Ponds

The Riverbank ponds were built in 1997 by Ducks Unlimited and were up to normal operating levels in 1999.  The two ponds provide a haven within the city for both animals and nature lovers to enjoy.  The ponds at the Riverbank Discovery Centre are one form of a habitat called a wetland.  Unfortunately as a result of the flood of 2011, only one interpretive pond remains.

The pond is approximately two metres deep so the sun’s rays can penetrate the water and additional plants are able to grow.  There is also an island in the former west pond, which is used as a secure place for the Canada Geese to nest without having to worry about land predators.

There is a diverse array of plant life around the pond.  Along the riverbank you will find Manitoba maple, ash, poplar and elm trees.  Closer to the edges of the pond are cattails, bulrushes, willow and dogwood shrubs and the ever invasive leafy spurge, which we should avoid coming in contact with because the greenish yellow flowering plant can cause irritation and blistering to the skin.

The pond is home to many different species of ducks, birds and geese with the most common sighting being the Canada Goose.  Also watch for red-winged black birds, western grebes, American coots, mallards, blue-winged and green-winged teals and wood ducks.  If you are having difficulty identifying what you see, come and visit the Discovery Centre for more information and identification pamphlets.

You may also see beaver, muskrat, turtles, snakes and ground squirrels that all make regular appearances near or in the pond.