FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 19, 2005 Ellen Rulseh 920-674-7443
Reflections on the Natural History of Watertown’s Riverwalk Area
By Greg David, Jefferson County Board Supervisor & Co-Owner Prairie Dock Farm
Watertown’s Rock River river-walk area has a rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage. What I remember most, from visiting the river-walk area as a kid, was my experience of the ecological features: the fish, turtles, bugs, nymphs, crawfish, frogs, birds, plants and other natural forms of life that thrive there. That was the place to go to catch fish, especially in spring during the walleye run. Even today, this is still the place to go for good fishing.
The Rock River Basin also continues to be an important ecological feature of our natural living eco-system formed by land and water. It is an environmental corridor, a road or path for wildlife to travel and to live within. Historically, the Rock River provided a fire-stop for the tall grass prairie fires that swept east with the prevailing winds in the oak-openings on the west sides of many local rivers. This condition brought together three distinct plant and animal communities: woodland from the east, grassland from the west and wetland in the river bottom, creating a triple edge effect.
The term edgeeffect refers to the symbiotic, (mutually helping) relationships that occur when different plant and animal communities are brought together. Because of a unique and varied set of circumstances, many diverse plant and animal species are brought together where they can interact with one another and take advantage of the numerous ecological niches, or places, present. Like in families, each unique individual has a role to play. This ecological stacking, or coming together, allows for a combined natural productivity that is greater than the productivity any single community could provide.
Within the river itself, the rapids that formed along the Rock River from Pipersville to just south of Watertown were also an important natural resource. They create an especially enriched set of circumstances for life to thrive. Oxygenation of water, differing depths and speed of water, allow for a more species of plants and animals to exist. This unique condition creates natural capital that is a valuable and important asset to our local environment and economy.
Historic and present day settlement along the river in our area is a testament to the rich and abundant resources the river provides. Native Americans were aware of the ecological distinction of our local river basin, finding it rich with fish, fowl and fur. They took advantage of the abundant fish by sculpting the river bottom to form weirs in which fish could be captured. Europeans recognized the potential the drop in elevation the rapids provide as a site for mills to power early industry. Both Native American and European cultures utilized the wealth of animal life congregating in the area, as well as the rich soils for farming.
All these ecological features that come together in our Riverwalk area, with their rich ecological functions, can easily be inadvertently damaged through human activity. As we proceed with expansion of the Riverwalk, protection of species, habitat and ecological function needs to be taken into account. The special features that exist in this area are often subtle. As we look out at native plants, birds and butterflies along a healthy riverside we may not see edge effects and symbiotic relationships but we feel them and our spirit responds.
Human beings crave a connection with the natural environment, whether it is through hunting, fishing, kayaking, outdoor recreation, gazing up at the stars or watching fireflies on a summer night. We need these special places. The ecological ethic of caring for the Earth, whether instilled in us by nature, by our parents, grandparents, by people like Gaylord Nelson, or by each other, is more necessary today than ever before.
It is important that we remember to enhance the natural features of the Riverwalk area as we redevelop this area. By enhancing the natural habitat, we enhance our own. After all, it was the natural features are what drew people to the area originally. Preserving and improving our natural capital will honor this rich natural heritage and enrich our present day community.
