Draining of the lake and installation of the new footbridge
In February 2024, after several months of waiting and a complete draining of the lake, a brand-new footbridge was installed on the La Source campus of the University of Orléans!
How to refill the lake?
Following the draining, the lake was naturally refilled with rainwater.
This abundant rainfall partially replenished the lake, encouraging the return of both flora and fauna.
Starting in May 2024, the Landscaping Services, in collaboration with the Ecological Transition Mission and researchers from the P2E laboratory, began introducing a variety of aquatic plant species into the lake.
The project aims to promote biodiversity, enhance the beauty of the lake, and provide students with on-site plant species to study during their practical classes.
Examples of aquatic plants introduced into the lake include:
Butomus umbellatus: a graceful flower with tall stems and umbrella-like clusters of blossoms up to 10 cm wide
Azolla: a floating plant that regulates light, acts as an excellent natural fertilizer for vegetable gardens, controls mosquito larvae, and captures heavy metals
Utricularia: an aquatic carnivorous plant that feeds on mosquito larvae
June 2024: Aquatic plantings by the Aquatic Bezançon company
2025: Nature returns
In 2025, a pair of swans made the campus lake their new home.