Issue 036 | March 2019          

Aquatic Plants at a Glance There are 4 types of aquatic plants that you can find growing in local bodies of water--algae, floating, submerged and emergent plants. Algae are primitive and vary in size from microscopic to ones that seemingly have stems and leaves. Floating plants have roots that are not attached to the bottom. Submerged plants are primarily below the surface of the water and are rooted to the bottom. Lastly, emergent plants are also rooted to the bottom but also stand above the water. Water lilies and cattails are a couple iconic examples of emergent plants. 
 
There are many native aquatic plants of Texas that are beneficial components of aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic plants provide food and habitats for aquatic wildlife, improve water clarity and quality by absorbing nutrients, increasing water oxygen levels and stabilizing shorelines.  
 
North Texas Water Garden Society 
Are you interested in creating your own aquatic ecosystem to enjoy? The North Texas Water Garden Society is a nonprofit organization that aims to encourage a greater appreciation for water gardens while increasing the study of aquatic plants, fish and ponds.
 
The group has meetings and projects planned throughout the year. Contact the organization directly for questions about joining or starting a water garden.
 
 
Citizen Science
March 22 is the United Nations World Water Day! Participate in water related citizen science projects to show support for aquatic flora and fauna.
  • EarthEco Water Challenge: builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring
  • Creek Critters: walks users through finding and identifying small organisms that live in freshwater streams and generating stream health reports  
Like a Fish in Water
Easy access to ponds whether it be for fishing or other recreation is one way of seeing aquatic plants. Also Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, has partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers to encourage native aquatic plant communities throughout the state.    
The City of Dallas has several great ponds and lakes to visit:
  • Bachman Lake
  • Cedar Ridge Preserve
  • White Rock Lake
  • Trinity River Audubon
Access our Podcast!
We invite you to deepen your knowledge of the beautiful natural world that is all around us and to connect with passionate naturalists by listening to our bi-weekly podcast. All in the spirit of lifelong learning!
 
Featured Books 
Pond life [electronic resource] : a guide to common plants and animals of North American ponds and lakes
by George Kell Reid

A handbook describing and illustrating some of the common animals and plants found in or near ponds, lakes, streams, and marshes
Desert or paradise : restoring endangered landscapes using water management, including lake and pond construction
by Sepp Holzer

Outlines the author's ten points of sustainable self-reliance, details pond and lake construction, and discusses biodiversity
The pond book : a complete guide to site planning, design, and management of small lakes and ponds
by John Stephen Hicks

Provides information on pond ecosystems and their functions, covering such topics as topographic and soil requirements, wildlife management, fish species, algae and plant control, and design and construction techniques
Water gardening for the Southwest
by Teri Dunn

Having a water garden is not just about the plants. A gardener can have a refuge in his or her own backyard. Part of the Can't Miss? series, "Water Gardening for the Southwest" provides help for creating and maintaining a water garden suitable specifically for that region. It is an ideal resource for beginners in water gardening.
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