Using native aquatic plants like those in Jens Jensen Park is about more than just creating striking water gardens, though. Growing native species also helps curb the spread of invasive aquatic plants that outcompete native species and upset food webs. Invasive species common in water gardens are already threatening the health of Illinois waterways. For example, the fast-growing Brazilian Elodea—typically sold in aquarium stores and water nurseries under the name “Anacharis”—has been found in several lakes and ponds in Illinois, including in a community not far from Highland Park. Like many invasive plants, this waterweed grows in dense mats that block out sunlight needed by other species and hinders water recreation. And it is nearly impossible to remove once it has been introduced.
Category:
Jens Jensen Park water garden goes native
August 27th, 2013 by Irene MilesIISG asks water gardeners’ help in preventing the spread of invasive species
July 12th, 2013 by Irene MilesThe overall message he shared with the attendees was that even common plants associated with water gardens can quickly become “aquatic invaders” under the right conditions. Aquatic invaders are plants and animals that cause ecologic and economic harm once established in public waterways, and removing them can be very expensive and often impossible. One way that aquatic invaders are introduced or spread into public waters is through the intentional or unintentional release of species from water gardens and koi ponds.
IISG receives grant funding to expand AIS prevention work
December 19th, 2012 by Irene MilesFor more information, visit our webpage about aquatic invasive species.
Classroom specimens require caution and care to prevent becoming invasives
August 14th, 2012 by Irene Miles“The study, led by Oregon Sea Grant Extension’s invasive species expert Sam Chan, was presented at this week’s national meeting of the Ecological Society of America in Portland.‘Live organisms are a critical element for learning and we don’t want to imply that they should not be used in the classroom,’ said Chan. ‘But some of our schools – and the biological supply houses that provide their organisms – are creating a potential new pathway for non-native species to become invasive.’”
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🚨🚨 New episode alert!🚨🚨 Teach Me About the Great Lakes episode 105 is out!
The nonprofit Freshwater Future has had much success working with local communities toward cleaner, safer drinking water. Jill Ryan, executive director, and Ann Baughman, associate director, patiently play Stuart’s favorite game, counting down the top five threats to our drinking water as they know them. SPOILER ALERT: Two of them surprised Stuart.
Tune in via the link in bio.

Don’t miss out on the latest edition of our “Making Waves in Education” newsletter! Dive into innovative professional learning opportunities and stay updated on upcoming events like the annual Shipboard Science Workshop and a new Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems Curriculum Workshop. Perfect for Illinois and Indiana educators passionate about environmental education. Check it out at the link in bio.

🚨🚨 New episode alert!🚨🚨 Teach Me About the Great Lakes episode 104 is out!
This episode is a scientist’s dream and a nightmare of would-be organizational acronyms. Dr. Drew Gronewold, with his multiple titles and international work, introduces the TMATGL team to the Global Center for Climate Change and Transboundary Waters and the value of data. (As if we didn’t know…)
Tune in via the link in bio.

Climate change is making it harder to manage sand on Chicago’s beaches, with rising water levels, bigger storms, and stronger winds. IISG-funded research led by C. Robin Mattheus and a team of ISGS scientists tracked sand distribution along 18 beaches—offering the first regional, high-resolution assessment of the Chicago shoreline. #SeaGrantFunded
Read more about this groundbreaking study at the link in bio.

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