Soil erosion is often a very slow process, so slow that it happens without anyone noticing. However, sometimes it can happen at an alarming rate. Soil erosion can negatively affect water quality and the aesthetic appeal of lakes and ponds.…
Florida has more than 7700 ponds, lakes, and waterways and no shortage of invasive aquatic weed species. Proper management of aquatic weeds is key to keeping Florida water bodies clean and healthy. The state is home to hundreds of native…
When you notice a swarm of flying insects around a lake, you may automatically think they are mosquitoes, but they may be, and most likely are midges. Midges and mosquitoes are two types of flying insects that are often mistaken…
Freshwater aquatic plants are essential to the health of Florida lakes. They offer valuable habitats for fish and wildlife. Fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians make nests in and feed on aquatic plants. Native aquatic plants in lakes are generally…
If just the thought of mosquitoes makes your skin itch, we feel your pain. Mosquito bites are no fun, and when these pesky flying insects come from a lake or pond in your community, it feels like the ultimate betrayal.…
Many properties such as golf courses, gated communities, and other HOA communities throughout Florida feature ponds for aesthetic appeal and practical environmental reasons. But no one wants an algae-filled, mucky, and often odorous pond. When this happens, what was once…
Simply put, wetlands are lands that transition between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. More specifically, wetlands are land areas that have soils that are inundated long enough to support vegetation that can grow and reproduce in saturated soils. The plants that…
Communities throughout Florida value and benefit from the beauty of ponds in their natural surroundings, but in many cases, invasive and exotic plant species as well as weeds have overtaken these ecosystems and choked out native plant species. To make…
Water quality is an overarching term that describes the properties of a water body. Lake water quality can have diverse meanings and interpretations. People think of water quality in terms of clarity, but there are many factors that determine the…
Lake and pond soil erosion occurs when shoreline soil is displaced. This erosion can happen for a variety of reasons, including natural forces and human actions. However, human causes of soil erosion account for the majority of soil erosion. Soil…
