L.A. LOOKS NATIVE AQUATIC PLANTS Many Florida-native aquatic plant species can be found in the waters of Lake Ashton. Pictured clockwise are the most prevalent: Duck Potato, Bulrush, Pickerel Weed, and Spikerush. For the health of our lakes and ponds, these plants are essential. The roles these plants have vary from shoreline stability to filtering unwanted nutrients in the water that could fuel algae blooms. The Lake Ashton CDD contracts a reliable company for nuisance vegetation management. To protect native aquatic plant life, selective herbicides are utilized. If there are any questions or concerns, email Matt Fisher at mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com. LIVING WITH WILDLIFE There are many types of wildlife at Lake Ashton. During the spring many young animals, including sandhill cranes (colts), are seen roaming around Lake Ashton. At times residents may see a baby on its own and think it has been orphaned by its parents, which is actually very rare. Do not pick up baby animals or remove them from their natural environment. Report wildlife you think may be injured or orphaned to the nearest FWC Regional Office at 863-648-3200. Reference: myfwc.com/conservation/ youconserve/wildlife/injuredorphaned/ While some residents may think it is innocent to throw some pieces of old bread in their backyard or a pond, it is illegal to feed wildlife and can create an unfavorable situation. Species with rules related to feeding include bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, pelicans, alligators, crocodiles, and sandhill cranes. Feeding any type of wildlife can reduce their fear of humans which may result in aggression and the need for the animal to be removed or Central Native Plants of Florida By Lynn Davis The Swamp Milkweed is a cousin of the common milkweed. Like most weeds, this one also gets a “bad rap.” This is a low-maintenance pollinating garden must-have that blooms in the summer, although maybe not in its first year of growth. It is clump-forming and can reach four to five feet tall with a width of two to three feet. The clump of flowers are a soft mauve or reddish-violet color. The Swamp Milkweed is best planted in a wet area with plenty of sunshine. Some gardeners prefer to plant it in containers to maintain its spreading habits. However, be sure it’s big and has good drainage. The milkweed does not like to be uprooted and moved once established because of its deep taproots. Swamp Milkweed is the number one food source for monarch butterflies. It also attracts hummingbirds, bees and other birds to your yard. It requires no pruning. Removing dead stalks or dead heading is okay. The swamp milkweed can easily grow from seeds. killed in order to protect public safety. Cranes also have been known to damage window screens and do other property damage such as scratching at windows. Cranes attracted to people's yards for feed are put at risk as they walk across roads. Many sandhill cranes are killed each year on Florida roads. 12 Cranes' diets, which normally are quite diverse, are disrupted when they eat one food item (such as corn), consistently. Heavy pesticide use in urban lawns also is of concern. Young sandhill cranes have died from pesticide poisoning. People may inadvertently put sandhill cranes at risk when they attract them with feed, even accidentally, such as when bird seed is spilled from bird feeders onto the ground. In 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission made it illegal to intentionally feed sandhill cranes (Florida Administrative Code 68A-4.001(6)). It's never a good idea to feed wildlife. Florida sandhill cranes have an abundance of natural foods (insects and small animals) and they do not need handouts from humans. Reference: myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/sandhillcranes/
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