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Endangered Species

Nettle Lake Amphibian Restoration Conservation Plan
     Amphibians were censured at Nettle Lake from May 9, 1995 through October 31, 1996. Species presence was determined by visual sightings; five species comprised this list. Only anurans (frogs or toads) were sighted by this technique. However, most species of salamanders require different sorts of sampling regimes because of their fossorial lifestyles, such as removal of leaf litter and systematic searching of quadrates by turning over logs and rocks used as refuge. Thus, the results of this survey do not mean that salamanders are not present at Nettle Lake. More censuring, using techniques appropriate to salamanders, is recommended to determine their status at this site.

     Ohio has a relatively diverse amphibian fauna, consisting of 24 species of salamanders and 14 species of frogs and toads. Of these, five are designated state-endangered, and two are designated of special interest. Most of these listed species are highly localized, and only historically found in one or a few counties. However, the endangered Blue-spotted salamander is found in extreme northwestern Ohio, quite possibly at Nettle Lake. This species is seldom seen out of its breeding season as it disperses into wooded areas and burrows under rocks, into rotting stumps and logs, mats of moss and vegetative debris, or in loose soil. In Maine, pools selected for breeding are semi permanent with overhanging bushes and grass, sphagnum moss margins, or leafy bottoms. Sites are most often in or near deciduous or mixed forest, and water depth is seldom more than 30-40 cm. The census techniques most likely to determine the status of the blue-spotted at Nettle Lake would be night driving, a specific type of line transect method, during warm, rainy April nights or systematic searches of vernal pools.

     Another species probably occurring at Nettle Lake, although not detected in the Survey, is the Redback salamander. This species is the most ubiquitous salamander throughout the greater part of its range, although it is generally confined to forested areas. This species is found throughout Ohio, and is most often seen in spring beneath rocks and logs. Thus, further censuring, at the appropriate time of year, is necessary to determine its status at Nettle Lake.

     Five anuran species were found at Nettle Lake, ranging from most widespread generalist in the country, the American toad, to a specialist rarely seen on the ground, the Grey Tree frog.
The American Toad is cosmopolitan in its habitat requirements, can be found anywhere from urban backyards to remote woodlands after they disperse from breeding sites. This species seems to be highly adaptable to environmental conditions. The Northern leopard frog, also known as the “meadow frog,” is semi terrestrial, but does require permanent bodies water such as streams to over winter in. Although not state-listed, there are indications that this species has declined in its range due to over harvest - this is the species most often used for dissection in high school biology. Bull Frog

The Green frog is the most abundant and widely distributed frog in Ohio. It seldom ventures far from water and can typically be found on shores and banks of ponds, lakes, and streams. The Bullfrog is the most aggressively carnivorous of these species. Its primary habitat requirement is permanent water with abundant emergent and shoreline vegetation; increased shoreline development for homes and recreation has likely decreased its habitat at Nettle Lake and other sites.

The Grey Tree frog is the most specialized of the five species documented in the Survey. It is seen rarely on ground, but perches on tree and shrub branches. Its color provides excellent camouflage, and it is hard to observe even when one hears its vocalization at close range. It inhabits forested areas near shallow water, and breeding sites are variable and include both permanent water and temporary pools or swamps. As stated above, the Blue-spotted salamander is the most likely endangered species present at Nettle Lake, but more censuring is required to determine its status.

Regionally, the two most devastating effects on amphibians have undoubtedly been conversion of original forests (The Great Black Swamp) to agriculture, and loss of wetlands. The combined practices of agriculture, from regular plowing, pesticide and fertilizer applications, and highly mechanical harvesting, create inhospitable habitat for adult and juvenile amphibians during their terrestrial stages, whether that be foraging in the summer, or hibernating in the winter. The best solution for amphibians on these sites would be to let vegetation regenerate in areas as large as possible, to restore the original plant community. For many reasons, obviously this is unrealistic. Perhaps a workable compromise might be to survey vernal pools and other potential breeding areas in the spring (warm rainy nights would be best), and determine which wetlands are being used by which species for breeding purposes. Terrestrial habitat could then be restored around, or very near, to pools that are used significantly.

Look Close...Leopard Frog blending in.

