Methods
We planted 500 clumps of four SAV species in 30 quadrats on June 25, 1998.The species were redhead grass, widgeongrass, and sago pondweed, and about 20 clumps of wild celery. Plants were grown at Anne Arundel Community College. We planted them on 0.5 meter centers in 2 meter square quadrats, 16 clumps per square. We did not use fencing for anchoring. About half of the quadrats were in shallow water, about 0.4 meters deep at low tide, and half were in deeper water, about 0.7 meters deep at low tide. Salinity at the time of the planting was 6 ppt and Secchi depth was 0.8 meters. Planting locations were on the north and south sides of an undeveloped point, and are shown on the attached map. The project was funded by US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Survival
On the south side, facing the mouth of the creek, about 40% of the plants survived through October 1998. None of the wild celery survived. In a few squares the SAV covered up to 80% of the square (see attached photo). On the north side, facing up the Creek, about 15% of the plants were left in October 1998. However, none of the plants came back in 1999 or 2000. Fencing the plants would probably increase survival, since several mute swans and Canada geese were seen in this creek, and some of the plants showed signs of grazing. It also appeared that the south side had higher wave energy than expected, and the north side may have been too shady.

For more information please contact Peter Bergstrom at 
sav@magothyriver.org