Cornell Cooperative Extension

Essex County
Frog and Lily Pads on Pond
Image by Liz West, flickr.com

Lily Pads can hurt a pond ecosystem if uncontrolled.

Shovel and Pond
Image by Rob Boudon

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.

Shovel and Pond

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.

Read more
pond and vegetation

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.

Read more
Cattails in a ditch, Dryden NY

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.

Read more
Frog

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.

Read more

Last updated July 26, 2019

Ponds

Essex SWCD

Soil & Water Conservation District Logo

Contact the Essex County Soil & Water Conservation District for a pond site evaluation to determine if your site is appropriate for a pond. ECSWCD is located at:
3 Sisco Street
Westport, NY 12993
(518) 962-8225

The Pond Guidebook

Cover of The Pond Guidebook (2007, Ochterski, et. al) at http://palspublishing.cals.cornell.edu/nra_order.taf?_function=detail&pr_id=163&_UserReference=C096DBA013CB87D6470CBD50

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.

Events

See more

Farm Pond Safety

This fact sheet from Penn State University Cooperative Extension covers steps to take to prevent accidental drownings in your farm pond.