Hidden Lake, Higganum - 2018

2018 Aquatic Plant Survey of Hidden Lake

Transect Data | Water Data

Hidden Lake is a 39-acre waterbody located in Higganum, CT. It is shallow with a maximum depth of two meters. The lake is bordered by dense development of residential homes with a dam at the lake’s west end. Access is limited to residents, and boats with motors are prohibited.
Our July 2018 survey was a resurvey of the lake; originally performed in 2005. Similar to 2005, the lake had a high abundance of plants with the northern, southern, and western coves having the highest plant density. No nonnative invasive species were present in either year. In 2005, the most abundant species was white water lily (Nymphaea odorata). Other floating-leaved species, such as watershield (Brasenia schreberi) and yellow water lily (Nuphar variegata), were common as well. In 2018, these species were less abundant and scattered throughout the lake. No large patches were present that would likely hinder recreational use. The reduction in plant density in 2018 may be due to the previous winter’s drawdown.
The most abundant species in the 2018 survey were small pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), slender naiad (Najas flexilis), common bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza), purple bladderwort (Utricularia purpurea), and eelgrass (Vallisneria americana). These species were each found throughout the majority of the lake, often growing together. Other species were found in less abundance along the shore of the lake: primrose willow (Ludwigia species), waterwort (Elatine species), spikerush (Eleocharis species), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), ribbon-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton epihydrus), snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), and floating-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton natans).

Other Hidden Lake Surveys: 2005