Wetlands are extremely valuable ecosystems that provide habitat for a variety of animals and plants, but they also provide many services to the cities that surround them. During spring melts or storm events wetlands can hold back water and mitigate floods. Wetlands also help clean the water that moves through them as they have the ability to trap sediment and retain excess nutrients and pollutants. This is very important since the water moving through the wetland will eventually be used by humans for drinking, swimming or fishing. By studying wetlands, we gain a better understanding on their role in the community and connected ecosystems, and inform decisions for watershed management.

Garson Marsh

Garson Marsh is a small wetland (1.65 hectares in size) that is located directly downstream of the Garson mine by the headwaters of Junction Creek. The marsh plays a vital role in the health of the creek, acting as a filtration system for the water flowing downstream. Funding was awarded to the JCSC by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in 2017 to study the Garson Marsh following the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System.

Ponderosa Wetland

Ponderosa is a large wetland (149 hectares in size) that extends from the Adanac Ski Hill in New Sudbury to Notre Dame Avenue.

  • It is a natural gem in the centre of Greater Sudbury.
  • A treasured green space enjoyed by Sudburians.
  • It's diverse, beautiful ecosystem offers habitat to 'at-risk' species.
  • It is frequently used as an educational resource for citizen outreach, guided hikes, academic courses, and research.

 

Ponderosa wetland is a valuable resource that provides numerous ecosystem services to the city, such as flood management and carbon storage, and acts as a sanctuary to wildlife and plants. Due to its high value for both human utility and ecosystem function, the Ponderosa Wetland has been classified in 2018 as a Provincially Significant Wetland - a proud moment for our northern community that would not have been conceivable a few decades ago, before re-greening and restoration efforts.