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Download Our Florida Ponds and Lakes - Lee County Extension
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Our Florida Ponds and Lakes Roy Beckford – Natural Resources Agent University of Florida, IFAS Lee County Florida’s Natural Landscapes Dry Flatwoods Wet Flatwoods Wetlands Diagrammatic View Claiming the Land Infrastructure Runoff Differences Developed areas Planted landscapes 40% evaporation 30% Evaporation 55% runoff 10% shallow infiltration 5% deep Infiltration 10% runoff 25% shallow infiltration 25% deep infiltration Urban Lakes…or Retention Ponds? Retention and storm-water management ponds… z Are a permanent fixture on much of Florida's landscape. Without them, Florida would not be able to support its growing population safely or efficiently. z Are found in developments that were built in wetlands or wet areas Urban Lakes…or Retention Ponds? z z z They are dug to accept the nutrient and pollutant laden water that drains from paved roads and yards of the development to prevent deterioration of "downstream" natural lakes and rivers. Runoff water gathers oil, gas, pesticides, heavy metals, fertilizers, bacteria, and nutrients as it flows over roadways and parking lots. These pollutants could cause serious harm if they flowed directly into water bodies without any filtration or decomposition. Swales and Berms… …And Outlet Pipes Okay, so where do these pollutants go from there? The Chemical/Nutrient Problem z z z Though retention ponds are a necessary part of Florida's landscape, they often look unnaturally bleak What's more, these man-made ponds are easily invaded by non-native plants, and are further ‘uglified’ by algae blooms... Algae are there to naturally feed on the excess nutrients present in the pond Solution…Aquascaping! z z z z z z z Aquascaping aids in pollutant filtration Beautifies the constructed pond and its shoreline Hides the runoff areas Controls erosion of the pond banks Attracts wildlife Increases much-needed wildlife habitat in urban settings Helps control invasive nonnative plants Planting the Littoral Zone Absence of Shoreline Plants…Presence of Shore Problems? So where are the birds? Importance of Shoreline Plants z Shoreline vegetation is important for many species of foraging and nesting birds, as well as for birds seeking shelter and protective cover Common Moorhen White Ibis Anhinga Immature White Ibis How Shoreline Plants Help Plant stems and leaves provide protective nursery areas for young fish Aquatic insects use the plant stems and leaves for food and habitat Plant leaves photosynthesize and put oxygen into the water column where it can by used by fish and other animals How Shoreline Plants Help The leaves of water lilies and other plants shade and cool the bottom of the lake. Flexible stems and leaves rock gently back and forth, absorbing wave energy which would otherwise wear away at the shoreline, causing shoreline erosion and sediment in the water. How Shoreline Plants Help Dense networks of plant roots bind the sediment, thus reducing erosion. These roots also intercept groundwater and remove contaminants before they are transported into the overlying lake waters How Aquatic Plants Help z z Ponds and lakes are great big sponges for excess nutrients and pollution. During the long days of summer, a lake or pond will produce great quantities of oxygen because plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of their growth (photosynthesis). How Aquatic Plants Help z z z Creating pond buffer plantings around the edge of the water is very popular and productive. Popular because it looks good (to birds too!) Productive because it reduces nutrient and chemical pollution. Some Native Aquatic Plants for Florida Ponds Lipocarpha Yellow Canna Jointed Spikerush Tape Grass Pickerel Weed Fragrant Water Lily Some Non-native Invasive Aquatic Weeds of Florida Ponds Water Hyacinth Water Lettuce Torpedo Grass Landscape Plants…Not Just Grass z z Plants in your yard help slow the surface run-off and allow more water to seep into the ground. This ground water then emerges into the ponds on a much more even basis. Parting thought… A pond is also a good indicator of the present condition of your immediate environment. Every pond supports a variety of life forms that can easily be identified and studied. Ponds not only provide us with a wealth of resources, they also afford tremendous recreational value to community members. It is very important that we realize the value of this resource and take steps to protect it from any adverse use or effects.
