The arrival of warmer weather, while welcome, unfortunately creates a highly favorable period for the proliferation and increased visibility of invasive species within and around our cherished lake ecosystems. These species can pose a significant and ongoing threat to the delicate ecological balance of the Turkey Creek area, impacting native biodiversity, water quality, and recreational activities.

Given the potential for rapid spread, proactive community vigilance is essential. This document serves as a helpful resource for residents and visitors to become informed partners in the early detection and control of these harmful organisms.

Your active participation in monitoring the environment and promptly reporting any suspicious sightings is the most effective defense mechanism against the widespread establishment of invasive species, ensuring the long-term health and beauty of the Turkey Creek lakes for all to enjoy!

Phragmites on Pipewort

• Details: The invasive grass Phragmites australis ssp. australis (phragmites) can grow up to 20 feet tall.
• Ecosystem Effect: It forms a dense monoculture when it invades a lakeshore, eliminating native plants, including the tiny state-endangered plant pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum).
• Prevention/Spread: Phragmites spread aggressively in Indiana wetlands through above-ground stems (stolons), underground root systems (rhizomes), and wind-dispersed seeds.

Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.)

• Details: This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It was first documented in the U.S. around the 1940s and is also known as spiked watermilfoil.
• Ecosystem Effect: The Eurasian watermilfoil crowds out native species. It forms thick mats in shallow lake areas, blocking sunlight and killing off native aquatic plants that are a food and shelter source for fish and other underwater species. Its presence threatens the diversity of native plants and the ecological balance of lakes and ponds, which in turn adversely affects recreational opportunities.
• Prevention/Spread: The plant can spread to other lakes by transmission, often inadvertently by recreationists. Even a fragment of the plant can attach to boat hulls, propellers, fishing gear, or swim rafts.

Curly Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus L.)

• Details: Curly pondweed, also called Curly-leaf pondweed, is native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia and was introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1800s. It provides value as a source of food and habitat during the winter and spring when most other plants are absent.
• Ecosystem Effect: This invasive plant tends to crowd out native submerged plant species and can grow to nuisance levels. It forms dense mats that inhibit the growth of native species and impede recreational activities.

Prevention and Control:

• Prevention: Overabundant growth is a symptom of excessive nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen). Control is best achieved by reducing or redirecting nutrient sources, such as by reducing fertilizer applications near the pond, properly maintaining septic systems, redirecting nutrient-rich runoff, and maintaining vegetative buffer strips.
• Physical Control: It can be very effective on small ponds and can be removed by raking or cutting, especially in the spring before seeds appear. Removed plants should be disposed of away from the pond edge to prevent them or their seeds from returning to the pond and to prevent decaying material from adding nutrients.
• Biological Control: Grass carp can be used to control the plant, as it is one of their preferred foods. A state permit is required, and grass carp must be purchased from an approved hatchery.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) (Lycorma delicatula)

• Details: The Spotted Lanternfly is a planthopper native to China, first detected in the U.S. around 2014. Its preferred host is the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), which is common in Indiana.
• Ecosystem Effect: It poses a serious economic threat to multiple U.S. industries, including viticulture, fruit trees, ornamentals, and timber. Both adults and nymphs feed on the vascular tissue of leaves, young shoots, branches, and trunks. This extensive feeding results in oozing wounds on woody tissue, wilting, and the death of branches.
• It is important to note that as of April 2026, spotted lanternflies have not officially been reported in Kosciusko County, but the highest concentration of reports in Indiana have been in our neighboring counties. 

Spread and Management:

• Spread: The pest can be spread long distances by people moving infested material. It overwinters as an egg laid on surfaces such as tree bark, firewood, rocks, outdoor furniture, equipment, and vehicles.
• Monitoring: Inspection of articles like logs, decorative grapevines, outdoor household articles, and vehicles coming from infested areas can assist in reducing its spread. Inspection of areas near the Tree of Heaven is a priority. Signs of infestation include honeydew and sooty mold that make the base of the tree and surrounding ground appear black.
• Management: Management should always begin with the least severe option.
  • Physical removal (swatting or stomping) can be used when populations are low.
  • Eliminating the preferred host, Tree of Heaven, can reduce SLF numbers.
  • Low-toxicity sprays such as horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can suppress nymphs and adults.
  • Contact insecticides (bifenthrin, carbaryl, or malathion) can be used as spot treatments.
  • Systemic insecticide treatments (dinotefuran or imidacloprid) can be used for more prolonged protection.

A clear and prompt reporting system is crucial for a rapid, effective response. Should you positively identify a suspected invasive species, the proper procedure for reporting its presence must be followed. This typically involves documenting the exact location (GPS coordinates are ideal), taking clear photographic evidence, and notifying the appropriate local or state environmental management agency, or TCDDCD board member. If you believe that you have found an invasive species around Turkey Creek, it can be reported to Indiana DNR here: DNR: Report Invasive Species