MEDIA RELEASE: NEW SIGNS OF LIFE IN NOLIN CREEK

Photo supplied

There are new signs of life in Nolin Creek, a branch of Junction Creek
that flows through the Donovan area of Sudbury.

During a visit to the stream, staff from the Junction Creek Stewardship
Committee observed what they thought were small fish. “We returned to the
site with a minnow trap and discovered creek chub” said Sarah Woods,
research manager with the group. “These are the first reported sightings
of fish in Nolin Creek since at least the early 1990s.”

Numerous attempts have been made to look for fish. In 1993, 2004 and 2008
Nolin Creek was surveyed as part of larger research projects looking at
fish in Junction Creek watershed. Its five main branches, including Nolin
Creek, were surveyed. “We know from this work that the number of fish in
Junction Creek has increased to 16 species, and that some have increased
their range and are found in more branches than before. However some of
the branches of the creek are slower to recover.”

A painted turtle was also found nesting along Nolin creek this summer,
another sign of ecological recovery. It was reported by community member
Ersin Abdullah.

The stewardship group attributes these new discoveries to improvements to
the landscape and changing attitudes toward urban waterways. “Community
engagement is one of the most important factors in creek restoration, and
we hope to continue to work with the citizens of Greater Sudbury to
further improve the entire Junction Creek watershed.”