The floating islands pilot project includes the installation of three islands in Riverbend pond and five in Bowes pond. These floating islands are filled with native plants and were purchased with funds from the Boulder County Sustainability Grant. The goal of this collaboration between the Sustainability and Parks departments is to protect Superior ponds from harmful algae blooms through a nature-based solution and provide habitat for local wildlife.
Currently, the Town applies herbicide to ponds as needed to prevent harmful algae blooms. Algae blooms are common in Superior during the summer in particular. This project offers an innovative alternative where the roots of the islands’ plants work to remove excess nutrients from the water. This prevents algae blooms that suck oxygen out of the water, which harms fish, birds and invertebrate species that rely on pond ecosystems.
Beyond preserving water quality, this project also allows pollinators to access the plants and provides habitats for fish below. Once the plants are established, Town staff will be creating access points in the fencing to allow ducks, small waterfowl and other wildlife like turtles to access the islands. The fencing will remain in place to keep geese off the islands, as they would pull out the tender plants growing on them.
The plants on the islands are small as of planting in June 2023, but they will grow larger throughout the summer and beyond, making the fencing less visible and giving the islands a natural feel. The islands are designed so the plants’ roots will grow down through the island and into the water.
The Town is monitoring water quality improvement in the selected ponds through regular testing and analysis. There is temporary signage up by the ponds about the floating island pilot, with more permanent signage to be installed later in the project. This pilot project will run for at least a year as Town staff tracks the effects of the islands on water quality and the local ecosystem. Floating islands have been successfully installed to help with algal blooms in Lakewood and other cities are considering this approach as well, so this project also encourages shared learning and collaboration between municipalities.