hear Wayne! Of course you'll keep us updated with pics. Is the water table pretty high where you are so as to keep the pond full? Are any permits needed for the proposed wetlands? How about tax incentives? I know here the state will give you a tax break for wildlife habitat on your property.

[infernalis]

He has not dug down yet, but after removing just a few inches it got wet and soupy.

sufficient water will not be a problem at all.

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/pond.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/goo.jpg

[presspirate]

Very cool!

[infernalis]

When he really starts digging down, he's going to push soil up onto that wall of tree debris, it will form a solid dike with gaps along the back and air spaces inside.

so I will also wind up with a nice snake den on the back side facing away from my new meadow.

This is getting better by the minute.

[infernalis]

I can't wait till tomorrow morning when I go back and hand him a hot cup of coffee and tell him how delighted I am.

Got my mind reeling even more, going to have him clear a flat spot up on the side of the hill so I can put a cabin in overlooking the pond.

Nothing could be finer than sitting out on a cabin porch in the early am, fog rising off the water listening to the frogs chirp.

[Lankyrob]

Save me a seat on that bench, i am on my way!!!

[infernalis]

You would certainly be welcome Rob.

[Reptile_Reptile]

<---- jealous

[shaunyboy]

sounds like a great plan wayne

has brendan managed to get all the mud off his shoes yet ?

or is that dads job ?:yes::yes::yes:

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

I took that ten minutes before conference time with his teacher at school.

tracked it all over.

He had some serious cleaning to do.

[infernalis]

progress report, removing stumps today. Looking good!

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/dozer.jpg

http://www.reptard.info/frogs/stumpdig.jpg

[Feebo]

Aaaw cool... Oh you`ll be just like Henry Thorough :)

Walden Pond: a First Visitation (http://thoreau.eserver.org/Diltsvisit.html)

[presspirate]

I can't wait to see the finished product Wayne, and see your new field herping pics in the spring! I'm so happy for you, and excited for the first ever sSnakeSs.com meet up! (Hint hint):yes:

[infernalis]

Since I started the logging thread while in a daze of frustration, I just feel its better to begin anew.

Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving holiday. (at least in the countries that celebrate it)

[Cor8et]

Absolutely amazing idea Wayne :)

[infernalis]

I have made a slight modification to my plans, I wish to stack large rocks along one side of the pond to provide additional hiding & basking opportunities for snakes.

Since the clearing will receive direct sunlight for several hours a day, the herps can warm up on the stones and then hide in the crevices provided.


http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii204/tspuckler/Peeper%20Night%202010/eagarter.jpg

[percey39]

Sounds great mate, when can i move to your house!

[infernalis]

as soon as I complete my tour of Australia, fair enough?

[Lankyrob]

You need a housesitter while you're in Aus?? Hint hint. ;)

[knox]

What a great thread to follow! Thanks for keeping us updated...

[percey39]

as soon as I complete my tour of Australia, fair enough?

Sounds good.

[shaunyboy]

You need a housesitter while you're in Aus?? Hint hint. ;)


you aint sneaking away without me my big friend:yes:

cheers shaun

[Lankyrob]

Of course mate, more the merrier.

[infernalis]

Oh man! I tried calling Jim, no answer.

The creek is filling up fast and he still has stuff parked in it!!!

This pic tells it all....

http://www.reptard.info/photo/flooding.jpg

I took this one a few months ago, this is what the creek can really do if this rain keeps falling

http://www.reptard.info/photo/flood3.jpg


I would hate to see the guy lose his logs and even worse, that machine that looks like it cost more than a house.

[Ch^4]

That's crazy! It's unbelievable what mother nature can do.

[knox]

What a helpless feeling...

[infernalis]

I took these a little while ago, the stuff is under a a bunch of water.

I just checked again and the water is receding now the rain turned to snow and started sticking rather than draining.

http://www.reptard.info/MySpot/highwater.jpg


http://www.reptard.info/MySpot/wet.jpg

[TeaNinja]

jeeze lol. hopefully the equipment is ok.

