Cladophora

A teacher posed the challenge of writing a poem about botany. So here you go.

Emerald clumps of odor,
clinging to the shoreline.
Some call it seaweed or moss,
but really it is Cladophora-
That plagues our great lake.

This algae is taking over,
high phosphorus causes algal bloom.
Zebra mussels and quagga mussels,
clears the lake’s deep waters.
Bringing rays of light from above.

This excessive light remains,
the number one cause.
The cladophora is thriving,
abundant photosynthesis galore!
Humans are in dismay- no solution!

Phosphorus is the next step,
for us to solve our great problem.
Controlling the amount of run off,
of leaves, grass and dirt.
This step to regain our control.

Powerful algae in bloom,
promoting growth of e-coli.
Tainting once glorious beaches,
 shutting down energy plants.
Loss of money, tourists and summer fun.

Our impressive Lake Michigan,
once so clear and pristine.
Shorelines engulfed with green,
choking out the beach crowds.
Cladophora remains the ruling King.