Much is known about how invasive aquatic plants affect communities they inhabit; however, few surveys have been conducted to determine the chemical, physical, and biological factors correlated with invasive aquatic plant abundances. This study took a first step toward understanding the correlations among water quality, native plant and invertebrate communities, and invasive aquatic plant abundance in small ponds. Preliminary surveys were conducted in four ponds in southern Connecticut: Colony Pond in Ansonia, Osbournedale Pond in Derby, West Campus Pond at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, and Mondo Pond in Milford. Water quality parameters (depth, Secchi depth, nitrate, phosphate, coliform bacteria) and aquatic plant and invertebrate abundances were measured at five locations in each pond. Osbournedale pond had high invasive plant cover (53%). Colony and Mondo Pond had low invasive plant cover (2-3%). West Campus at Sacred Heart University contained no invasive plants. Principal component analysis revealed correlations between invasive plant abundance, phosphate, and coliform bacteria. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) showed distinct biological communities at each site, which may correspond to invasion risk. The preliminary data collected from this survey can guide future studies to predict invasive plant cover