[Reptile_Reptile]

how is your habitat after this? or is it not affected

[infernalis]

Since we have not done anything except pull stumps and haul out logs there was nothing there to damage.

Where I am building it it's safe from the creek, there is a 10 foot flood control dike already in place.

In the time my family has owned this place, I have never seen the creek breach the walls on that side. I have seen that creek detour down the middle of the road and hit the side of my house, but I have never seen it where the pond is going in.

[Reptile_Reptile]

good news glad to hear your pond wont need flood insurance

[shaunyboy]

Since we have not done anything except pull stumps and haul out logs there was nothing there to damage.

Where I am building it it's safe from the creek, there is a 10 foot flood control dike already in place.

In the time my family has owned this place, I have never seen the creek breach the walls on that side. I have seen that creek detour down the middle of the road and hit the side of my house, but I have never seen it where the pond is going in.


so the frogs etc will be alright

but you dorothy and the kids may float away:shocked:

you live in a beautifull but dangerous place my friend

a cubic metre of water wieghs 1 ton

thats a lot of tonnage heading down that creek

hope it dont do too much damage to your property mate

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

The creek has already pulled back to it's normal flow.

[Reptile_Reptile]

good news :) any updates?

[infernalis]

no not really, it's been bitter cold.

[infernalis]

Went back there today, I was amazed to see this.... Jim had already pulled all the stumps and padded the meadowland part down flat.

I have a whole lot of raking and seeding to do...

http://www.thamnophis.us/herp/leveled.jpg

[Ch^4]

^^ Great news!

It looks like you have your work cut out for you when it warms up a bit. I'm sure you'd have herp-ers lined up at your door to help you, if you let them take a look at your expansive collection! (I would if I was in the vicinity!)

[Reptile_Reptile]

if running cross country was my thing i would help but seeing as i'm asthmatic and in not in top athletic condition i think you will be doin it without me Wayne sorry ^_^

[Ch^4]

if running cross country was my thing i would help but seeing as i'm asthmatic and in not in top athletic condition i think you will be doin it without me Wayne sorry ^_^

I just realized you were in Vancouver. If so, you just have to run to Seattle and we can road trip over to New York ;) I've never been to New York...

[Reptile_Reptile]

lol we could and neither have i

[belovedboas]

wow cool project....and what beautiful thing to do!! your dedication is amazing I look up to you lol

[infernalis]

The conditions have turned too harsh.. Jim pulled the heavy equipment out and put it away for the winter.

Project will resume in the spring. (No choice, the ground froze up too much)

[belovedboas]

ahhhh that really sucks you still seem so caring to do all that hard work....my hat's off to you

[infernalis]

Thanks.

The season changed fast and hard on us.

One day it's in the 40's and we can work, then a cold front blows down from the north and moved in to stay.

The creek started freezing up too, and the machines were getting all icy.

I set a deadline that no later than memorial weekend for completion.

[infernalis]

I wish this darn weather would break... Seems like just as we get some thawing action, it freezes right back up again.

I did walk the dogs back there the other day and started a little camp fire, hung out and daydreamed of getting back to work on this.

[infernalis]

what it currently looks like... seen a ton of frogs, tads and snakes there already.

http://www.rockyroost.us/nature/habitat1.jpg

http://www.rockyroost.us/nature/habitat1.jpg

[infernalis]

Just now discovered this thread was closed.. it was an accident. Sorry.

[redsided]

Was wondering about that....

[Gungirl]

I love what you are doing Wayne! I wish more people that had land could be as useful as you are being. I hope that sometime I can come see you land and enjoy all the greatness you have let thrive.

[redsided]

I think it's awesome the time, money, and work you put into it. Kudos!

[knox]

Nice to see an update! Looking great, my friend.

