. Alewife Reservation & Alewife Brook master plan. Wetlands; Wetland conservation. der these warm, shallow, and low-water-quality conditions, appear to consume most of the aquatic vegetation that does manage to grow in the stream channels. In contrast to the streams, the Alewife ponds have some aquatic plants such as pondweed, bladderwort and water milfoil. Three years ago Blair Pond and Little Pond were badly infested with the invasive water chestnut, but a concerned citizen has controlled the problem by hand-removing the plants at precisely the correct time before they release their seed
. Alewife Reservation & Alewife Brook master plan. Wetlands; Wetland conservation. der these warm, shallow, and low-water-quality conditions, appear to consume most of the aquatic vegetation that does manage to grow in the stream channels. In contrast to the streams, the Alewife ponds have some aquatic plants such as pondweed, bladderwort and water milfoil. Three years ago Blair Pond and Little Pond were badly infested with the invasive water chestnut, but a concerned citizen has controlled the problem by hand-removing the plants at precisely the correct time before they release their seeds. Infestation is under control, but continuing effort is needed to prevent re- infestation. The land on the north and south banks of the Little River is primarily wetland, but var-. FIGURE 16. Beavers have recently begun feeding on quaking aspen saplings along the Little River. ies from wooded swamp to open wet meadow. Weeping willow, black willow, gray birch, silver maple and quaking aspen are important trees offering canopy cover and habitat for birds and mammals. Coyote scat were found on the north bank during a 2002 wildlife inventory (refer to Appendix A for a list of existing flora and fauna). The MDC land surrounding the Little River and abutting properties (Belmont Up- lands, ADL wetland, Martignetti property, and Acorn Office Park) is the largest contiguous area of natural habitat in the area. No doubt this explains the presence of larger mammals such as coyote and deer and its attraction to the large birds of prey that frequent the area. The Reservation has plentiful food for preda- tors that feed on rabbits, feral cats, moles, and other small mammals. Extensive stands of Vhragmites (common reed) and areas of thick understory shrubs and vines provide extensive cover to small mammals. Common species in the understory include sumac, dogwood, speckled alder, and various Viburnum. Bald eagles have been sighted at the Reservation, while other birds of prey appear to be re
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