Bird And Animal Populations Disrupted As Lake Sherry Awaits Dam Repairs

The Oxley Nature Center will soon be making repairs to the dam on Lake Sherry after a breach in the dam caused the water to decrease.

The dam at Lake Sherry is an important stopover point for many migratory bird species. However, that becomes an issue when there's no water in the lake.

There was a breach in the dam at Lake Sherry, which led to water pouring out back in the spring. Maggie Regan, Oxley's Nature Programs Manager, said with the water gone, the nature center has not only seen fewer species of birds but not as many species of other animals as well.

Regan said the wetlands that we get when the dam is functional plays an important role in the entire ecosystem at the nature center, including food sources like freshwater mussels for many animals. 

"Those are food sources for so many mammals and fish out there. So once the water starts pouring back in, we expect to see a return of those species to the lake," Regan said.

Regan said she believes that the animals usually seen near Lake Sherry are nearby, but they just might be at other sources of water.

"We’re thinking those species will find water; it just won’t be on Lake Sherry where they are used to it, and it won’t be where we are used to seeing them. So we’re feeling like they will find water nearby, but that they will be relieved and come back when we see water again in the lake," Regan said.

Regan said she's not sure when exactly the repairs to the dam on Lake Sherry will start, but she hopes they will start soon.