[infernalis]

I still need to spend about another $500 to enlarge the pond to a decent size, I collected some aquatic cat-tail seed from a nearby pond, so there will be adequate cover for the tadpoles and the snakes that hunt them.

Here is a habitat we have had for several years, it turned out nicely..

Currently..

http://www.rockyroost.us/nature/habitat.jpg

Last spring (2010), same exact location and camera angle..

http://www.reptard.info/2011Herp/habitat2.jpg

The recent flash flood changed it a little.

Snakes, frogs and raccoons are common to see here.

[redsided]

Sweeeeeet! Love it! Betcha there are lots of water snakes, eh?

[Gungirl]

Wayne is there a way people can donate $$ to help you do all this? I think its a great thing and know some of us would be more than willing to throw a few dollars your way to help out.

[shaunyboy]

it's really good to see all your hard work start to pay off mate

can't wait to see the finished article

great thread

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

Wayne is there a way people can donate $$ to help you do all this? I think its a great thing and know some of us would be more than willing to throw a few dollars your way to help out.

That's so nice. Not sure what to say.

anyhow, a couple shots I took today.

Just one of the springs that feed my wetlands, bogs and ponds, and ultimately the creek.

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/spring.jpg

I really like this spot, this is where the water from that same exact spring collects.. Life is abundant in here.

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/tat1.jpg

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/tat2.jpg

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/wormthing.jpg

[TeaNinja]

http://www.rockyroost.us/Chomptober/wormthing.jpg

WTF is that lol

[infernalis]

Not really sure Zak, it was just there, so I photographed it.

[lady_bug87]

Your land is incredible, and That wormy thing looks like a caterpillar Can't wait to see the progress

[infernalis]

Thanks everyone...

[marvelfreak]

That is so freaky looking. Looks like a horn on it's head. You should start a thread and see if anyone can ID it. It is so wicked looking.

[Coffee Black]

The place looks great. All of your shots are ten times better than all of the areas I have scoped out around me. Western NY is apparently where its at.

[blindfireak40]

Beautiful land, as always!! After a bit of digging (pun intended), I was able to identify the worm thing: A caterpillar (http://bugguide.net/node/view/77948/bgimage) for a "Gallium Sphinx Moth (http://bugguide.net/node/view/314376)". Definitely very creepy-looking for a caterpillar hahahahha

[lady_bug87]

Beautiful land, as always!! After a bit of digging (pun intended), I was able to identify the worm thing: A caterpillar (http://bugguide.net/node/view/77948/bgimage) for a "Gallium Sphinx Moth (http://bugguide.net/node/view/314376)". Definitely very creepy-looking for a caterpillar hahahahha


haha nailed it.

[marvelfreak]

Beautiful land, as always!! After a bit of digging (pun intended), I was able to identify the worm thing: A caterpillar (http://bugguide.net/node/view/77948/bgimage) for a "Gallium Sphinx Moth (http://bugguide.net/node/view/314376)". Definitely very creepy-looking for a caterpillar hahahahha
Thanks! I was looking but, having no luck.

[infernalis]

Yeah thanks, I looked forever, no luck.

[redsided]

Finally know what those things are!!!

[infernalis]

There is so much life out back, I still find things I don't know of, and I moved here in 1973!

[redsided]

Lucky you.:p I can find some um... crickets.. If I look hard.. bleh.

It's frustrating. Anyone who saw our place would agree that it looks great for wildlife.

Squirrels. Crickets.

Can't even dig up a darn worm when I need 'em. 4 acres of woods, and grass, fallen down barn great for snakes, lots of ground cover (natural and laid out by yours truly) and a big field beyond our property, leading to more woods, a creek, a pond, and a looooot of woods -- and i couldn't find a reptile to save my life.

[infernalis]

Seems that spring has sprung. ;)

I walked back there and found these already.

http://www.thamnophis.co/habitat/eggs.jpg

[KBHicks2012]

Looks like your habitat will be filling up quickly this year, I must say that I am extremely jealous!