Prof. Stan Kemp (University of Baltimore) has been studying the biology and ecosystem of the lower Jones Falls for years, but he’d never seen a snapping turtle before. It was “Number 1.”
What’s the meaning of this? It kinda comes around to our recent Newsletter post about a river otter in the Jones Falls stream: improving local ecosystem habitat.
On August 27, more than 20 folks gathered for “Dreamwalk #2” along the Jones Falls, sponsored by Jones Falls 2076 and represented that day by Prof. Amand Pandian (Johns Hopkins University). From the meet-up, the group walked down the Jones Falls Trail to the Round Falls Dam, carefully scaling down to the viewing platform.
Sorry the photo aimed at the Dam doesn’t clearly show the snapping turtle, but we all saw it craning its neck above the waterline in the pool below the spillway.
Tunnel outfalls of buried stream tributaries built into the west embankment wall were also pointed out by Prof. Kemp as places evidencing “direct hydraulic action” between streets, other impervious surfaces and stream tributaries.
Prof. Pandian asked event attendees to think about what other species might we be sharing the city with in 2076? The question was answered by many while others appear to have answered different questions. A sampling: “American eel and oysters-NO zebra mussels” – “We will live with crawfish, beaver, coyote, bald eagle, strong healthy trees-fresh water” – “Remove the dam”.
-Dick Williams, FTJF Board, Communications Co-chair
