Highlights were beautiful day, low wind and much better visibility through the water. I took more time to see about the large amount of Water Naiad + Water marigold in the lowest part of Zone 11. All appeared well.
Moved into Smith Cove and in grids 276 and 277 I found much more of the Common bladderwort with the long flower stems along the main plant stalk, averaging at least 7-12’’ in length. But this year, at least as of yet, there are no signs of Floating bladderwort as I had found last year.
Greely Cove was exceptionally clear of plant growth other than the fairly even blanket of bladderworts on the lake floor beneath the many white lilies and multiple areas of Floating hearts above. There were also more Water marigolds than I had ever noticed in previous years which made my heart stop until I identified what I was seeing. (Remember that the invasive Fanwort resembles Water marigold.)
Very little growth along the shore rounding the top of Greely Cove and into the Boynton Cove. There I found a large area of Water marigolds along with groups of native Elodea. I traveled north along the shore halfway up zone 9 to grid 239 then headed west to the buoy and south to Boynton Island. There is nothing more to report as I zigzagged back down to the end of South Cove.
FYI: Sadly, there were 11 cars parked along the road at the So Cove put-in. I spoke to many of the kayakers who stated they understood the critical importance of following the Clean-Drain-Dry motto. I also shared the worry of the Spiny water flea to anyone with fishing rods. That was new news to most.
O dear.
Section of a Common bladderwort with flower stalks reaching for lake's surface.
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