wellington | professional
Palm Beach Aquatics Is A Leader In Lake And Wetland Restoration
Protecting Water
STORY BY M. DENNIS TAYLOR | PHOTO BY CALLIE SHARKEY
Always interested in the idea of working to maintain a healthy environment, John Natale founded Palm Beach Aquatics in 1998 as a full-service environmental management company specializing in lake and wetland restoration. With his business partner Mike Lehman, the firm has become a Florida leader in environmentally friendly green technology for lake management. “Our services include algae and weed control, fountain sales and service, aquatic planting, fish stocking, bank restoration and beneficial bacteria programs,” said Natale, who moved to the Wellington area more than 30 years ago from Hartford, Conn. Committed to working to improve the environmental well-being of Florida’s communities, Palm Beach Aquatics achieves its goal in two important ways. First, it restores wetlands, promoting natural methods and thereby reducing chemicals and nutrients in ground and service waters. The company also helps to prevent weathering and provides animal habitat by the introduction of native vegetation — plants, grasses and trees — to their appropriate communities. “We are an authorized Aqua Control and Airmax fountain and aeration system dealer,” Natale said. “Placing a fountain or aerator in your waterway is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the ecosystem.” He added that other beneficial ac-
tions include the addition of aquatic plants and fish stocking. “We are a SePRO preferred applicator and stewards of the water. Our trained aquatic biologists have more than half a century of combined experience,” Natale said. Working in both the private and public sector, the team is experienced with small and large bodies of water and in advanced freshwater fish management. A new product being used by Palm Beach Aquatics is a weed control solution that is as effective as the chemical
in Roundup, without the carcinogenic compounds. The firm even offers an eco-friendly method for flying pest control. “We offer a completely green approach for mosquito, midge fly and black fly control that is very important for horse stables and farms in Wellington,” Natale explained. The green theme extends to the company itself, which conserves and limits overall energy consumption in its offices, facilities and vehicles. As an environmentally friendly company, Palm
Mike Lehman and John Natale of Palm Beach Aquatics with dog Blaze. wellington the magazine | december 2019
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