Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 1, 1993 TAG: 9307290035
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PATRICIA HELD
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Searching for larger animals along the shoreline can be equally as fascinating. On a "pond safari" one may stalk a bull frog as it sits among the reeds or watch an egret fish for its dinner. There are many animals that claim the pond as their home.
The pond provides a near-perfect habitat. Within it is virtually everything that is necessary for the animals' and plants' survival. In fact, the only external element that the pond needs is sunlight.
Sunlight provides the necessary energy for green plants, and it is the plants that probably play the most important role in the life of a pond. Plants are the "producers" and provide food for much of the animal life living there.
The animals, as "consumers," act as middlemen. When they die they decompose and break down into compounds that can be used again, this time by the plants. It's an endless cycle: Plants are eaten by animals, and once the animals die they decompose and break down into material used again by the plants.
Among the prettiest of all pond plants are the water lilies. Several species grow in Western Virginia's ponds, and most are noted for the extra pretty blossoms. While not as important a food source as some pond plants, their large and flat leaves cover the water's surface and provide a safe place for many tiny animals to lay their eggs. If conditions are right water lilies can easily overtake a pond, covering the entire water surface with green leaves.
An important food source for many pond creatures is plankton. Plankton is composed of microscopic green plants, including algae, and tiny animals that float in the upper layers of water at the mercy of the wind and action of the water. Plankton is an important food source in all bodies of water. It serves as a nursery grounds for many forms of animal life, including fish, waterfowl and immature stages of amphibians and insects. Plankton is the main support for many tiny animals who, in turn, serve as the principal food source for larger life forms.
Pond weeds make up the majority of submerged vegetation. They grow at varying depths from one to 12 feet and provide cover for fish, snails and other animals.
Its arrow-leaf shape gives this plant its name, but the arrowhead also is known as duck potato. This alludes to its importance to waterfowl. Arrowhead's nutritious tubers are relished by waterfowl.
Another plant eaten by waterfowl is duckweed. This plant literally covers the water's surface. Ducks eat these tiny plants as well as the organisms that live among the duckweed.
Along the water's edge can be found a wide assortment of grasses and sedges as well as small shrubs and trees. In addition to providing an additional food source, these plants are excellent cover and good nesting sites for several bird and mammal species.
A pond is truly a wonderful place. It can be as small as a puddle or cover acres of land, yet all ponds support a large variety of animals, many of which are totally dependent upon the plants that live in or near their pond.
\ Note: Sometimes plant life can overtake a pond. Heavy growth can interfere with boating, fishing and swimming. If left alone the pond may eventually fill in and dry up.
If you have a weed problem in your pond or lake, your local Extension Office may be able to help you.
It is very important to first identify the plants that are causing a problem in your pond, says Extension Agent Don Davis of the Lynchburg office. Fill a jar with plant material from your pond and take this to your local Extension Agent. The agent will drain it and send the plant material to the Weed Identification Lab at Virginia Tech. Once the plants are identified they can recommend the appropriate type of control.
Held will respond to readers' questions on the plant and animal wildlife in the region. Mail inquiries toPatricia Held, P.O. Box 65, Goode, Va. 24556.
Patricia Held is a Bedford County free-lance writer and author specializing in natural history.
by CNB