#11454 Duck Creek Quarry, Howard, Wisconsin

Environment

Environment

Human settlements

Human settlements

Compacted

Surrounding area

Surrounding the quarry are several different shoreline habitats. The southern side, which was once composed of rock mounds and cliffs, is now a sandy beach.

To the east, a path runs alongside a dirt and gravel bank. Large trees and bushes line the path, with some trees extending over the edge, shedding leaves and providing shade to parts of the water.

Further north, a forest extends to the water’s edge. In this area, a small creek runs alongside the quarry before flowing into Duck Creek, which eventually reaches the bay of Lake Michigan. The close proximity to the natural water system has allowed fish from the surrounding river network to enter the quarry through natural processes, such as the transport of eggs by birds and other wildlife.

Underwater landscape

Different shores along the water have different properties. There is a sandy beach that leads down to the deeper parts. One side has stone floors extending out, surrounded by a small forest. The last side has mud and stony banks that slope down and flatten out to a mixed muddy and rocky bed made up of chunks of limestone and smaller pebbles. This is where the majority of the fish and animals are found. Bluegill and other sunfish make beds and spawn in the more gravely areas during the spring. Underwater is a mix of vegetation in the form of algae, weeds and plant types, as well as large dead trees and stronger bodied bushes that have turned into shelter and their own mini habitats for the wildlife..

Previous lower water levels are what allowed trees to grow off of rock shelves. As the water level rises above, microcosms form around the bare trees that have many branches. These provide shelter and hiding places for all of the fish & invertebrates. Green algae hangs from the arms of trees resembling live ones such as a Weeping Willow.

The place is mainly deep open clear water. The limestone bounces off light making the water appear blue. About 40ft down is a layer of sediment suspended in the air, divers have described how quickly the visibility goes dark and how cold the water becomes.

Fish:

• Micropterus salmoides (Centrarchidae) – Largemouth Bass
• Ambloplites rupestris (Centrarchidae) – Rock Bass
• Lepomis macrochirus (Centrarchidae) – Bluegill
• Pomoxis nigromaculatus (Centrarchidae) – Black Crappie
• Etheostoma nigrum (Percidae) – Johnny Darter

Aquatic vegetation:

• Lemnoidea (Araceae) – Duckweed
• Ceratophyllum demersum (Ceratophyllaceae) – Hornwort
• Myriophyllum spp. (Haloragaceae) – Water Milfoil
• Chara spp. (Characeae) – Muskgrass
• Vallisneria americana (Hydrocharitaceae) – American Eelgrass

Threats to ecology

Although the quarry is relatively strong ecologically, the increase in recreational activities such as kayaking, boating, and the public beach area may represent potential concerns. Visitors may not always follow regulations or may remove more fish than permitted. Littering is another possible threat, although the village maintains the area well. Signs surrounding the quarry provide information about rules and regulations, helping to raise awareness and reduce risks to the ecosystem.

My motivation for choosing this location is to study and recreate the habitat that fascinated me while growing up and continues to inspire me today. As a child, the quarry was a special place, with rope swings, cliff diving, and the opportunity to explore the underwater features that make this ecosystem unique. It is a place that I hope can be enjoyed and protected for many years to come.