Ponds

Woodland Ponds: A Field Guide

This field guide describes in detail the steps woodland landowners would take to build a large pond on their properties. The guide describes the planning, permitting and construction of the pond, and includes sections on maintaining and repairing woodland ponds. It also describes the aesthetic values and benefits to wildlife of woodland ponds.

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Photo Credit: rainerkerber - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest Resources

Where do I find the right plants for my pond?

We recently hired a pond builder to excavate and line our 1.5-acre farm pond near Sisters, Ore. We replaced the bottom substrate and included space for plants. Can you direct me to a person or article that will help us with choosing and placing plants?

Teagan Moran | Mar 2022 | Featured question

Getting to know forest amphibians of Oregon (in English)

Come learn from amphibian experts about the role forests play in providing habitat for amphibians. These authors just released a new publication for landowners, Wildlife in Managed Forests: Forest Amphibians. They will discuss ...

Deanna Olson, Tiffany Garcia, Fran Cafferata Coe | Jan 2022 | Video

Eight things to consider when building a pond on your woodland property.

Few amenities better enhance the value of a woodland property than a pond. When built correctly, ponds can provide water for livestock and wildlife, fishing, boating, swimming, fire protection, aesthetics, and higher land value. ...

Lauren Grand | Jul 2020 | Article

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Toxic Blooms in Oregon Waters

By David Stone and Kara Hitchko

Cyanobacteria are a type of photosynthetic bacteria commonly referred to as blue green algae. Like many bacteria, some cyanobacteria can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, livestock and wildlife.

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Photo Credit: Vencav - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured Resources

Water Systems: Taking Care of a Precious Resource (in English)

These best practices for wells, ponds and other water systems can help you secure a safe, reliable water supply and help to ensure that we protect our streams, lakes and groundwater. This is one of a series of Rural ...

Rachel Werling | Dec 2019 | OSU Extension Catalog

Wildlife cameras: A snapshot of what you need to know

Wildlife cameras can provide a window into the natural world that would otherwise go unseen. Here's a guide to getting started, from what to buy to how to place them for the best chances of capturing wildlife photos.

Lauren Grand | Jan 2019 | Article

Can native frogs and fish coexist in a small backyard pond?

P: I have a backyard pond that is pretty small- about 5x10. I was told that getting fish would help keep the pond clean of algae, which would be helpful. But I'd love to have frogs and a local garden center has native ...

R: View answer | View all featured questions

More pond resources

Algae Blooms in ponds, rivers, and lakes (in English): Oregon Health Authority website has information on Blue-Green Algae, including Current Cyanobacteria Advisories. They note, "Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out!"
USGS Oregon Water Science Center (in English): Our mission is to explore the natural world around us and provide reliable scientific information to help Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribes, and the public make well-informed decisions. Our research is widely used to manage Oregon's water resources for the benefit and safety of people and the environment.
The Nature Conservancy (in English): The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

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Where do I find the right plants for my pond?

P: We recently hired a pond builder to excavate and line our 1.5-acre farm pond near Sisters, Ore. We replaced the bottom substrate and included space for plants. Can you direct me to a person or article that will help us with choosing and placing plants?

R: View answer | View all featured questions

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