Without proper upkeep, ponds become dirty and degrade over time. BioHaven® Floating Wetland Islands create a sustainable ecosystem for better water quality. Whether it is a pond in your neighborhood, a business, or a zoo, islands can help.
Native plants on the islands cycle nutrients by pulling up pond water. The long roots help reduce TSS to make the water clearer. However, the main path to reduce nutrients and TSS comes from the sticky biofilm and microbes that colonize the plant roots and the porous matrix material that makes up the island base. You can read the case studies in the wide range of literature about how these islands process nutrients and remove pollutants from the water column.
Habitat Improvement
The vegetated mats also provide valuable habitat in urban ponds. The island mats provide a base for more diverse plants that will not be lost due to droughts or floods, like on the shoreline when there are major changes in the pond depth.
Diverse native plants on the islands attract different animals and insects to the pond. One nature center was pleased that various birds, rather than only red-winged blackbirds, were around the center after the islands were launched. More bird and insect pollinators visiting diverse plants can also help reduce mosquitoes around the water.
We always encourage people to plant Swamp Milkweed on the islands. Monarch butterflies need milkweed for their eggs, but their population has significantly declined due to habitat loss across the US as they migrate.
Biohaven® Floating Islands Technology
The U.S. State Department acknowledged BioHaven® Floating Islands as one of the top six innovations in water technologies in 2014. Experts recognized their incredibly positive and sustainable improvements to above-water and underwater ecosystems.
Midwest Floating Island custom-builds an artificial floating island for your pond using non-woven PET plastic fibers sourced from BPA-free recycled plastic beverage containers as the framework. Additional marine-grade foam enhances buoyancy. We also include anchor points for added stability and wicking holes to encourage optimal plant growth.
Each BioHaven® Floating Island offers well over 125 square feet per cubic foot of surface area, including plant roots underwater. Your pond can have its own bioreactor to keep the water clean and support native plants and other ecology.
Floating Islands for Ponds
Public or private ponds are subject to drought, pollution, algae, and natural overgrowth, compromising their health and usability. BioHaven® Floating Wetland Islands for ponds encourage self-sustaining natural behaviors, minimize surplus nutrients, and create a better environment for fish, wildlife, and other aquatic uses.
- Maintain a balanced ecology above and below the water’s surface
- Improve water health
- Reduce algae blooms
- Use as a floating garden
Midwest Floating Island works with local organizations, municipalities, and private landowners to provide cost-effective and eco-friendly pond floating vegetation mats for better environmental health, wildlife support, and beautification purposes.
Benefits of Floating Water Mats in Ponds
Why should you consider using BioHaven® Floating Wetlands water mats in your private or public-use pond? The benefits are plentiful for everyone:
Eco-Friendly
The floating water mats provide ample area for microbes to attach and work to naturally remove impurities from the water. No earth-moving equipment is required for the launch, which is particularly beneficial for ponds on limited properties.
Cost-Effective
Man-made floating wetlands are relatively inexpensive compared to other water improvement tools. They also work well with bubblers or other aerators in the pond.
Long-Term Use
BioHaven® Floating Wetlands perform continuously after installation to improve water quality and provide wetland habitat. To extend their life, we have added UV protection called Armor. They can be left intact over winter to reduce maintenance and upkeep.
Aesthetic Appeal
These floating water mats appear entirely natural and add beauty to any man-made or natural pond on private or public property.
Customizable
Man-made floating wetlands from Midwest Floating Island are customizable. The islands can be created in various shapes and lengths, and we can also modify them to include extra buoyancy. Although the islands typically come in 5-foot or 6.6-foot wide pieces, they can also be combined into larger islands for more extensive ponds.
Storm, Hurricane, and Winter Proof
Anchored floating wetlands withstand heavy storms and even withstood hurricane-force winds during Hurricane Isaac. Islands can be left in ponds over the winter. The native wetland plants will return every spring.
Effective
BioHaven® Floating Wetlands are a chemical-free solution to water treatment. It stewards water conservation by using natural processes to improve ecosystem health and reduce harmful effects.
Enjoy Triple Benefits from Every Application
For every reason you install a floating island, you get at least two additional benefits. If you choose islands for better water appearance, the better water quality also enhances aquatic life and aesthetics. Wildlife habitats can provide important biodiversity by attracting new pollinators to the area.
Learn More About Pond Water Quality FWIs
BioHaven® Floating Wetland Islands (FWIs) mimic natural floating islands while harnessing natural processes to reduce nutrients and greatly enhance water and ecological conditions in private and public ponds. Contact Midwest Floating Island in St. Paul, Minnesota, at 651-379-2480 or complete the interest form to request a contact.