    The use of agrochemicals is potentially devastating to amphibians, because their highly permeable skin. Pesticide sprays, including DDT, which was produced in enormous quantities from 1940’s onward, have received most the attention. Preliminary evidence suggests that natural ponds exposed to run-off from fertilizers contain concentrations of nitrate ions that are especially toxic to anuran larvae. Moreover, fertilizer use often occurs with the worst possible timing, during adult migration to breeding ponds.

    Direct killing of amphibians by humans for food or bait, or over collecting have negatively affected amphibians in certain parts of their range. Of the species detected in the Biological Survey, the Bullfrog and the Leopard frog are the two probably most affected by these practices in Ohio.

   Accidental mortality as happens on roads when amphibians are migrating to and from their breeding sites can be substantial; mortality estimates in the common toad in Europe, range anywhere from 4-50% of adults, depending upon the volume of traffic. Various solutions to this obvious problem of human-caused mortality have ranged from volunteers carrying animals across roads, to permanent underpasses with drift fences to direct migrating individuals under roads as has been done in Massachusetts and Florida.

    Based on these observations, the following recommendations are for restoring amphibian populations to Nettle Lake. Further censuring is needed. Censuring is required to establish the

presence or absence of the Blue spotted Salamander, a state-endangered species, and the Redback Salamander or possibly other salamander species. Also, it is important to note that the Biological Survey just recorded a particular species as present - this says nothing about its relative abundance. Certainly practices around Nettle Lake in the last several decades have been detrimental to amphibians. Agriculture and associated land-use practices and shoreline development that have accompanied the building of homes around the lake have been the most important human-caused perturbations. It might be worth considering a survey on the abundance of various amphibians. Various methods could be used, including aural surveys of vocalizations of mates anurans on breeding grounds. This type of information would not only give information on the relative abundance of individuals, but also the extent to which specific wetlands are used.

When important breeding sites are identified at Nettle Lake, specific recommendations would be to limit pesticide and fertilizer use in these areas at BullFrog basking in the sun.

the time when individuals are migrating to or from them. Native vegetation could be restored around and adjacent to the most important sites. Mortality during migration could be controlled - this would not be hard to do with a few hearty enthusiastic individuals, as migration for many species is generally limited to a few warm rainy spring nights. Depending on the numbers of amphibians migrating, consideration might be given to establishing permanent tunnels under roads at a few high-traffic sites.
Critical in this plan, though, is protection of clustered breeding sites. A study in Sweden indicated that the probability of extinction of amphibian populations increased with obvious factors, such as pond destruction. However, factors such as distance from nearest site with breeding individuals, and connectivity of breeding habitat patches was also critical. This is known as meta-population dynamics, ponds are habitat patches that are sometimes occupied, and sometimes not. Many local populations are not self-sustaining, but depend upon individuals immigrating from adjacent sites. In a state that has lost so much of its original wetlands as Ohio, conserving amphibians ultimately means conserving as many remaining wetlands as possible.

Amphibians observed during Nettle Lake Biological Survey, May 9, 1995-October 31, 1996

American Toad aka Bufo americanus
Gray Tree frog aka HyIa versicolor
Bullfrog aka Rana catesbeiana
Green frog aka Rana clamitans
Leopard Frog aka Rana pip iens

Click here to go continue reading about amphibians, and what we can do ourselves to help preserve them for generations to come.

Literature Cited
Beebee T.J.C. 1996. Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians. Chapman and Hall, London. 214 pp.

Burton, T.M., and G.E. Likens. 1975. Experimental Forest, New Hampshire.
Conant, R. Denny, G.L. Salamander populations and biomass in Hubbard Brook Copeia. 75:541-546. 1975. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Muffin Company, Boston Mass. 429 pp.

1990. Ohio’s Amphibians. Ohio Department of Natural Resources Publication. 29 pp. Heyer, W.R., M.A. Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Foster (editors). 1994. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. The Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. Hunter, M.L.. J. Albright, and J. Arbuckle (
364 pp. editors). 1992. The amphibians and reptiles of Maine. Maine Agricultural Experimental Station Bulletin 838. 188 pp.

National Research Council. Public Policy. Primack, RB. Wyman, R.L. 1990.1992. Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. 1995. A Primer of Conservation Biology. What’s happening to the amphibians? Science, Technology, and 552 pp. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Mass. Conservation Biology. 277 pp. 4:350-352.

