​​Website Updated April 23, 2021
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In Search of a Study Pond
Thomas Doty, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Biology, Roger Williams University.

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 North Kitsap Heritage Park (NKHP) in Kingston, WA contains over 80 acres of wetlands including fish bearing streams and ponds, intermittent streams and vernal ponds. Park stewards are engaged in an environmental inventory to gauge the biological effects of future development. We have noted the recent appearance of green frogs (Rana clamitans) in Beaver Creek drainage at the park and are aware of bullfrogs (Rana catesbienna) appearing elsewhere in North Kitsap County. I have been asked repeatedly, ‘what is the effect of these invasive frogs on our endemic amphibians?’. This question cannot be answered at this point because we do not know the pre-invasive population status of our depauperate, native amphibian populations. The appropriate population studies have not been done.

NKHP stewards are proposing that we attempt to find a ‘study pond’ to investigate the present status of our resident amphibians. We may ultimately be able to comment fruitfully on the appropriateness of resisting invasion by large Ranid frogs. Email Thomas Doty at thomas-doty@comcast.net.

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Beavers and People Collaborate to Restore Local Wetlands
By Dr. Melissa Fleming; Program Director; Photos courtesy of John Willams

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Volunteers from Stillwaters, the S’Klallam tribe, and the Kingston community donned muck boots and met for a muddy work party in mid-March to plant native willow and black twinberry along Carpenter Creek. Last year, Keith and Michelle Beebe assigned almost 8 acres of wetlands on both sides of Barber Cut Off Road to a conservation easement held by Stillwaters. Thanks to a grant from the Kitsap Conservation District’s Backyard Habitat program, a wetland restoration plan has been developed, starting with replacing invasive plants with native vegetation.

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Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring
Stillwaters’ Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring is part of a county-wide program by Kitsap County Public Works Stormwater Division to document frog and salamander use of county stormwater ponds as breeding sites.

​This monitoring program will help inform future county maintenance of stormwater ponds and help develop more amphibian-friendly practices.
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For more information on Kitsap County’s Amphibian Egg Mass Monitoring and how to participate in your area (even from your own pond!), please contact Renee Scherdnik, at rscherdn@co.kitsap.wa.us.

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New Stillwaters Blog

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​This month's Author:  
Ken Patterson; Board President

ABOUT OUR LOCAL TREES:
DOUGLAS FIR

Thank you to
Kitsap Community Foundation
for awarding Stillwaters with a $5,000 grant made possible by the Kitsap Environmental Stewardship Fund & Sparky's Fund.
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​A grant renewal from Conservation, Research and Education Opportunities International  (CREOi) supports our research documenting how changes in hydrology since the culvert removals (which restored natural tidal exchange and creek flow to the estuary) are affecting native and invasive plant communities in the salt marsh
​on Carpenter Creek.
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CARES Act Charitable Deduction

​​Extended through 2021
President Biden recently signed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid package into law.  Under its terms, the new law will provide a $1400 check to most Americans.  For some, this is vitally needed for housing and food. For many who receive the $1400, the money is not as critical to cover immediate needs.  It is, in a sense, "found money."

​If you can, please consider using your “found money” as charitable gifts to local nonprofit organizations, such as Stillwaters Environmental Center and get the most out of your 2021 tax donations. For the 2021 tax year, the same $300 “above-the-line” deduction still applies for individuals; however, those filing jointly will be able to deduct up to $600 (whether you itemize or not).