Page 7 - Southern Exposure - August '19

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Southern Exposure, Page 7

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Algae In The Waterways And

How You Can Minimize Its Growth

By O’Neal Bardin Jr., Executive Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
The term “algae” is Properly Dispose Of Organic Materials
generally used to refer to Following yard work, leaves, grass and other debris should
a wide variety of different be bagged and removed from the property to prevent them from
and dissimilar photosynthetic accumulating and decaying in the waterbody. When organic
organisms, generally materials are allowed to decompose in freshwater resources,
microscopic. Depending on they release undesirable nutrients that are responsible for fueling
the species, algae can inhabit nuisance plant and algae growth. Ask your lawn-care company
fresh or salt water. In modern to remove grass clippings and leaves to prevent decomposition
taxonomic systems, algae are in or around ponds and lakes.
usually assigned to one of six Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of excess
divisions. The misnamed blue- nutrients and bacteria. Don’t throw pet waste bags into lakes
green algae are often grouped and canals. They will eventually break down and release those
with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the cells. toxins into the waterway.
However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic bacteria and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, NPDES tip: Do not burn any trash in your yards, and don’t
assigned to the group cyanobacteria. an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, can dump any debris into lakes and canals.
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary in shape accelerate an algal bloom’s growth significantly. Pollutants from
and color, and are found in a large range of habitats, such construction runoff, fertilized yards and golf courses, road wash,
as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. They are a natural stormwater runoff, pet waste, and decomposing leaves, grass
and essential part of the ecosystem. In these habitats, the clippings, and other organic materials also contribute to nutrient soutHern profiLe from page 6
phytoplankton are the base of the aquatic food chain. Small imbalances in the water. Higher temperatures and increased
freshwater crustaceans and other small animals consume the sunlight in summer months also can encourage algae blooms, animals,” said Rich Anderson, executive director/CEO of
phytoplankton and in turn are consumed by larger animals. as does standing water, which is warmer than circulating water Peggy Adams. “The goal of Party Animal is to raise funds
Under certain conditions, several species of true algae as well and can act like an incubator – another significant influence. that are critical to saving more than 5,000 dogs and cats
as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing various nuisance Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, but it this year.”
effects in fresh water, such as excessive accumulations of foams, can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing algae on your The mission of the Young Friends of Peggy Adams
scums, and discoloration of the water. When the numbers of lake? The most effective thing to do is reduce the number of Animal Rescue League is to create a strong network of the
algae in a lake or a river increase explosively, an algal “bloom” algae-feeding nutrients, especially phosphorus, that make it into next generation’s community leaders and influencers who
is the result. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving canals are most the water. Here are some tips to keep your lake in tip-top shape. are passionate about animal welfare. The Young Friends
susceptible to blooms. Be Careful With Fertilizer of Peggy Adams have pledged to raise $25,000 towards
Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants – but the new Pet Adoption and Humane Education Center
with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on weather that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages algae to being built at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. The
and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom depends on bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether if you’re close to a new building will double the number of adoptions, saving
local conditions and characteristics of the particular body of water source – plant native plants instead, which are well-adapted thousands of additional dogs, cats, puppies and kittens
water. Blooms generally occur where there are high levels of to the environment and don’t require special maintenance. each year, while providing the premier humane education
nutrients present, together with the occurrence of warm, sunny, Implement landscaping strategies, like xeriscaping, that increase experience in Palm Beach County. Work has already started
calm conditions. However, human activity often can trigger groundwater filtration before water enters the pond or lake. on this project and plans are to open this new facility by
or accelerate algal blooms. Natural sources of nutrients such If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free product, fall 2020.
as phosphorus or nitrogen compounds can be supplemented and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it when there’s no Cochairs: Ned and Kelly Grace, Stacey Leuliette, Fritz
by a variety of human activities. For example, in rural areas, rain in the forecast. and Judy Van der Grift
agricultural runoff from fields can wash fertilizers into the water. And don’t think natural fertilizer like manure or compost Party Animal Committee: Bettina Anderson, Joy and
In urban areas, nutrient sources can cause stormwater runoff that is any better than a chemical version, anything that’s going to Damien Barr, Katie and Bill Benjamin, Turner Benoit,
carries pollutants such as lawn fertilizers. make your garden plants grow is going to make algae grow as Georgina Bloomberg, Sally Bossert, Amy and Ryan
Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, well. It’s best to avoid fertilizers generally. Bridger, Margit and Blair Brandt, Cy Ryan, Lulu Carter,
Christina Cernik, Kate and Nathan Coe, Kayla Collins,
Sarah Cooke, Katie and Cody Crowell, Stephanie and
LAW FOR THE LAYMAN William Eady, Nikki and Joe Floyd, Kelly and Ned Grace,
Lilly and Sean Ferreira, Ashley and Rob Frisbie, Franny
Frisbie, Rick Frisbie, Graham and Brent Gallagher, Meredith
Learn how the law REALLY Works! and Clay Gregory, Maggi Haigh, Colin Hickey, Meredith
and Michael Katzenberg. Lauren LaHatte, Ivey and Bobby
Leidy, Amanda Beckwith and Adam Lipson, Whitney
How Laws, Judgments, & Contracts affect your Daily Life Mcgurk, Kristina and Brad Mcpherson, Brittany Mundarin,
Max Newland, Carling and Tom Pinckney, Kelly and Gary
A series of six (6) classes offering easy-to-understand Pohrer, Cameron and Jeff Preston, Cy Ryan, Cassie and Joe
Scheerer, Lauriston and Rich Segerson, Allison Skipper,
presentations you can’t Google on complex legal It’s all Krystian Von Speidel, Chelsea and Robert Surtees, Jessica
issues that affect your everyday life. Don’t make and Trent Swift, Matt Swift, Casey Taylor, Kristin and Diego
the most common mistakes when it comes in the Urrutia, Serena Woodward, Lauren Wynns.
to Wills, Probate, Divorce and more! FINE PRINT! Tickets: $275 for single; $500 for couple (before
October 15)
For more information and to purchase tickets online,
Wills & Trusts • Probate • Estates • Divorce
Alimony • Child Support • Contracts • Real Estate visit palmbeachpartyanimal.org.
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
Criminal • Corporations • Personal Injury Monday Evenings The Mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
Litigation & Court Practices 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. is to provide shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals,
to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for
JUPITER COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL ADULT EDUCATION DIVISION companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality
Almost FREE! - A Nominal Administrative Fee is charged by Jupiter High School homes for homeless and neglected companion animals,
Course taught by: REGISTRATION: to advocate animal welfare, community involvement
ADAM S. GUMSON, ESQ. From: August 12, 2019 and education to further the bond between people and
To: August 23, 2019 animals. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a
4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest
CLASSES: independent charity navigator, and is the first animal
From: September 9, 2019 shelter in South Florida to become AAHA (American
To: October 21, 2019 Animal Hospital Association) accredited. The League
For more information, call Jupiter High School (561) 744 - 7931 is an independent nonprofit animal rescue organization
operating continuously since 1925 and each year saves
Register in person at Jupiter High School from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. or on-line at pbclearn.com the lives of more animals than any other shelter or rescue

in Palm Beach County.
(561) 744 - 4600 • jupiterlawcenter.com Photos by Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League