Lake Trashmore Bank Stabilization

Lake Trashmore Bank Stabilization. . Native wetland vegetation is planted around the edge of the lake providing erosion control, water quality benefits, wildlife habitat, and recreation., Gently sloping bank is planted with grasses to prevent soil from washing into the lake., Sand fence protects vegetation., Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata , Pickerelweed is a common freshwater wetland plant that grows to over 3 feet tall and spreads aggressively by underwater rhizomes and fibrous roots. Pickerelweed is easily recognized for its large spike of purple flowers that bloom June through November, and its large, leathery, lance-shaped leaves. Pickerelweed provides great cover amongst its stems and leaves for aquatic invertebrate and mammals., Lizard's Tail Saururus cernuus , Lizard's tail is perennial marsh plant that grows in dense colonies out of underground rhizomes. The dark-green leaves are often heart-shaped and grow to around 5 inches long. This plant is also known for it's long, white, drooping flower that blooms June through September and resembles a Lizard's Tail after maturity. Aquatic mammals love lizard's tail for its tasty leaves and stems., Marsh Hibiscus or Rose Mallow , Hibiscus moscheutos , One of the most impressive native wetland plants, rose mallow is a large, fast-growing perennial species that can reach 5 to 7 feet tall. The plant blooms from August to October and produces red, white, or pink flowers 6 to 10 inches across., Soft Rush Juncus effusus , Soft rush is one of the most common rush species and is found growing in single clumps or colonies. The hollow, cylindrical stems grows up to 4 feet tall and are very pointy. Small yellowish-brown flowers appear on the sides of the stems from June to August. Soft rush provides excellent habitat and food for birds and small mammals., Three-Square Bulrush Scirpus pungens , Three-Square is a bulrush sedge with sharply triangular, dark-green stems that grow up to 3 feet tall. Small clusters of spikelets (flowers) bloom during the summer. This plant is commonly found growing as a large colony in shallow water around the edges of lakes and ponds. Geese and other wildlife eat the entire plant., Softstem Bulrush Scirpus validus , Also a bulrush sedge, softstem bulrush has large, softly triangular stems that are up to 1 inch wide at the bas and grow to 8 feet tall. The soft, spongy stems grow in colonies and are often topped with small brownish spikelets that cause the stems to droop down toward the water in which they live. Softstem bulrush is also a great source of food for wildlife., Volunteer Wetlands Species , Many different plants will eventually grow among the vegetation originally planted in the wetland benches. The wind, and often birds and mammals that visit the Lake from miles away, spread the seeds of these "volunteers" species. Several species that have appeared in the wetlands benches and along the banks of Lake Trashmore include umbrella sedge (Cyperus spp.), water paper (Polygonum hydropiper), and spike rush (Eleocharis spp.). These plants thrive in wetland habitats and provide additional food and shelter for wildlife at the Lake., Water Quality , Wetlands benches have been planted around Lake Trashmore to improve the quality of the lake water. Wetlands act as natural filters for non-point source pollutants such as chemicals, nutrients and sediments. The plants absorb and convert the chemicals into nutrients that are useable by the wildlife in the lake., Erosion Control , The wetland benches around the perimeter of Lake Trashmore protect the banks against erosion. The wetland plants hold the soil in place with their roots. Less sediment (soil) escaping into the lake results in improved water quality, clarity and habitat for lake inhabitants., Habitat for Wildlife , Wetlands provide unique wildlife habitat and the most productive ecosystems on earth. The wetland vegetation planted in benches provide food, shelter and nesting areas for may species of birds, mammals, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles., Recreation , Lake Trashmore's wetland benches provide aesthetic and recreational value to Mount Trashmore Park. The benches attract birds, fish and other wildlife, as well as humans who can enjoy the wetlands from shore.