About a year ago, a daring experiment was conducted: a forest was flooded, creating a temporary ecosystem that immediately showcased astonishing results.
This wasn’t just a short-term project.
The aim was to replicate this flooding for several months each year, over many years, to truly gauge the success of the endeavor.
The immediate aftermath was a spectacle, with water revitalizing the wetlands and bringing about a transformation that was nothing short of miraculous.
The story unfolds in the early weeks of spring.
As the world around began to don its green attire, the wetland remained relatively unchanged, save for a few willows that had been strategically planted during winter.
These willows were painted white, a tactic to deter deer and increase their chances of survival.
The importance of these willows cannot be understated.
In the absence of flooding, willows struggle to disperse and settle in new areas. Thus, human intervention was necessary to aid their spread.
Before the flood, the channels were dry.
In a more natural setting, there would have been some water, but since these floods were artificially orchestrated, nature had to wait for the scheduled date.
Interestingly, the frogs seemed to have missed the memo.
They laid their eggs in the only available patch of water, a sight that was both endearing and a tad desperate.
But hope was on the horizon. With the simulated flood set in motion, water began its journey, rejuvenating the channels and wetlands.
The process wasn’t without its challenges.
Channels had to be unclogged and water passages cleared to ensure the flood reached its intended destination.
This task, which ideally should have been undertaken by the water management company, fell upon the shoulders of Jakob Sigmund, affectionately known as Sigi.
He was the linchpin, ensuring the water flowed smoothly. And once the barriers were lifted, the transformation was rapid and awe-inspiring.
The sight of water coursing through the landscape was a marvel to behold.
It moved with such speed that it was a challenge to capture its journey on film.
This entire endeavor, from the flooding to the various rewilding projects, was made possible thanks to the contributions of Mossy Earth members.
These individuals, driven by a passion for nature, contributed monthly to breathe life into such projects.
A week after the initial flooding, the channels were brimming with water, and the forest was slowly being submerged.
Birds chirped melodiously, and the ambiance was serene, save for the harmless mosquitoes that had made the wetland their home.
The ecosystem was thriving.
Tadpoles, snails, and various bird species began making their presence felt.
The European tree frogs, with their vibrant colors, were a sight for sore eyes.
As May approached, the wetland witnessed another transformation.
Heavy rains had led to the channels filling up once more, resulting in the surrounding meadows being flooded.
This was a significant event, especially since this area had remained dry since the construction of a dam in the 90s.
Historical photos revealed that researchers once navigated this area by boat, offering a glimpse into its watery past.
The summer flood, though not as impactful as the spring deluge, still had its moments.
The forest, now submerged, was a haven for aquatic life.
Fish swam freely, and water snails reveled in their newfound habitat. The battle between invasive and native plant species was ongoing, with the latter slowly gaining the upper hand.
The transformation was evident, and the results were promising.
As the rains poured down, marking the end of this year’s journey, there was a sense of accomplishment.
The wetland had come alive, and the myriad of species that called it home thrived.
The project was a testament to human ingenuity and the wonders of nature. And as the raindrops kissed the earth, there was hope and anticipation for what the next year would bring.
See all the amazing things a little flooding can do in the forest in the video below!
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