In the Spring of 2021, while installing a system at Brown Deer Park Golf Course, one of our strategic partners asked that we reach out to Matt Pargman at Indian Trails Campground in Pardeeville, WI. At this point, we had never considered the campground industry and its need for our system. We made the trek up to Pardeeville and started out by putting two units in their small swim pond and 2 units in an area of their 15-acre lake where they rented paddleboards and other watercrafts. Matt and Tiff told us about their struggles with algae and extensive muck build-up at the bottom of both bodies of water.
Matt reached out to us in the fall of that year and was blown away by the results. Not only had we significantly reduced algae blooms, but through testing of his own accord, we had reduced bottom muck by anywhere from 2-6 inches. Matt and Tiff decided to purchase 10 more systems for their large lake.
As impressive as the results were, the biggest factor was time spent on maintenance. As Matt explained to us, the one thing that campground owners don’t have an abundance of is time. Providing better results than any other failed solution of the past and cutting maintenance time by over 90% made this an absolute no-brainer for them.
Matt immediately told us that we had to get in front of every campground in the country, thus launching us into hectic preparation for the ARVC show that was two weeks away. We had great success at ARVC and have not looked back. The campground industry is unlike anything else, and we are excited to continue helping campground owners nationwide.
Indian Trails Campground located in Pardeeville, WI is one of the premier campgrounds in the state. Family owned since 1965, it has become the most celebrated destination for its wide range of family activities offered in one natural setting. See the sights, climb new heights, sleep under starry nights… and discover why so many families make Indian Trails a yearly tradition!
Algae are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that live in a variety of aquatic environments, including ponds. During the winter months, many algae species in the Midwest United States die off due to the cold temperatures and reduced sunlight. However, there are some species that can survive these harsh conditions and emerge in early spring.
One such species is the diatom Fragilaria crotonensis. This diatom has a unique adaptation that allows it to survive in low-light and low-temperature environments. During the winter months, it produces a thick mucilage layer that helps protect it from freezing and provides a source of nutrients. This layer also helps anchor the diatom to the sediment at the bottom of the pond, preventing it from being swept away by currents.
Another algae species that is able to survive the winter in Midwest ponds is the green algae, Oedogonium. This species have the ability to produce dormant cells called akinetes that can survive in low-light and low-nutrient conditions for extended periods of time. In the fall, Oedogonium produces these akinetes, which sink to the bottom of the pond and remain dormant until the conditions are suitable for growth in the spring.
While these algae species can survive the winter months, they are not the only factors that contribute to their emergence in early spring. The timing of their emergence is also influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, and nutrient availability. In the early spring, as temperatures begin to rise and the days get longer, the diatoms and green algae begin to grow and reproduce.
One of the potential consequences of the emergence of pond algae in early spring is the formation of harmful algal blooms (HAB’s). HAB’s can occur when there is an overgrowth of algae, often caused by an excess of nutrients in the water. These blooms can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and can be harmful to human health, as some algae species produce toxins.
In conclusion, while many algae species in Midwest ponds die off during the winter months, there are some species, such as Fragilaria crotonensis and Oedogonium, that can survive and emerge in early spring. These algae species have unique adaptations that allow them to survive in low-light and low-temperature environments, and their emergence is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, and nutrient availability. The emergence of pond algae in early spring can have both positive and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and it is important to monitor these populations to prevent the formation of harmful algal blooms.
Keith Watts started using our system back in 2022 and graciously sent us this testimonial video. We first learned about his struggle with algae at the ARVC Conference & Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina back in 2021. Adding to the challenge, chemicals were not an option for regulatory reasons. Campers love using the pond for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and all kinds of fun, so our system was the ALL-Natural choice! By putting a 2-unit Bio-Health Pod System in the water he has reduced nutrient levels in the pond, thus taking away the conditions that were causing the frequent and heavy algae blooms. Whispering Pines RV Campground is located in Cle Elum, WA on the beautiful Yakima River, and is a great place to stay whether you’re glamping or camping: Whispering Pines Website
Recent Comments