Lily Pads can hurt a pond ecosystem if uncontrolled
Ponds can beautify a property
Ponds can grow significantly to allow a variety of plant growth
Ponds
A pond can add both beauty and utility to your property. The following resources may be helpful as you consider building a pond, or managing an existing one.
Building A New Pond
Successful ponds require careful planning. New ponds must be located in the best spot possible, supplied by a consistent water source, and constructed with an adequate spillway.
Stocking Your Pond
Trout, bass and blue gills are popular choices for stocking your pond. Find resources here that will explain fish choices, requirements, necessary permits, and more.
Aquatic Weeds & Algae
Decisions about aquatic weeds have consequences for swimming, fishing, and environmental quality. We recommend a step-by-step approach to weed management.
Controlling Cattails
A few cattails can be desirable in a pond however they often grow into thick stands. Learn various methods to use to control them, here.
Pond Safety
Lack of close supervision, underestimating children's curiosity or overestimating their sense of judgment all contribute to young children drowning in farm ponds. Learn how to keep your pond safe, here.
Attracting Pond Wildlife
Most ponds will attract significant wildlife without any effort on your part. Here are suggestions on how to attract or discourage wildlife from taking up residence at your pond.
Last updated August 5, 2015
Schoharie County Soil & Water Conservation District
Contact the Schoharie County Soil & Water Conservation District for a pond site evaluation to determine if your site is appropriate for a pond. SWCD is located at 173 South Grand St., Cobleskill, NY 12043 (starting 8/1/14) Telephone (518) 295-8811 or e-mail District@SchoharieSoilandWater.org
The Pond Guidebook
The Pond Guidebook (2007, Ochterski, et. al) is written for ponds of 1/8 acre or larger in the Northeast, the Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic United States. The authors explain the causes of many common pond problems and review the advantages and drawbacks of various treatments. The book suggests practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, promote healthy ecosystems, encourage responsible use of chemicals, and enhance biological diversity. View this publication as a PDF on the NRAES website.
Purchase a hard-copy of the book or download a low resolution fair-use copy here.
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Farm Pond Safety
This fact sheet from Penn State University Cooperative Extension covers steps to take to prevent accidental drownings in your farm pond.