Written by: Shannon Junior, Ecologist & Sr. Business Development Consultant

Lakes and ponds can be amazing focal points of our communities. People are innately drawn to water, and local waterbodies create natural spaces to enjoy a morning run, an afternoon walk with the dog, or a neighborhood social event. Many communities that I work with have implemented beautification and habitat enhancement projects for their ponds, and some have even hosted kids fishing derbies or remote control boat races.

But while maintaining healthy and attractive waterbodies is a priority for most HOAs, the basic structural and functional maintenance activities are frequently overlooked. It’s relatively easy for the average community manager or resident to identify when their stormwater pond is experiencing problems when it’s covered in weeds and algae or when the fish stop biting, but many of the tell-tale signs of structural trouble are more subtle and difficult to identify.

Through SOLitude’s corporate volunteering and community outreach program, The SOLution, company leaders have named Sales Support Administrator Ellen Stace of Newport News, VA, the Volunteer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2020. As an active member of The SOLution program, Ellen plays an important role in identifying community service efforts for her local office.

Though the holidays look a little different in 2020, there are still many ways to spread cheer and create a meaningful season for others. This month, SOLitude Lake Management has continued the company's annual HOLiday Cheer tradition, which aims to bring joy to children and families facing challenges during the month of December.

SOLitude's teams collected 382 presents and necessities valued at $4,440 to gift to 103 children as part of the Salvation Army's nationwide Angel Tree initiative. In light of the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SOLitude team was proud to support the organization, which had prepared to assist approximately 155% more families than years prior. 

Pictured: Courtney Yogerst (left) and Leslie Bruns (right) at Hillcrest Middle School in Glendale, AZ.

This year, families across the country are struggling emotionally and financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, SOLitude Lake Management is passionate and proud to provide food and donations to ensure deserving families are able to celebrate a safe and fulfilling Thanksgiving.

This month, SOLitude colleagues successfully provided turkeys and grocery store gift cards to 267 families through Little GOBBLERs, which is one of several community outreach programs that falls under The SOLution—the dedicated charitable arm of the company.

On November 20th, individuals from across the country came together to give thanks to the environment and our local communities through a multitude of volunteering and community service events. These initiatives were organized by SOLitude Lake Management in celebration of the second annual Heart and SOL Day, which the company established in 2019 as a way to collectively demonstrate gratitude and make a positive difference on the Friday preceding Thanksgiving. Heart and SOL Day is just one of several events hosted under the charitable arm of the company called The SOLution.

Written by Gavin Ferris, Ecologist

AS SEEN IN National Community Association Institute's (CAI) publication, Common Ground

The very first fish I remember catching was a bullhead catfish. It was in a small pond in my grandparents’ HOA community that is still there today. Well, sort of. Though the pond had once been deep enough for fishing and stormwater collection, its depth is now best measured in inches rather than feet. The cattails that were once clustered near the outflow are now abundant throughout the pond. Today, the waterbody resembles the nearby wetland more than it does a pond. In the 55 years of its existence, no measures have ever been taken to mitigate against the natural process of succession.

Lake and pond succession is the natural lifecycle of any waterbody. The very tributaries that supply a waterbody with its water also carry sediment, which over time accumulates and decreases the water depth. Aquatic weeds and nuisance vegetation decompose and create additional organic sediment. And the shallower the pond becomes, the more vegetation it produces—accelerating the aging process.

The days have been slow, but the year has gone by fast! As we round out 2020, let’s take a look at the year’s most popular educational articles. Take a peek (or refresh your memory) with our top five, which cover all things aeration, toxic algae, shoreline erosion and the importance of lakes and ponds during the current pandemic. If you want to learn more interesting facts about your lakes and ponds, subscribe to our blog!

Written by Greg Blackham, Aquatic Specialist

AS SEEN IN Parks and Rec Business publication.

Whether you’ve recently stepped into a new role as a community manager or parks manager, or simply decided to turn more attention to the aesthetic needs of your facilities, there’s a good chance your responsibilities include overseeing a lake or stormwater pond. Maintaining a fully interactive aquatic ecosystem that is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe for the community can be daunting! Some choose to take this on “in-house” (either to cut down on costs or because they enjoy the challenge it brings) but it’s important to recognize possible complications and dangers that make professional intervention necessary.

There’s no true “how-to” guide for the management of freshwater resources; each waterbody and the management challenges that come with it are completely unique. However, all lakes and ponds can benefit from proactive, sustainable management efforts. Here are some rules of thumb that every facilities manager can benefit from keeping in mind...

Written by Aaron Cushing, Fisheries Biologist

Due to the more fast-paced lifestyles of modern families, people spend less time meeting their neighbors and enjoying the outdoors. Thankfully, many new communities are being designed around lakes and ponds, giving children and families easy access to something I traveled long distances for as a kid – a fishing spot.

These waterbodies set the scene for making memories and learning important lessons in patience, perseverance and the benefits of quality time near the water. in fact, studies show that time spent around the water leads to increased happiness and greater peace of mind. With a little planning, a neighborhood lake or stormwater pond can quickly and easily be transformed into a cost-effective fishing hot spot and proud focal point for the whole community.

By Jason Luce, Lake Management Scientist

Throughout history, humans have always been drawn to water. Each of us undoubtedly has positive memories centered around a lake, pond or river. After all, these resources have forever played an important role in the health, happiness and functionality of our communities by serving as sources of food, drinking water and recreation. But as our world becomes increasingly developed, the risk of spreading aquatic plant species to non-native regions is at an all-time high. Once established in new ecosystems, invasive species can threaten local wildlife, impede recreational activities, even interfere with management of stormwater.

The eradication of invasive species can certainly be viewed as an investment in the long-term safety and enjoyment of our water resources, but how can we accomplish this sustainably?