Antonelli Pond

Antonelli Pond is a century old, man-made pond on the west side of the city of Santa Cruz, California that now has ecological and cultural significance. The pond and surrounding riparian habitat are foraging and/or breeding grounds for many species including raptors, egrets, great blue heron, deer, raccoon, coyote, and several rodent species, including woodrats. Additionally, the pond has many paths for walking and spots for fishing that are enjoyed on a daily basis by local community residents.

Antonelli Pond
Sunset (February 2008)
Antonelli Pond
Antonelli Pond
LocationSanta Cruz, California
Coordinates36°57′17″N 122°03′37″W
Typeartificial pond
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area6.4 acres (2.6 ha)
Max. depth0.9 m (3.0 ft)
Water volume3 m (9.8 ft)

Conservation

The non-profit organization Land Trust of Santa Cruz County (LTSCC) acquired Antonelli Pond as four parcels between 1982 and 1994. These include the pond itself, surrounding riparian areas and grasslands, and land that adjoins Moore Creek. The final parcel was obtained in 1994. The total area that LTSCC manages at Antonelli Pond is 13.7 acres (55,000 m2) and 3 metres (9.8 ft), with the pond itself making up approximately 6.4 acres (LTSCC 2004). In 1989, initial improvements were made to the pond and surrounding area. These improvements included graveled walking trails, small fishing platforms, a staircase near the northern bank leading to the water’s edge, wooden benches, and informational signs. The LTSCC’s goal is to preserve this space as an urban natural area, promote the continued use of the site for wildlife breeding and foraging, and maintain public access.

Deteriorated conditions

Conditions at Antonelli Pond have deteriorated. Invasive plant species have outcompeted many of the native plants and the number of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species has declined. The trails have erosion problems mainly caused by unauthorized vehicle usage. Other damage is caused by trash such as beer bottles. Also, many of the benches, stairs, and fishing platforms have been vandalized.

Some invasive species have caused severe impacts to the natural community surrounding Antonelli Pond. The most damaging species at this site are Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), Rubus discolor (Himalayan blackberry), Hedera helix (English ivy), and Delairea odorata (cape ivy).

Restoration

In the spring of 2007, restoration work began on a portion of the Antonelli Pond site. Efforts included initial removal of several invasive plant species, the installation of gates to prevent vehicle access, trail grading to prevent erosion, and the construction of several wood duck boxes around the pond edge to provide nesting habitat. Native seeds will be collected and propagated from species that currently populate the area. For additional re-vegetation, seeds, cuttings, and plant starts from other native species will be obtained from local nurseries. The first native planting is planned for the fall of 2007. An interim vegetation management plan was written to guide the clean-up, restoration, and conservation efforts that will be ongoing for the next several years.

See also
  • List of lakes in California

References
  • Bossard, C., Randall, J., and Hoshovsky, M. 2000. Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands. University Press: Berkeley. 360 pages.
  • California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. www.cali-ipc.org
  • Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. 2001. Antonelli Management Plan (Draft).
  • Metcalfe, D. J. 2005 Hedera helix Journal of Ecology. 90(3): 632-648.
  • Moore, K., Hyland, T., and Morgan, R. 2002. A Plague of Plants: Controlling Invasive Plants in Santa Cruz County. Wildland Restoration Team.
  • Soll, J. 2004. Controlling Himalayan blackberry (R. armeniacus [R. discolor, R. procerus]) in the Pacific Northwest. The Nature Conservancy.
  • Vetter, J. 2004. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). Food and Chemical Toxicology. 42: 1373-1382.
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