BEHIND THE SCENES: Frog pond not doing well

The 'Friends of the Richmond Street Forest' are expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of the once-restored frog pond at the corner of Richmond Street and Decew Road. Dead trees and bubbling algae water are signs of neglect, leading the group to fear that the city has abandoned the site. In November, the city celebrated the pond's restoration with a tree planting ceremony, but since then, half of the planted trees have died.

Carla Carlson, the group's founder, learned about the pond's state from concerned residents and decided to investigate further. Ecologist Anne Yagi conducted a survey and found that a significant number of the planted trees did not survive, though some white pine, white spruce, and white cedar trees did make it. The pond's lack of shade due to the removed canopy has resulted in excess algae, which does not bode well for its appearance.

Despite the pond's condition, frogs are still using it, but the group is puzzled as to why the city did not notice the dead trees. The 'Friends' group has offered their help, but they are yet to receive a response from the city. They hope to be involved in the project again and have appealed for the rehiring of Yagi to oversee the restoration process. The matter will be discussed further during the upcoming city council meeting on August 1, and the group remains dedicated to monitoring the situation to ensure the project is not abandoned.

Video Summary:

The Richmond Street Frog Pond restoration project is facing challenges as dead trees and algae-infested water raise concerns. The initial tree planting ceremony held in November did not include a maintenance plan, leading to the deterioration of many planted trees. The Friends of the Richmond Street Forest, who initially raised the alarm when the pond was bulldozed, have expressed worry about the lack of oversight and care for the site.

The city has not provided an official statement on the current condition of the Frog Pond, but Councilor Tim O'Hare mentioned the issue during a recent City Council meeting and plans to bring it up again on August 1st. The ecologist who oversaw the restoration, Anne Yagi, conducted a preliminary survey and found that a considerable number of trees survived, but the lack of canopy has led to excessive algae growth. The Friends group has offered to be involved in further restoration efforts, but the city's response is yet to be known.