Page 12 - Talk of Tequesta - August '19

Page 12, The Talk Of Tequesta DOUBLE SPACE

NorTherN NoTes

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 Algal blooms are natural occurrences, and may occur
generally used to refer to with regularity (e.g., every summer), depending on
a wide variety of different weather and water conditions. The likelihood of a bloom
and dissimilar photosynthetic depends on local conditions and characteristics of the
or ganisms, generally particular body of water. Blooms generally occur where
microscopic. Depending on there are high levels of nutrients present, together with the
the species, algae can inhabit occurrence of warm, sunny, calm conditions. However,
fresh or salt water. In modern human activity often can trigger or accelerate algal blooms.
taxonomic systems, algae are Natural sources of nutrients such as phosphorus or nitrogen
usually assigned to one of six compounds can be supplemented by a variety of human
divisions. The misnamed blue- activities. For example, in rural areas, agricultural runoff
green algae are often grouped from fields can wash fertilizers into the water. In urban
with algae because of the chloroplasts contained within the areas, nutrient sources can cause stormwater runoff that
cells. However, these organisms are actually photosynthetic carries pollutants such as lawn fertilizers.
bacteria assigned to the group cyanobacteria. Algae growth depends on weather patterns, temperature, that make it into the water. Here are some tips to keep your
Freshwater algae, also called phytoplankton, vary and nutrients in the water. While blooms happen naturally, lake in tip-top shape.
in shape and color, and are found in a large range of an imbalance of phosphorus and nitrogen, in particular, can Be Careful With Fertilizer
habitats, such as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. accelerate an algal bloom’s growth significantly. Pollutants Sure, you want a nice green lawn and healthy plants –
They are a natural and essential part of the ecosystem. from construction runoff, fertilized yards and golf courses, but that fertilizer you spread in your garden also encourages
In these habitats, the phytoplankton are the base of the road wash, stormwater runoff, pet waste, and decomposing algae to bloom. It’s best to avoid fertilizer altogether
aquatic food chain. Small freshwater crustaceans and other leaves, grass clippings, and other organic materials also if you’re close to a water source – plant native plants
small animals consume the phytoplankton and in turn are contribute to nutrient imbalances in the water. Higher instead, which are well-adapted to the environment and
consumed by larger animals. temperatures and increased sunlight in summer months don’t require special maintenance. Implement landscaping
Under certain conditions, several species of true also can encourage algae blooms, as does standing water, strategies, like xeriscaping, that increase groundwater
algae as well as the cyanobacteria are capable of causing which is warmer than circulating water and can act like filtration before water enters the pond or lake.
various nuisance effects in fresh water, such as excessive an incubator – another significant influence. If you must fertilize, try and find a phosphorus-free
accumulations of foams, scums, and discoloration of the Algae doesn’t necessarily mean poor water quality, but product, and reduce nutrient rich runoff by applying it
water. When the numbers of algae in a lake or a river increase it can be a problem. So, what’s the key to reducing algae when there’s no rain in the forecast.
explosively, an algal “bloom” is the result. Lakes, ponds, and on your lake? The most effective thing to do is reduce the
slow-moving canals are most susceptible to blooms. number of algae-feeding nutrients, especially phosphorus, Northern Notes on page 13

Pet Matters

For The Love Of Animals

by Pat Deshong, President of Furry Friends Adoption,
Clinic & Ranch
“For the Love of Animals” features real
stories happening at Furry Friends in
Jupiter. We are The Humane Society of
Greater Jupiter/Tequesta and the only no-
kill shelter open to the public in northern Thank you to our sponsors! And a special thank you to CBS
Palm Beach County. We’ve been rescuing, Channel 12 for their commitment to our special Telethon event!
rehabilitating, and re-homing the homeless
animals in our community for more than 30 Axe is a Dolly’s Dream Dog and his adoption fee is already paid!
years. Our not for profit 501c3 organization Plus he goes home with you with lots of goodies. Please come see
consists of our Jupiter based Adoption Center, Veterinary Clinic Axe at our Jupiter Adoption Center.
(open to the public), Thrift Boutique, and Palm City Ranch.

President Pat Deshong with CBS Channel 12 Reporter
Hall of Famers Willie Roaf & Kristen Chapman & volunteers
Joe Namath and Mayor Todd Wodraska
Furry Friends’ new
Adopti on Cent e r &
As they say, every picture tells a story. Here is little Jack telling Veterinary Clinic, located
CBS News Anchorman Jim Grimes about his lemonade stand which at 100 Capital Street in the
raised $47 dollars for Furry Friends. Bert and Sallie Korman pledging Jupiter Commerce Park, will
a $100,000 matching donation in memory of their late daughter-in-law. be completed in September
Starbucks on W. Indiantown Road delivering goodies and much needed 2019. We have work to do
caffeine to Furry Friends’ clinic in the wee hours of the morning. and money to raise, but with Photo courtesy of Samantha Farmer
These are just three of the countless examples of how the your help, we can realize
community galvanized to support the Capital Campaign for Furry the dream that’s been the we save would be uncertain. Thank you for donating and helping
Friends’ new Jupiter-based Adoption Center & Veterinary Clinic on hope of our organization for us continue our animal saving mission.
Friday, July 19th. A telethon, hosted all day by CBS News Channel decades. Ways to donate (tax ID #59-2111273):
12, raised more than $237,000 for our vision, our future, our soon- If you would like to be a 1. Mail a check made payable to Furry Friends to 401 Maplewood
to-be reality for the many dogs and cats who find themselves at our part of our new beginning, Drive, Ste. 8, Jupiter, FL 33458.
doors and in need of our rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing help. please contact us. Like each 2. Visit www.furryfriendsadoption.org
Historically, July 19th was one of our greatest days! As President nail, block, & tile, every 3. Call us with your credit card information at 561.747.5311 ext. 1
of Furry Friends, words cannot express how proud we are to be your donation, no matter how “Your donation
hometown shelter. And how excited we are to know that our new small, will help make our dream come true… All for the Love of creates th e
home, located in the Jupiter Commerce Park, is nearing completion. Animals. possibilities to
Once built, it will create bright possibilities, not only for the dogs Please visit www.furryfriendsadoption.org or call make miracles
and cats in our care, but for the entire community. It will truly be a 561.747.5311 ext. 1 for more information. Ask for Pat Deshong, happen for our
destination point for everyone to come & be a part of the promise President, or Curry Krasulak, Director of Development. Furry Friends”
we give to our animals each and every day. The promise of “happily This is what Furry Friends is all about…rescuing, rehabilitating,
ever after” for every single one… no matter how long it takes. and giving homeless companion animals their best future… no
From the bottom of our hearts, we are so thankful to the sponsors, matter how long it takes to find it. We have many wonderful
donors, volunteers, staff members, businesses and supporters who dogs and cats at our Jupiter Adoption Center and Palm City
make up our vast cheerleading team. With you, we are making the Ranch. We invite you to come visit us! Our website is www.
possibilities for miracles a reality. furryfriendsadoption.org.
Blessings to you for your support and faith in us… all for the Furry Friends depends on the generous support from donors
LOVE of animals! like you. Without Furry Friends, the future of the many animals
Paid Advertisement