GOING WILD FOR HABITAT

Above: A wild celery seedling will grow into underwater fish and wildlife habitat, as well as vegetation for shoreline restoration.

A tiny strand of wild celery (Vallisneria americana) and its kin are well on their way toward becoming stock for submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV (underwater plants). SAV plays a big role in water quality improvement and as an underwater food source for fish and other species. PDE scientists are cultivating wild celery as part of a pilot program to enhance native SAV communities in the Delaware River.