Nettle Lake Avian Restoration Conservation Plan

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephaius)

     This species was once one of Ohio’s most numerous breeding birds. Loss of habitat has caused a drastic reduction in numbers of red-headed woodpeckers and they are now on the NAS Watch List. A bird of oak/beech/hickory dominated woodlots, surrounded by open fields, this species has suffered by the changes in farming practices. The loss of weedy and grassy fence rows, the clearing of woodlots, and surely the use of pesticides have reduced it’s major sources of food and shelter. In the long run the Nettle Lake property owners can greatly assist this species by planting White Oaks, American beech, and Shagbark Hickory. Until adequate mast foods are available the feeding of ear corn from late fall to early spring is also recommended. The red-headed woodpecker catches insects thus dead snags and limbs provide them with a good view when searching for this food supply. Nettle Lake property owners should leave dead snags, that do not pose a danger to the lake’s human residents, in fairly open areas and this will provide much needed habitat for the red-headed woodpeckers. Click here for information on this species.

Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthaImu~)
and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus amerlcanus)

      These two species are both summer time breeding residents in the Nettle Lake area. The two species require similar breeding habitat of brushy woodland borders and shrubby corridors adjacent to streams and lakes. Thick brushy areas along Nettle Creek and close to the Yellow Billed Cuckoo surrounding wetlands should be protected and enhanced. While both species can and do build their own nest they also may engage in brood parasitism (laying their eggs in other species nests). Harrison in “A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests” list eleven other species known to be parasitized by the cuckoos. Despite this habit the cuckoos have redeeming qualities including feeding on the gypsy moth caterpillar. Click here for information on this species.

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanlus ludovlclanus)

    The rare and accidental loggerhead shrike is another species of birds that has suffered from the change in farming practices in Ohio. The toss of fence rows, populated with Osage orange and other thorny vegetation, bordering grassy fields has had a devastating effect upon this species. This bird hunts insects, mice, and prey including small songbirds. Despite it’s disconcerting habit of impaling it’s prey on a thorn it is an important contributor to the predator prey relationships necessary for a healthy environment. Seeking cooperation with property owners in the Nettle Lake vicinity to keep some of their farmland in the CRP program and the planting of thick, brushy vegetation along the margins of these fields will do more to restore this species to the Nettle Lake area than any other restoration practice. Click here for information on this species.

Golden-winged Warbler (Verm Ivora chrysoptera)

      Reports of golden-winged Warblers in the Nettle Lake area indicate that this rare species may in fact be using the lake area as a stop over resting habitat during migration. No Golden-wings were reported nor found nesting in the Nettle Lake area during the breeding season. This does not mean that Nettle Lake is not important to this species! Shelter and food are critical needs during migration and should be provided at the lake. Wetlands bordered by large hardwoods with thick undergrowth composed of wild grapevines, brambles, and ferns common to the area provide ideal habitat for this species. This means that maintaining the wetlands at Nettle Lake is crucial to the restoration of the natural niche needed by this species. Click here for information on this species.

Bobolink (Dollchonyx oryzlvorus)
and Dickcissel (Splza amerlcana)

     Numbers of these two grassland/hayfield species have plummeted with the changes in farming practices in Ohio. More corn and soybean fields and fewer alfalfa/clover/timothy fields has eliminated much of the habitat for the bobolink and the Dickcissel. Here again it will be the actions of the farmland owners surrounding Nettle Lake, instead of the lake property owners themselves, which will determine the restoration of these two species. Continued participation in the CRP program, limited use of pesticides, and the promotion of brushy fence rows are recommended. Click here for information on the Bobolink.

Field Sparrow (Splzella pusllla)

      Just like the preceding two species the field sparrow restoration is going to be dependent upon maintaining grassy lands with the exception that natural succession needs to be occurring. Small shrubs and trees need to be coming into the grassy areas for prime field sparrow habitat to develop. Continuation of allowing CRP acreage to return to it’s natural state is critical to meeting this species needs. Click here for information on this species.

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carollnus)

     Maintaining the wooded corridors along Nettle Creek and around Nettle Lake proper will provide suitable habitat for the rusty blackbird during it’s migration. Backyard feeding of cracked corn, millet, and milo should bring the birds into the backyards of Nettle Lake property owners for close up viewing and enjoyment. Click here for information on this species.

