Tucked behind the scenes at Northwest Trek’s Conservation Center property is a small but important wetland known as Toad Pond. The pond serves as one of the few known remaining breeding sites for western toads in Pierce County. Each spring, adult toads migrate to the shallow water to lay thousands of eggs, beginning the next generation of this declining amphibian species.

Recently, however, Northwest Trek’s conservation team noticed something unusual: instead of reflecting the sky, the water appeared bright red.

The color is a sign of changing conditions in the pond and comes from water fern (Azolla), a tiny floating plant that spreads quickly across still water, especially during warmer seasons. Early in its growth it appears green and can easily be mistaken for duckweed. Over time, the plant often turns red or brown due to its symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria, which provide nitrogen that helps the fern grow.

Water fern is native and plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems. It can provide food for waterfowl and habitat for small organisms. But when it grows too thick, it can create challenges for other species that rely on open water—like the western toad.

“Dense mats of water fern can block sunlight, slow water movement, and reduce oxygen levels in the water,” said Northwest Trek Conservation Program Coordinator Rachael Mueller. “Those conditions can make it harder for frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians to breed successfully. Thick plant cover can even make it difficult for bats that skim the water’s surface to drink while flying.”

With western toads expected to arrive soon for their annual breeding season, Northwest Trek’s conservation team headed out to Toad Pond to tackle the water fern by hand. Armed with nets and waders, they carefully scooped large sections of the floating plants from the water’s surface.

“The goal isn’t to remove every last bit of water fern before the toads arrive, that wouldn’t be realistic,” said Mueller. “Instead, the focus is on clearing enough space so amphibians can access the pond, find suitable breeding habitat, and lay their eggs in the coming weeks.”

In a landscape where suitable breeding habitat is becoming harder to find, these efforts can make a big difference. By clearing a space on the water’s surface, the team is helping ensure that when the western toads return this spring, Toad Pond is still ready to welcome them.