Did you know some animals, like apes, use plants for healing? Humans have long observed these behaviors in the wild and adapted them into medicine. It is just one example of how connected plants, animals, and people really are. A healthy plant animal human chain can make the world a better, healthier place. But as
Rotting lake weed and dead fish are causing a strong odor along Rotorua’s lakefront as a 70-tonne-per-day clean-up continues. Businesses report guests are complaining or staying away, highlighting the impact on the city’s reputation. The piles of weed surfaced two weeks ago after strong winds disturbed the lakebed. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council began
Lakes and wetlands across the United States are facing a big problem — the loss of important aquatic plants. One example is Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina, where underwater plants have almost disappeared. This loss is hurting the lake’s health and the many birds that depend on it. Aquatic plants are very important for keeping
Weed growth in St. Albans Bay in Vermont was not as bad this past summer as anticipated according to Steve Cushing, President of the St. Albans Area Watershed Association (SAAWA). Last year, high, turbid waters and a layer of sediment carried into the lake by flooding and rainfall reduced weed growth, explained Cushing. With clear
The Village of Wauconda’s lake weed harvester began operation for the season on May 4th. This year it has been operating five days a week, with some of those days having extended hours. To date, 382 cubic yards of aquatic plants have been removed from the lake…which is 64 truckloads of lake weeds disposed of
In the fight against weeds growing the airport’s pond used by floatplanes, the weeds came out on top in previous years. However, their new weapon; which isn’t new at all, but 20 years old, seems to be winning the war on weeds. Juneau, Alaska, airport manager, Dave Palmer said staff tried herbicide and various other
In Stockton, California managers have been trying to keep the water hyacinth that washes in from the Delta under control with herbicide treatments. Unfortunately even after 15 applications, the hyacinth has extended beyond the level of control. Port officials say a state spraying program failed to control the hyacinth, so they contracted with a Bay
Martin Woess and his aquatic weed harvester dubbed the Lake Mess Monster has been busy clearing the waters of Prospect Park. Once a week Woess climbs aboard his weed harvester to collect the scum which consists mostly of duckweed and azolla which would quickly take over the pond if left unchecked. New York City owns two of
Controlling nuisance plants in Dane County lakes is a key element in an updated plan being worked on by county officials. The Land and Water Resources Department tries to balance a reasonable use of the lakes through boating, fishing and swimming, while preserving the health and balance of the lake ecosystem. The use of mechanical
Authorities in the Medong delta province of Hau Giang have banned local authorities from spraying herbicide to the water hyacinth. This fast growing plant has slowly been taking over and blocking waterway traffic on rivers and canals in the area. Many people breed water hyacinth locally to use for making exportable products such as baskets