Today I received word that it looks very optimistic that funding will be available for a broadly scoped research project on my ponds starting next year. A few months ago I contacted my alma mater regarding potential projects, which has resulted in several conversations and emails and exchange of information. A grant application was written and submitted to the State. I'd be happy to share more information if there is interest on this forum. It may give some ideas for others to pursue.

here is a short (dry) excerpt from the grant application written by the faculty member:

Objective: To determine the effects of methods used to enhance wildlife habitat and diversity on a wooded wetland complex in comparison with unmodified areas nearby.

Specific objectives include: (1) comparison of plant community composition on modified and unmodified areas of the site; (2) comparison of invertebrate community composition on modified and unmodified areas of the site with emphasis on macroinvertebrates (those captured by a 500 um mesh net); (3) comparison of vertebrate use of modified and unmodified areas of the site with particular emphasis on amphibians and birds using breeding frog, toad and bird calling surveys conducted during breeding season combined with nest surveys for breeding birds and use of playback recordings for cryptic birds such as rails, and (4) comparison of basic limnological and nutrient chemical constituents of water quality on modified and unmodified areas of the site.