The United States loses around 60,000 acres of wetland annually due to urbanization, changes in water runoff, drought, invasive species, and other impacts. Constructing new natural wetlands and other reclamation efforts can be time-consuming, costly, and require earth-moving equipment.
BioHaven® vegetated mats create a sustainable ecosystem for better water quality and diverse habitats for plants, wildlife, and fish. Floating wetlands encourage robust microbial activity to help cycle phosphorus and reduce nitrogen, heavy metals, and other pollutants for cleaner surface water. The native wetland plants on the islands will grow back every year and attract a variety of pollinators above the water line.
Biohaven® Floating Islands Technology
BioHaven® Floating Islands were recognized by the U.S. State Department in 2014 as one of the top six innovations in water technologies. This acknowledgment highlights their significant impact on enhancing above-water and underwater ecosystems.
These artificial floating islands are constructed using a framework of non-woven PET plastic fibers sourced from BPA-free recycled plastic beverage containers. Marine-grade foam is injected into the framework to enhance buoyancy. Additionally, they are equipped with plant holes and anchor points to encourage optimal plant growth and adaptability for various aquatic environments, including shallow, deep, and flowing water bodies.
BioHaven® Floating Islands are designed with a unique matrix that offers more than 125 square feet per cubic foot of surface area, which includes extended roots below the floating island. These floating islands serve as a virtual bioreactor, replicating the functions of floating peat bogs and natural wetlands.
Floating Islands for Lakes
Lake restoration seeks to re-establish the lake’s overall structure, function, and self-sustaining natural behaviors. BioHaven® Floating Wetland Islands for lakes minimize the surplus nutrients present in the lake’s bays and help maintain clear water suitable for drinking, fishing, wildlife support, and human activity.
- Maintain a balanced ecology above and below the water’s surface
- Reduce algae bloom occurrences
- Provide protection for fish spawning among the long roots that hang below the islands
- Create habitat for animals and insects
- Provide nesting islands for loons and other waterfowl away from land predators
- Create an additional sanctuary for aquatic creatures. Small fish and macroinvertebrates will be protected among the long island roots.
- Help reduce bank erosion
- Create separation barriers for human water-based activity
Ice breakups can be very destructive in northern lakes. Ice can damage bridges and move shorelines, and fast-moving ice sheets can damage islands as the ice breaks up. We recommend placing islands in locations that could sustain a floating dock. Islands are fine all winter in stormwater ponds and protected bays. Many people tow our loon nesting islands with a canoe from shore to and from the summer location.
Floating Islands for Wetlands
Wetland restoration seeks to modify a previous or seriously degraded wetland’s physical, chemical, and biological attributes to restore natural functions. Many federal and state guidelines exist for wetland restoration and they can be extremely costly and time-intensive to complete. BioHaven® Floating Wetlands provide artificial islands to reduce surplus nutrients, rebuild former wetlands, repair the wetland’s function, and add biodiversity.
- Restore wetland health and sustainability
- Improve water quality
- Create naturally enhancing biological and ecological habitats
- Enhance aquatic creature sanctuaries
Midwest Floating Island works with agencies, organizations, and private landowners to provide cost-effective wetland and lake floating vegetation mats to assist with restoration and reclamation efforts.
Benefits of Floating Water Mats in Wetland and Lake Restoration
Why should you consider using BioHaven® Floating Wetlands water mats in your wetland and lake restoration projects? There are many benefits:
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 needed for the launch. You can plant by the side of the waterbody and push the islands into the water to be anchored or tethered to shore. No destruction of the shoreline means better wetland and lake preservation.
Cost-Effective
Man-made floating wetlands are more affordable than other water treatments.
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.
Aesthetic Appeal
These floating water mats appear completely natural and add beauty to any wetland, artificial water body, or natural lake.
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. Our standard islands ship in 5-foot or 6.6-foot wide pieces. They can also be combined into larger islands.
Storm, Hurricane, and Winter Proof
Anchored floating wetlands withstand heavy storms and even withstood hurricane-force winds during Hurricane Isaac. They do not have to be removed during winter as long as you can leave a floating dock in that location. The native wetland plants should grow back and look lush for the following summer.
Effective
BioHaven® Floating Wetlands are a chemical-free solution to improving ecosystems. They steward water conservation toward nature’s own processes, which has massive benefits for ecosystem health.
Enjoy Triple Benefits from Every Application
You get at least two additional benefits for every reason you install a floating island. Better water quality also enhances aquatic life and aesthetics. Wildlife habitats can provide important biodiversity by attracting new pollinators to the area.
Reduce Harmful Insect Populations
More insects and birds also happily feed on the mosquitoes, reducing their population. BioHaven® Floating Wetlands always provide more than you bargain for in welcome additions to your property.
Learn More About Wetland and Lake Restoration 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 lakes and wetlands. Contact Midwest Floating Island in St. Paul, Minnesota, 651-379-2480, or complete the interest form to request a contact.