What’s Good for the Goose . . .
Canada geese. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAs the size of our region’s population of Canada geese has grown, a species that was once admired as majestic wildlife is now often viewed as a pest. Depending on size and water quality, a normal, healthy lake can sustain a waterfowl population of up to three to four birds per acre, but when the population exceeds a lake’s carrying capacity, serious problems may ensue. Goose waste
What’s Good for the Goose . . .
As the size of our region’s population of Canada geese has grown, a species that was once admired as majestic wildlife is now often viewed as a pest. Depending on size and water quality, a normal, healthy lake can sustain a waterfowl population of up to three to four birds per acre, but when the population exceeds a lake’s carrying capacity, serious problems may ensue. Goose waste contains high levels of organic nitrogen, which can
Dragonflies: Nature’s Mosquito Hunters
Mosquitoes are as much a part of summer in the south as swimming and barbeque. The Aquascape Environmental phones start ringing this time of year with requests to help control the annoying insects, and we do offer applications of mosquito control briquettes for small bodies of water. But for those who prefer a 100% non-chemical weapon in the war against those tiny blood-suckers, allow us to suggest engaging winged allies in your battle: dragonflies! Dragonflies
Toxic Algae Caused Cattle Deaths: What Does It Mean for Your Pond?
Blue-green algae bloom with typical “green paint” appearance. Photo (c) Delaware Department of Natural Resources.Last week it was determined by University of Georgia researchers that a toxic blue-green algae bloom containing cyanobacterium caused the deaths of three cows in Gwinnett County in May. More details can be found in this article. In this particular case, climate conditions and other factors came together to create a tragic outcome; it’s an alarming story, but pond owners shouldn’t panic. Our Lake
Streambank Stabilization after the 2009 Atlanta Floods: A Case Study
Paul Slovisky contributed this article to the May 2012 issue of the Environmental Landscaping Association newsletter: In September 2009, the Metro Atlanta area experienced record flooding when a major rain event dumped 10+ inches of rain on the region in a three-day period. Local watersheds were already saturated by above-average precipitation in the weeks preceding the event, and the results were devastating to the region, with a cost of $500 million for repair and
Camp Pond Gets Thumbs Up!
Each summer, 800+ kids in the Metro Atlanta area attend summer camp at High Meadows School in Roswell, Ga. The camp focuses on self improvement, personal responsibility, and environmental respect. Aquascape Environmental supports the camp mission, and we have a special connection with High Meadows – our own Evan Carpenter is an alumnus – so we were happy to help the camp directors achieve some aquatic resource related peace of mind by providing water quality
Rain Gardens for Attractive, Effective Stormwater Management
A rain garden is a natural or created shallow depression used to capture and absorb stormwater runoff from impervious areas (roofs, driveways, etc.). Planted with suitable trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants, a rain garden allows runoff to soak into the ground — increasing groundwater recharge rates and improving water quality by serving as a buffer to shoreline areas. The many benefits of a rain garden installation include: Capturing runoff before it enters a lake
Save the Frogs
Over the past 50 years, frog populations have been declining at unprecedented rates worldwide, with nearly one-third of the world’s 6,400+ amphibian species now threatened with extinction. Frogs are facing a deluge of environmental challenges, including infectious diseases (particularly a fatal skin disease caused by a chytrid fungus); habitat loss due to development and overuse of resources; introduction of invasive species; and over-harvesting by the pet and food trades. Why do frogs matter? The loss
Rain Gardens Protect, Enhance Property
A rain garden is a natural or created shallow depression used to capture and absorb stormwater runoff from impervious areas (roofs, driveways, etc.). Planted with suitable trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants, a rain garden allows runoff to soak into the ground — increasing groundwater recharge rates and improving water quality by serving as a buffer to shoreline areas. The many benefits of a rain garden installation include: Capturing runoff before it enters a lake
Recycling for a Good Cause
Our truckload of metal on the way to donation.Last month, Aquascape Environmental delivered a dump truck full of scrap metal to the donation site at Daniel Ace Hardware on Highway 92 in Woodstock to benefit a local Boy Scout Troop. While we routinely recycle the metal that we remove from lakes, as well as any metal remnants generated by our Restoration division, we were pleased to be able to contribute this donation to Troop 1910,
