CAES IAPP surveyed two unnamed ponds in Pawcatuck, CT. They are accessible only through private property on a piece of land designated for conservation. The larger pond was about 2.5 acres and is relatively shallow with a maximum depth of 3.0 meters. The smaller pond is less than 0.5 acres and is spring fed.
CAES IAPP surveyed the ponds in June 2011. Thirteen plant species were found in the larger pond. Two of the plants were invasive: Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and minor naiad (Najas minor). Minor naiad was found in small to medium patches close to the shore scattered around the shoreline. Eurasian watermilfoil was co-dominant with the native species clasping-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus). They were commonly found growing together in large, dense patches in water greater than 0.5 meters where they grew with humped bladderwort (Utricularia gibba). Cattail (Typha species) also grew along the majority of the shoreline. Other native species found include marsh primrose-willow (Ludwigia palustris), snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), marsh mermaid weed (Proserpinaca palustris), bur-reed (Sparganium species), and water starwort (Callitriche species).
The smaller pond contained only five species, none of which were invasive. White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) and water smartweed (Polygonum amphibium) were species found in this pond but not the larger pond. Water starwort and marsh primrose-willow were also found.
| Species recorded in our 2011 survey of Private Pond, Pawcatuck. Scientific Names *Invasive Species |
|
| Bur-Reed | Minor naiad* |
| Cattail | Snailseed pondweed |
| Clasping-Leaf pondweed | Spikerush |
| Eurasian watermilfoil* | Water smartweed |
| Humped bladderwort | Water starwort |
| Marsh mermaid weed | Waterwort |
| Marsh primrose-willow | White water lily |