Breeding habitats for amphibians are extremely important and relatively rare within Ontario landscapes, according to the Province’s Ministry of Natural Resources.¹ At our developments, Mattamy is always mindful of our impact on the environment. The creation of a constructed amphibian habitat in the Summerside South community in Ottawa was part of the original environmental impact statement for the project.

We engaged leading environmental consultancy Kilgour & Associates to develop a plan for the habitat, which included collaborating with conservation organization Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). In addition to guiding the vegetation selection strategy for the habitat, DUC oversaw its implementation and continues to monitor the site.

The habitat itself is a carefully prepared depression, located near Summerside South’s Avalon Pond, designed to fill during spring rains and to hold the water for a time after, thereby supporting the spring amphibian breeding season. During late spring and over the summer, the site dries out, a phenomenon consistent with the natural cycle of amphibian habitats.

The mix of hardy native grasslands and flowering plants selected by DUC prevents erosion, provides shelter, and attracts birds and insects, but is not suitable for geese nesting or forage.

A few years are required for the plants to establish themselves and for the habitat to attract amphibians, but ultimately it is expected to welcome six different species of frogs, as well as newts and salamanders.

DUC and Kilgour & Associates are monitoring the vegetation to ensure it thrives, and environmentalists are engaged in monitoring the progress and health of the amphibian population.