Since 2000, there have been thousands of brook trout stocked into Junction Creek. They are surviving in the creek. They may not be exactly thriving just yet, but they are clearly showing and indicating the efforts put forth by humans are fixing the mistakes from the past.
These little fish are putting on a big show. Brook trout are delicate to changes in habitat and water. Even the slightest disturbance can adversely affect a population in a stream. These little guys show the water and habitat has improved. Chalk up one for the good guys!
If the speckled trout can survive in Junction Creek, that means there is hope for the system to maybe be returned to its once premium state one day in the future.
This hopes means a lot as there was a time there was none or very little. This hope means there is a future for life in the creek and humans should make every effort
possible to ensure it happens. It’s simple really. People are the only reason the creek became a mess. People must play the role in fixing it, and be all in about it.
It’s not just brook trout. Turtles, amphibians, other fish species, birds and mammals all benefit from a healthy Junction Creek. These creatures get a habitat to forage for food and have young of their own.
Humans also benefit. Junction Creek isn’t just a place to take a walk and enjoy the sounds of birds or a babbling section of rapids.
Junction Creek is a statement about the people who live in this town. The restoration of the creek takes the city out of the realm of being the punch line of jokes about it resembling the moon to a place of relevance. Junction Creek shows the world the people of Greater Sudbury have care for nature and, more critical, the will to make positive change happen. It shows this kind of conservation can be done and should be done and has to be done in other areas.
Restoration efforts making impact
Photo credit: Sara Woods