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Re: Retention Pond Tree Recommendations

Fred, from my notes, here are recommendations from David Mahler, recognized in 
central Texas (at least) as an authority on wetland/retention pond/native 
species issues.  I've visited several of his projects and seen these things in 
action:

- A large amount of plants provides a lot of surface area for microorganisms, 
which effectively filter run-off.  The plants themselves serve to absorb and 
slow flood waters, and provide erosion control.  From a grass perspective, good 
choices include switch grass and Eastern gama grass, which can be used on the 
edges.  Most plants of this type can grow aggressively, which is not a bad 
thing.  There are many showy plants that could be mixed in:  swamp milkweed, 
ironweed, marsh fleabane.

- For mosquito control, native "mosquito fish" are essential (genus: 
gambusia?).  Also provide vertical surfaces for dragonflies, whose primary food 
is mosquitoes.  Horsetail is an excellent native for this, and I believe it has 
a very large range.  I've noticed that ponds (or any place with quiet water) 
attract mosquitoes - the trick here is to ensure that they don't reproduce.  
The site then serves as a "black hole", always providing their predators with a 
meal but not allowing them to increase.  

I read some info recently about Ohio "prairie fens" in the 
Canadian "Wildflower" magazine (it was mixed into the article about dodder and 
other parasitic plants).  This might serve as a model for the pond.

,,Scott
central TX

> I am a member of the North Liberty Trees Forever committee and would
> appreciate any suggestions anyone has on native plantings around an urban
> retention pond.


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