MDC and partners create floating wetlands around Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently recognized multiple partners who have worked to establish man-made islands on lakes and ponds around Springfield.

According to an MDC news release, the department recognized the City Utilities of Springfield, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Dickerson Park Zoo, Ozarks Tech College and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at Lost Hill Park on Thursday, Sept. 4, in Springfield.

MDC and the various groups worked to make floating wetlands in Fellows Lake, McDaniel Lake, Valley Water Mill Lake, several ponds at Dickerson Park Zoo and a pond at Springfield's Doling Park.

"This dynamic group of partners has been instrumental in the ongoing development and establishment of floating wetlands,” said Kara Tvedt, MDC Fisheries Biologist, in the release. “Each partner has contributed unique expertise and dedication, collectively advancing both the practical development and educational outreach of this innovative environmental solution.”

The release says floating wetlands help to reduce and treat complex problems that are created by excess nutrients in our watershed.

“What we’ve done so far is just the first step,” Tvedt said. “We’d eventually like to provide instructions and technical advice to landowners who want to do this on their ponds and small lakes, too."