Buckthorn is an aggressively invasive plant species that threatens the health of native plants and animals in environments across the United States. To maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem, you need to remove buckthorn from your property. Unfortunately, eliminating...
A healthy lake or pond is a beautiful addition to almost any property. A small pond is a decorative landscaping focal point while a large lake can be used for recreational activities. Either way, a lake or pond is typically only attractive if the water is clean and...
Any functioning ecosystem, including a pond, needs bacteria to sustain life and maintain a balanced ecosystem. Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms measured in microns (one millionth of a meter), ranging from 1 to 10 microns in length and 0.2 to 1 microns...
In most cases, proactive actions are more cost effective than reactive actions. When managing surface waters like lakes or ponds, this adage certainly applies. Using algae growth as the example. Algae grows in water because it has the three things needed to survive:...
Algae cells can multiply rapidly and despite all efforts, this growth can get out of control quickly. Even after chemical treatment, certain types of algae can rebound in as few as 3-4 days. The good news is that algae, along with a several species of rooted aquatic...
Electrofishing is a type of fishing technique that biologists use to capture fish in rivers, lakes, and streams. This technique provides a safe and efficient solution to the challenge of collecting data on fish populations. Based on the data gathered from small...
By Chris Ryan, Aquatics Department Manager A properly sized aeration system is a critical component in maintaining healthy lakes and ponds. Artificial destratification and the resulting introduction of oxygen into an aquatic environment provides these ecosystems with...
At ILM Environments we have always used an integrated approach to managing lakes and ponds. Techniques such as aeration, installation of native plant buffer zones, manual removal of excessive plant material, nutrient reduction, and bioremediation all play an...
If you pass by any water-related environment that has been left in the hands of Mother Nature, you’ll probably see cattails. These perennials are some of the most common aquatic plants, particularly in ponds, lakes, and marshes, that can grow 5-10 feet in height. Even...
What is Sediment Build Up and Why Is It Bad? All lakes and ponds have a natural life span and fill up with sediment over time. Sediment accumulation can be accelerated by shoreline erosion, runoff, or the seasonal buildup of organic material like submerged aquatic...
