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Kalkar Pond supports various research and restoration projects.
As you wander along the trails, you may encounter researchers, student interns and volunteers.
You may also see signage, monitoring devices, and a variety of tools of research.
These projects are happening to help protect the habitat, and the flora and fauna that occupy it.
Please follow signage requests and do not disturb equipment.
If you have questions about these projects, please contact Ron.
Example projects:
- Water sampling: we do periodic water sampling to understand the impacts of runoff and bird populations on water quality. We use this
information in conjunction with plant observations to determine how to manage plant and algae blooms.
- Tule management: we observe migratory starlings and nomadic blackbirds to understand how they utilize the emergent
vegetation. In Kalkar Pond, this is mostly California bulrush and narrowleaf cattail. We also observe how aquatic birds utilize open water.
Together we use this to inform where we keep tule, and where we create open water. We maintain a pattern called "hemi-marsh"
(where approximately 1/2 of the pond is kept as open water) as a strategy to maximize biodiversity.
- Native plant restoration: most of the terrestrial plants here are non-native. While we don't want to remove it all, where there
are opportunities to enhance the open space, we remove non-natives and plant appropriate native plants. We may need to close off
some areas where native plant restoration is in progress - please respect signage asking you to stay out of restoration areas.
- Trail cameras: we have trail and web cameras in use to identify what animals utilize different parts of the quarry. Please do not
disturb these cameras.
How can I help?:
- Kalkar Pond is on the private property of the Springtree Homeowners Association.
Help maintain public access by treating the area with respect.
- This is a very unique wetland habitat in the City of Santa Cruz. It is threatened by a variety of factors. Please
tread lightly, pack your trash, follow signage requests, and report concerns/issues.
- We want to hear from you. Are there ways you'd like to help, or do you have questions or suggestions?
Please send us a note.
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