Many ponds and small lakes experience conditions that can result in their surfaces being covered by a “scum” or biofilm. Biofilms can occur at different times of the year and their composition can vary depending on the season and waterbody characteri...
As the colorful foliage of fall settles in, it’s time to prepare your lake or pond for the colder months. At Jones Lake Management, we specialize in keeping your waterbody healthy throughout the year, and fall is a critical time to take proactive ste...
Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring microorganisms that are common in lakes, ponds and slow-moving rivers. They photosynthesize and are often blue-green in color, which is why they are sometimes called blue-green algae. Unfortunately, some of these...
As the season shifts to the cooling embrace of September, it's an opportune time to discuss changes in Midwestern ponds and lakes and how these changes affect fish. Diminishing daylight hours lead to reduced photosynthesis among aquatic plants, resul...
Transforming your pond or lake into a thriving aquatic ecosystem requires both thoughtful planning and integrated management strategies. At Jones Lake Management, we have a long history of fisheries management and understand the importance of stockin...
Understanding seasonal behavior of aquatic weeds and their roles in an ecosystem can help us better understand risks and realistic management expectations. This month we’re focusing on the fascinating behavior of a tiny, yet impactful, aquatic plant:...
Ponds and lakes offer wonderful recreational opportunities including fishing, boating and swimming. When enjoying the water this summer, it’s important to be aware of harmful algal blooms (HABs). While most algae blooms are green algae and not harmfu...
Tilapia: A Seasonal Ally in the Fight Against Weeds and Algae When it comes to controlling unwanted aquatic vegetation, the best strategies go beyond quick fixes—they focus on long-term balance. At Jones Lake Management, we take a science-based, inte...
Grass carp are a non-native herbivorous species. As one of the largest members of the minnow family, these fish are silvery to olive in color with large scales along their body. Native to eastern Asia, they were originally imported in the ‘60s to hel...
As temperatures warm, many of us are eager to spend time outside getting the pond ready for spring. Like considering the nutrient ratio of your soil to achieve a lush lawn, it’s important to be aware of how an abundance of nutrients, such as phosphor...
Eutrophication is a normal part of the pond aging process. It’s defined as the gradual increase of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other nutrients in an aging water body. This process occurs as organic material and sediment accumulate in the pond and nutri...
