Biodiversity is a key characteristic of healthy and resilient ecosystems. In natural systems that have experienced extreme degradation, like Junction Creek, increasing levels of biodiversity is a hallmark of recovery. Reporting species sightings, biomonitoring programs and species at risk research projects are important to gain a better understanding on the status and changes in Junction Creek’s biodiversity. The information is used to guide restoration efforts in the Junction Creek watershed.
The Junction Creek Stewardship Committee contributes to long-term biomonitoring programs, such as the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program, and report species sightings to the Natural Heritage Information Centre. In addition to assisting with various local research projects, the stewardship committee has conducted targeted species studies and biodiversity surveys.
Turtle Research Project 2022-2023
Acoustic Bat Monitoring
Bats play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems. When a stable bat population is found near creeks and streams, it often signals clean water, rich biodiversity, and a well-functioning environment. On the other hand, a decline in bat numbers may indicate pollution, habitat loss, or other ecological stressors.
At the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC), we recognize the importance of bats as indicators of watershed health. That’s why we launched our bat monitoring research and conservation initiatives in 2022, aiming to better understand the connection between local bat populations and ecosystem conditions.
In 2024, JCSC proudly partnered with the Toronto Zoo to bring their Backyard Bat Acoustic Monitoring Program to the N’Swakamok/Sudbury region. This collaborative effort used non-invasive acoustic technology to identify bat species based on their unique echolocation calls. The preliminary results revealed the presence of 8 species of bats! Thank you to our project volunteers and partners: Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Junction Creek Members, Laurentian Environmental Sustainability Committee, Science North, Testmark Laboratories and the Toronto Zoo. Also, a special thank you to our Research Sponsor Blackbird Studio Sudbury.
