Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Green Heron is a secretive and sassy heron with a lot of personality. Although their plumage actually consists of a variety of colors, these small herons are mainly a dark greenish on the back and crown with a chestnut colored neck. This rather common heron has short yellow legs that become quite orange in the males during breeding season. The young birds are heavily streaked. Green Herons can be quite vocal at times making loud chicken-like clucks and a loud "kyow" as they fly away. This usually solitary heron often perches on branches in the water leaning out as far as possible to snatch a small minnow as it unsuspectingly swims by. The neck that appears short most of the time can extend farther than the viewer expects. They frequently raise their crowns sporting a "bad hair day" look. THE ROLE OF HERBICIDES IN WATERBODY MANAGEMENT The application of herbicides is a necessity in order to halt the enormous development of invasive vegetation, which is wreaking havoc on an ecosystem that is fragile. Without control, nuisance and invasive vegetation depletes aquatic ecosystems of dissolved oxygen, releases hazardous quantities of phosphorus, blocks sunlight, and suffocates native plant and animal life. In order to receive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for aquatic use, the chemicals used for lake and pond management If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email Matt Fisher at MFisher@lakeashtoncdd.com. Native Flowers of Central Florida By Lynn Davis Muhly Grass is an ornamental grass native to Florida and eastern states. It can grow to 3-4 feet in height and 2-3 feet in width. It grows in clumps and its flower stalks bring a beautiful pink or purple airy look to any landscape usually beginning in August and ending in December. The grass can be cut back in December, but if you wait until early spring, it’ll provide a winter interest. It’s best to divide the grass every 2-3 years. The grass is often planted near fences or in borders for better show. Muhly grass is super easy to grow and nearly maintenance free. Once established it is drought tolerant, takes heat, and is forgiving to poor soils. Though it likes sun, it tolerates shade too. There is another variety called “White Cloud” if pink isn’t for you. Take a ride around the LA pavilion for a closer look. It was recently planted by the LA Garden Club. For more information visit Florida Native Plant Society. are subjected to years of research and intensive monitoring. When treating local bodies of water, the vendor for aquatic management contracted by the Lake Ashton CDD does so in accordance with the appropriate mixing ratios.
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