Merriman Pond, Watertown - 2015

2015 Aquatic Plant Survey Map of Merriman Pond

Transect Data | Water Data

       Merriman Pond is a 35-acre waterbody in Watertown, CT. Its shoreline is mostly forested except for a golf course along the southeastern shore and a road at the southern end where there is also a town boat launch. The shallow nature of the pond combined with a mucky bottom provides favorable conditions for aquatic plant growth.

       CAES IAPP previously surveyed Merriman Pond in 2005 and found two invasive plant species and six native species. Our 2015 resurvey found the same two invasive species, fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) and variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) and ten native species in the pond. Fanwort dominated the pond in both years and grew everywhere except one area along the southern shore. Variable-Leaf watermilfoil was also found in similar locations in 2005 and 2015 (small patches in the north and one cove along the eastern shore). Watershield (Brasenia schreberi) was the most dominant native species and grew along the entire shoreline in both years. Other native species that were frequently found in both years were bladderworts: humped bladderwort (Utricularia gibba), purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea), and floating bladderwort (Utricularia radiata).

Other Merriman Pond Surveys: 2005