THE WHITFIELD WETLAND
BIOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of the watershed. The combination of shallow water, high levels of nutrients, and primary productivity is ideal for the development of organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects. Many species of birds and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water, and shelter, especially during migration and breeding. Wetlands have important filtering capabilities for intercepting surface- water runoff from higher dry land before the runoff reaches open water. As the runoff water passes through, the wetlands retain excess nutrients and some pollutants, and reduce sediment that would clog waterways and affect fish and amphibian egg development.
The Whitfield Wetland covers an area of approximately 37 hectares (91 acres) and is part of the Provincially Significant Peterborough Airport Wetland Complex. It is located at the southern border of the City of Peterborough in the vicinity of Airport Road and Highway 115 (Part Lots 8 and 9, Concession 10, North Monaghan Ward, Peterborough County). The Whitfield Wetland was donated to the Otonabee Conservation Foundation in 2003, and the adjacent abandoned rail line was later purchased with the assistance of the City of Peterborough.
The Whitfield Wetland Biophysical Inventory was completed for the Otonabee Conservation Foundation by the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority in 2007. This project was initiated as a result of the identified need for a scientific evaluation of the property and adjacent lands to assist in the creation of a management plan for the property.
The Whitfield Wetland Biophysical Inventory is comprised of several components and includes a physical description of the property and natural heritage features, an evaluation of water quality conditions, an inventory of flora and fauna species an assessment of habitat, and recommendations for future activities.
The Whitfield Wetland supports a very diverse community of flora and fauna, which is surprising due to its small size and location in close proximity to Hwy 115. The wetland is in fairly good condition ecologically and is providing habitat for many species of flora and fauna. Water quality coming into the wetland could be improved, but the wetland is actively filtering out many contaminants and water quality leaving the wetland is significantly better than coming in. Opportunities exist for increased public access, education, restoration and further study.