Beautiful. Green. Round. Floating on the surface of Swartzwood Lake a pod of lily pads makes great landing spots for dragonflies and other insects buzzing around the water’s edge. They also provide cool shade for fish, turtles or frogs who like to hide beneath. While ecologically beneficial in some places, lily pads have extensive root systems growing below, and if they get overgrown can deplete dissolved oxygen in the water. Wildlife managers suggest pad coverage at a maximum of 25% of a water body. So, looks like we have to thin out this herd of Rounds!

07.16.23