As part of our 2026 program theme, “Ecologies of Water,” WLC is proud to present “Know Your Watershed,” a monthly series that explores the parts of our local water system and how to care for them. Our focus this month is “water islands.”

Non-flowing waters — like lakes, ponds and wetlands — are called lentic systems. They provide habitat for iconic plants such as cardinal flowers, serve as breeding grounds for amphibians and support animals like smallmouth bass as well as microorganisms like macroinvertebrates, which form the base of the aquatic food web. (Follow this series for more on macroinvertebrates in future months.)

In his book Beyond the Sea: The Hidden Life in Lakes, Streams and Wetlands, Cary Institute ecologist David Strayer compares these lentic systems to land islands in an ocean. Just as land islands support distinct communities of plants and animals (think Darwin’s epiphany on the Galapagos Islands), each pond, lake or wetland can host species only found in that exact place. Because migration between these waterbodies is limited, the biodiversity within them is likely to be distinct.

Beyond their biodiversity, these water bodies also play a crucial role in keeping the watershed healthy. Wetlands are amazing at filtering water by removing sediments and excess nutrients before they flow into streams, rivers and underground aquifers. Additionally, ponds and lakes help support oxygen cycling, maintaining ideal conditions for the plants and animals that inhabit them. Lentic water bodies also absorb excess rainfall and slowly release it, which reduces flooding, erosion and turbidity downstream.

This series is not just about learning but also about action. This month, we invite you to visit Snake Rocks and its pond to see wildlife waking up after our particularly snowy and cold winter. Look for green frogs calling from the edges, northern watersnakes basking on sunny rocks and wood ducks or belted kingfishers moving along the shoreline. Take a moment to notice how the plants, amphibians, fish and insects are all connected — and imagine the unique communities each pond or wetland supports in our watershed.