Port Townsend's FROGGY BOTTOMS
A beautiful wetland area is in the heart of a small Port Townsend neighborhood between San Juan Ave and the non-motorized trail. It is much prettier in the winter when there is a pond, but yesterday as I passed on my morning walk it was full of beautiful singing birds.
A small urban oasis, Froggy Bottoms is a work in progress, done by volunteers with the co-operation and assistance of the Puget Sound Water Quality Team. Animals, plants and environmental conditions all interact to create a diverse ecosystem. Strategically placed snags, stumps, and rock piles provide homes for wildlife to thrive and multiply.
Froggy Bottoms will remain a public open space where people can enjoy nature and such things as birdwatching.
Artists Rendering of Froggy Bottoms
Froggy Bottoms June 29, 2009
Some of these old looking photographs were taken from a kiosk at the entrance to Froggy Bottoms. The rest are all my photos taken yesterday.
Device to measure depth of pond
Sandra, congratulations to you and your community for recognizing the importance of wetland restoration. I am privileged to have a home that is adjacent to a wetland. Initially it seemed that having five of our eight acres "unusable" was a negative attribute. I suppose it would be for a farmer or a builder. Now, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Wetlands are often underappreciated. They are beautiful and functional. They serve as wildlife sanctuaries, whether intended or not. They filter our water as it eventually flows to our rivers or seeps into our aquifers. Flora and fauna native to wetlands go unnoticed by many folks who reside near, or pass by without noticing anything but a piece of vacant useless land. To those who haven't yet taken the time, do yourself a favor. Stop, explore, and enjoy one of the most vital elements of our ecosystem.