Orchard Oriole (lcterus spurius)

     Nettle Lake property owners should be able to establish a stable summer breeding population of the beautiful orchard oriole. All of the habitat requirements can be met by providing large shade trees, young wooded riparian corridors, and fallow fields. Click here for information on this species.

Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens)

     This sparrow sized flycatcher is a bird of mature woodlots and parks with mature hardwoods. Unlike many songbird species which tend to nest on or near the ground the Eastern wood pewee prefers to nest high in the trees (20 to 75 feet up) building it’s beautiful nest on a horizontal limb. Nettle Lake residents will be repaid many times over by protecting and providing habitat for this beneficial little flycatcher. Here again the planting of hardwoods and maintenance of existing mature hardwoods at the lake and in the surrounding area is recommended. Click here for information on this species.

Wood Thrush (Hyloclchla mustellna)

     The flutelike sound of this beautiful songster will be difficult to maintain at Nettle Lake proper because the wood thrush is not a bird of residential developments. Too many houses, too many people, too little privacy, is perhaps the best way to describe the dilemma faced in the restoration of habitat for the wood thrush. Nettle Lake residents should look to surrounding property owners to protect wetland woodlots with mature trees. Encouraging the area property owners to plant diverse hardwood habitat will be the best approach to restoring this species. Click here for information on this species.

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carollnensis)

     A bird of thick tangles, shrubby areas, and thickets the gray catbird is worth saving if for no other reason it’s repertoire of songs. Most often heard is it’s mewing from which it gets it’s name “Catbird”. Indeed it does sound like a cat but few people are aware of all of the other calls and songs it is capable of producing. The planting of thick shrubs, hedges, and the promotion of tangles of wild grape vines will provide habitat for this species. Click here for information on this species.

Purple Martin (Progne subls)

     This beneficial species has declined in Ohio and is deserving of restoration efforts at Nettle Lake. Criteria for attracting and maintaining a viable summer resident breeding colony may be found in appendix II of this section. Clear flight path areas, as listed in the criteria, are found mostly at the Southern end of Nettle Lake and this is the area suggested for purple martin restoration efforts. Click here for information on this species.

Eastern Bluebird (SlaIla slalla)

     The aesthetic value of this species becomes evident the first time this bird is seen. “The Bluebird has long been one ‘of the best loved North American birds, not only because of its gorgeous coloring but also for its gentle disposition and the tender beauty of its voice at all seasons of the year.” As with some of the other species discussed prior to this one the change in farming practices has caused a serious decline in the Bluebird population in Ohio. A cavity nester, which prefers short grassy habitat, the loss of old wooden fence post (with cavities) surrounding pasture fields and the increased use of pesticides has been devastating to bluebirds. A bluebird trail is recommended at Nettle Lake following the recommendations found in Dr. Lawrence Zeleny’s book The Bluebird: How You Can Help its Fight For Survival. It is suggested that the Nettle Lake Steering Committee organize a series of workshops, on restoration, and that restoring Bluebirds be the theme for one of those workshops. Click here for information on this species.

Click here to go continue reading about avian, and what we can do ourselves to help preserve them for generations to come.

Literature Credit

Bent, A.C. 1953. Life History of North American Wood Warblers, Vol. I. Dover Publications, New York, New York. 367 pp.

Gilfillan, M.C., 1994. Attracting Birds in Ohio. Division of Wildlife, ODNR., Publication 37, Columbus, Ohio. 25 pp.

Harrison, H.H. 1975. A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 257 pp.

Martin A.C., Nelson A.L., and Zim H.S. 1951. American Wildlife & Plants...A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Dover Publications, Inc., New York, New York 500 pp.

National Audubon Society, 1996. National Audubon Society Watch List. NAS, New York, New York. 4pp. Peterjohn, B. 1989. The Birds of Ohio. Indiana University Press, Bloomington & Indianapolis, Indiana. 237 pp.

Zeleny, L. 1978. The Bluebird....How You Can Help Its Fight For Survival.
Press, Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana University 170 pp.

