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The natural world is a diverse and fascinating place. If you look closely enough, it gets even better. It’s easy to overlook the creatures and their value in just about any environment.
For Instance:
What do you see?
Looks like a corn field coming out of winter, right? Not much going on, right? Right??
Look again:
Let me zoom in….
So, Sandhill Cranes are big - like really big. These fairly common avians are 4.5ft tall and have a wingspan of 6.5ft. Saying that, the only reason I was able to spot them at all is that their call resembles (what I imagine) a Pterydactyl would sound like. These guys are harbingers of spring in these parts, though the snow in the foreground says we have a little ways to go yet before we can expect to see leaves and flowers….
These very large critters are nearly invisible in this setting, and they are 4ft tall! Imagine what you are missing in an ecosystem that trends towards much smaller species. Ecosystems like your backyard pond or water garden.
The creatures that call your pond home are indicators of how nice a place it is to live. You can tell a lot about a pond by looking closely at the organisms that reside therein. As a rule, the more species that are present, the more valuable/productive your ecosystem.
Keep your eyes peeled for what species of birds, frogs, turtles, and insects frequent your pond. Those species can tell you what to do next. There are WAY more organisms using your pond than the fish you stocked. In fact, if there weren't a plethora of life in your pond right now, it would be a very sickly looking place.
The very best way to attract Mother Nature’s bountiful boisterous brethren (i.e., a diverse mix of species) to inhabit your pond is to provide them a great place to live.
Create an aquatic neighborhood where all are welcome.
FieldofDreamsMay06 - Dyersville Iowa *
Here are the best strategies for attracting a wide variety of creatures to your pond environment.
SPECIAL NOTE: These strategies will work in ANY pond. Big pond or small, you can (and should) create the best possible habitat for maximum enjoyment and ease of maintenance.
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Don’t be stingy with your design:
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Nobody likes a fishbowl - If possible, build in some variation in your shoreline. Shallow areas, deep areas, variety is the spice of life for aquatic critters, too!
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This is especially important in small backyard koi ponds and water gardens. Get creative, irregular shorelines look more natural and blend into your landscaping with ease.
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Check out my Pond Design article. It's full of good tips and advice.
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PLANTS! PLANTS! PLANTS! PLANTS! PLANTS! … PLANTS!
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Install and maintain as many different species of aquatic (or wetland) plants as you can. Stuff them everywhere! If you want a diverse pond, get diverse plants. Insects, birds, and fish all use different plants for food, shelter, and reproduction. The more plant species you have, the more interesting and important animals will show up.
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BFRs and CWD - Industry terms from your professional Biologist
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BFRs, or Big Fu*&%ng Rocks, are a time-honored habitat inclusion for any aquatic resource. BFRs shelter aquatic insects and crayfish and provide habitat for your larger fish species to hang out at.
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CWD, or Course Woody Debris, is an often overlooked habitat choice for ponds. Fish and insects love them, so do turtles. Even the smallest ponds will benefit from a slab of driftwood near (or at) the surface.
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The more diverse your habitat = the more diverse the aquatic environment.
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Enhance your water quality with a good pond aerator
POND BUBBLE YOUTUBE Video LINK
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Pond and lake aerators are a GREAT investment for your pond. There is no better strategy for the long-term health of an aquatic ecosystem than a properly designed aeration system.
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Here are some kits that I like:
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For small koi ponds: Koi pond Aerator
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Aerating Fountain for shallow ponds or ponds that need a little flair
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Small Pond Fountain on a budget: Superior Pond Products SFX
Superior Pond Products SFX Fountain
How Special Your Pond Becomes is Up to YOU!
High-quality stewardship of your specific water body is crucial to the overall health and well-being of the creatures that live there. Be observant, find out what is currently living in your pond. If you want to see more life, add the habitat that will allow that new and interesting critter to thrive in your ecosystem. The creatures you don't see can matter a whole lot more than the ones you do…
Pond Critter Bingo is AWESOME - if you need help filling out your card, give me a call. I can help you with advice and products you can use to turn your backyard haven into a bountiful, beautiful aquatic resource.
Image Attribution: Wikipedia image Creative Commons License 2.5
FieldofDreamsMay06 - JoeyBLS (altered)
