There have been questions and concerns recently regarding the aquatic vegetation in Granger Pond at Veterans Park. Lake Metroparks recognizes that there can be a difference of opinion as to the amount of vegetation that should exist on the pond, but the agency will continue to work hard to maintain an appropriate balance that promotes a healthy and beautiful pond.
Like all properties managed by Lake Metroparks, the agency strives to be a good steward of the natural resources under its care and works hard to protect and enhance the natural resources of Lake County while promoting outdoor recreation.
Veterans Park is the third most visited park in the Lake Metroparks system, with more than 292,000 visitors in 2021. Popular activities at the park include hiking, fishing, bird watching and general enjoyment of this beautiful Lake County resource. The agency spends an appropriate amount of time and money maintaining the park’s trails and facilities, stocking fish in the pond and keeping the park clean and safe.
In addition to maintaining other areas of the park, Lake Metroparks has conducted a diversified treatment plan for managing aquatic vegetation on Granger Pond since the mid 1990s. This process involves the annual chemical treatment of aquatic vegetation throughout the year to maintain a balance between open water and areas of native aquatic plants.
The amount of invasive aquatic species on Granger Pond remains low and the vast majority of vegetation on the pond are native plants such as lily pads and spatterdock. These plants play an important part in maintaining the health of the pond by providing food and habitat for a wide range of fish, birds, insects, and other native species.
This year, our region experienced very hot and dry spring and summer seasons that left the water level in Granger Pond 18 to 20 inches lower than normal. The shallower and warmer water promotes the growth of aquatic vegetation.
Since 2019, the agency has almost doubled the hours spent treating aquatic vegetation on the pond. Additional treatments were conducted in August and September to maintain an appropriate balance of open water and vegetative cover and additional steps will be taken in the spring to limit the amount of vegetation next year.
The park district continues to manage Lake County’s unique natural resources with an eye toward biological diversity and the protection of critical habitat. We strive to balance the needs of recreational park users with careful planning and active resource management.