Dwarf Dandelion (Krigia virgin ica)
Threatened

This species is considered an annual herb. It closely resembles the common dandelion found in lawns and along roadsides. The distinguishing characteristic to look for is smaller leaves (1/2-4-3/4”) which are pale, bluish or silver-green. Common habitats are dry, open to semi-open places with acidic, sandy soil; open woods, meadows, fallow fields and dunes. It flowers from March-August and fruits from May-September. Overshadowing by taller species is thought to be the main hazard.
Yellow Vetchling (Lath yrus och roleucus)
Threatened

This species has showy yellowish-white flowers in clusters from May July, fruiting in July and August. Scientists consider it a perennial herb.
Most specimens will grow one-three feet tall. An easy field mark to look for is a pair of pointed leaflets with a tendril. Usually found in dry upland woods, thickets, wooded slopes, roadsides and rocky banks. Hazards are unknown.
Mailed Spikerush (Eleocharis intermedia)
Potentially Threatened

This species is an. herbaceous perennial, it grows tufted
from a short rootstalk, fruiting period is June - October. Specimens
will range between 2-15” and are easily confused with other spikerushes, Botanists usually study mature plants to be sure of their identification. This species prefers open, wet habitat. It can be found along lake shorelines, pond margins, bog mats and fields. Alterations to its habitat by water level fluctuations and overgrowth by woody plants are the main hazards.
American Panic-grass (Pan icurn colurnbian urn)
Potentially Threatened
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources lists the genus (a collection of similar species) Panicum as disfincfive in Ohio. Some scientists have proposed a revision to the genus, and further clarification is extremely complex. This species is an herbaceous perennial with winter rosettes, 7” and taller; it flowers from June-September. Its habitat is very general and it can tolerate wet and dry locations in woods, along shorelines and fields. Hazards are generally unknown, but animal grazing and overshadowing by taller plants are thought to be the most common dangers.
Reflexed Bladder Sedge (Carex retrorsa)
Endangered

The chief characteristic of sedges is their three sided stems. One easy way to remember this is “grasses grow round, sedges have
edges.” Many sedges are very difficult to tell apart, even for scientists working with microscopes. This species is perennial and grows 8-18” from a short, slender rootstalk. It fruits in May and June. The leaves have a very sharp crease down the center Which fits nicely over the sharp edges of the stem.

This sedge can be found in well drained woods and slopes often in sandy soil. The clearing of woods and compaction of loose soils are thought to be hazards to its continued existence.
Small Purple Fringed Orchid (Plantantherapsycodes)
Endangered
This herbaceous perennial can grow to about two feet in height. It flowers from June-August. This species lives in
a variety of wet habitats in semi-shade with neutral or subacidic soils. It will tolerate standing water and can be found in swamp woods and shrub borders of wetlands. The opening of the forest canopy, picking of flowers, alteration of the water supply and transplantation are all known hazards to its existence.
White-stem Pond-weed (Potamogeton praelongus)
Endangered
This is one species at Nettle Lake that grows only in the water and never floats. Some specimens have been found at depths greater than 20 feet. The plant grows from a stout, rusty-spotted rhizome; it flowers in June and July and the fruit usually grows toward deeper water during maturation. The lack of deep, cold water, turbidity and mechanical disturbance are thought to be hazards to its continued existence.
Canada Frostweed (Hellanthemumcanadense)
Threatened

This species grows from 6-20”. The leaves are narrow, toothless. The one inch flower has five petals. It gets its
name from the fact that frost crystals grow on the stems near the ground. They can be found in dry, sandy soil in clearings, on dunes, in oak openings and open upland woods. Possible hazards to its existence are thought to be overshadowing by woody plants and the compaction of soil by trampling.
Dwarf Bulrush (Hemicarpha micrantha)
Threatened

This species is easy to overlook since it grows from 3/4-6”, and can easily be hidden by taller grasses and plants. It is an annual that fruits from July-October. Rushes and bulrushes seem to be all stem with no leaves. They grow in open moist habitat, usually in sandy areas, fields, sand pits, along lake margins and in ditches. The shade from taller plants is thought to be their chief hazard.
Small Bur-reed (Sparganium chlorocarpum)
Extirpated

This species of Burreed loves wetlands; they are usually erect in growth and sometimes float. They rarely grow
over 24”, flowering occurs from June - August with fruiting in August and September. Their leaves are iris-like and have bur-like balls. This species has not been seen around Nettle Lake for years and is presumed to be extirpated from the area. They usually prefer wet, open to semi-open habitat, along muddy or peaty shores, in wetlands and shallow water. Drainage or changes to wetlands and overshadowing by taller species are the main hazards.