Georgia, known for its warm climate and southern hospitality, might not be the first place that comes to mind for winter bird watching. However, the colder months bring about a unique avian spectacle, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Among the many feathered wonders that grace Georgia’s winter landscapes, Snowy Egrets and Sandhills stand out, captivating the hearts of both seasoned birders and casual nature lovers alike. Snowy Egrets: Wings of Grace in Georgia’s Chilled Waters As the winter chill blows in, it brings with it the arrival of Snowy Egrets, elegant birds with slender bodies ..read more

Georgia, with its diverse aquatic ecosystems, is home to a wide variety of fish species. As winter sets in and temperatures drop, these underwater inhabitants face numerous challenges. Understanding how fish adapt to the cold is not only fascinating but also crucial for conservation efforts. Human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, can disrupt the natural behaviors of fish, making them more vulnerable during winter. Nature has equipped them with diverse strategies to survive the challenges of the colder months. By studying and respecting these adaptations, we ..read more

As temperatures begin to drop in Georgia, not only is it time to pull out your favorite winter coat, but also to prepare your water features for the cold months ahead. Proper winterization safeguards your water features and ensures the well-being of the equipment and plants and animals living within them. Whether you have a serene pond, an elegant fountain, or a vibrant water garden, you can use the steps outlined below to provide protection from the chilly season ahead. Cleaning and Removal The first step in winterizing any water feature is cleaning. Remove debris such as fallen leaves, twi ..read more

As the summer sun begins its gradual retreat, the wildlife in Georgia undergo a captivating transformation, signaling the arrival of autumn. Amidst the rustling of leaves and the gentle ripples of water, a choreography of behavior unfolds among the diverse inhabitants. Migratory birds prepare for their journeys, reptiles embrace the cooling temperatures, fish recalibrate their feeding patterns, and beavers intensify their activities. All while the wetland plants play a supporting role, offering sustenance. Migratory birds begin to exhibit a subtle transformation. With the approach of winter ..read more

Here comes that crisp cool air and the stunning beauty of the changing leaves. It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of Fall. It’s also important to remember that has the leaves begin to fall they can pose a significant threat to stormwater systems if not properly managed. Allowing fall leaves to accumulate and clog storm drains can lead to flooding, water pollution, and increased maintenance costs. Therefore, adopting preventive measures to ensure that your storm system remains free from debris is essential for both environmental preservation and community safety. Fall leaves are beautif ..read more

Summer in Georgia brings forth warm weather, outdoor activities, and unfortunately, pesky mosquitos. These tiny insects not only cause itchy bites but also pose health risks by carrying diseases. Fortunately, you can take proactive measures to minimize mosquito populations naturally and effectively.  In this article we’ll examine various strategies, such as planting lemon grass and lavender, installing bat houses, using larvicides, and introducing native fish species. Harnessing the Power of Plants Some plants naturally repel mosquitoes and are excellent choices for keeping these bothers ..read more

Protecting water quality is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem in Georgia’s lakes and ponds. Previously, we wrote about how to ensure healthy water quality by targeting and eliminating aquatic weeds. This article will focus on the use of aeration systems for maintaining optimal water conditions. Identifying the Aeration System for Your Water Needs One of the most effective ways to protect water quality is through the use of aeration systems. Aeration systems help to reduce bacterial activity and control unwanted algae growth, thereby improving water quality. There are two types of a ..read more

Checking our recent rain gauge, it seems hard to believe the Earth’s water supply is finite. The fact remains, though, that while our planet holds 326,000,000 cubic miles of water, less than 1% of that amount is available as fresh water. Water is, without question, our most precious resource on this planet. It also plays an integral role in the ambiance of private ponds, lakes, HOA communities, shopping centers, golf courses, and other commercial and public properties. Because water is so important for maintaining optimal conditions in various settings, it may seem that irrigation is the sing ..read more

They sound like creatures spawned in a low-budget horror movie: eel-like fish with sharp teeth, the ability to breathe air and move on land, and known for their unpleasantly aggressive tendencies. But the snakehead fish (Channa sp.) are neither Hollywood nightmare nor urban legend – they’re real, and their numbers are growing in the U.S. Snakeheads are freshwater fish from Asia, first imported to the United States for food and as aquarium fish. There are several species currently known to be reproducing in our waters, with the Northern Snakehead being most prevalent. Snakeheads can reach 3-4 ..read more

During fishery assessment, it is not uncommon to come across spots in lakes where there is a larger-than-usual quantity of fish. Such areas are often littered with fallen trees or sunken tree stumps and manmade creations such as brush piles, Christmas trees, rock piles etc. These all make up the category of fish structure. Other structures can include both submersed aquatic plants like pondweeds and emergent plants such as water willow (Justicia americana). All in all, anything that makes fish congregate around or offers them shelter or spawning sites can be considered as fish structure. The p ..read more