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Habitat Ponds

Habitat Ponds. No electricity No filters or pumps. Very low maintenance No mosquito larva!. Koi ponds: Designed to maintain water levels for fish poop filtration systems Low species diversity mimics a fish tank Very clear water for viewing Koi. Habitat ponds:

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Habitat Ponds

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  1. Habitat Ponds No electricity No filters or pumps • Very low maintenance • No mosquito larva!

  2. Koi ponds: Designed to maintain water levels for fish poop filtration systems Low species diversity mimics a fish tank Very clear water for viewing Koi Habitat ponds: Designed for variable water levels Multi-scale, self- balancing ecosystem mimics nature Supports wildlife for viewing in and around the pond How Can It Be So Simple?

  3. Let the Universe to do the Work! Solar power Entropy • Complex multi-scale habitats • Species diversity Habitat Koi Oil • Fish

  4. “We are star stuff which has taken its destiny into its own hands.” Carl Sagan • Flexible pond liner (not just any plastic sheeting). Can be found at some hardware or pond stores or online. • Liner underlayer: sand, old carpet, newspapers • Rocks or large pavers • Native plants • Minnows Total cost: ~$400 - $600

  5. Design Overview • Sun to partial shade • Approximately 5 x 4 ft. min. perimeter Rain Garden Regular Pond Recharge Reservoir Liner 2.5-3 ft. Slight edge ridge protects from chemicals

  6. Expected variation in water level (~6 in. min.) Gumbo backfill Extra liner layer Level top rim of pond Under layer Main liner Edge Detail: Side View • Stable edge overhang • Sloped for egress of small pond creatures • Entire rim of gumbo level

  7. Edge Details: Top View • Simple shape • Majority of sides sloped to allow small creatures to get out of the pond (frogs, toads) • Fill in gaps with gumbo/dirt and plants Ledge Slope

  8. Native Plants for Ponds Micro-habitats Edge, draping : • lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus) • buttonweed (Diodia virginiana) • frog fruit (Phyla incisa, Phyla nodiflora), butterfly larval host plant In the water : • white water lily (Nymphaea odorata) shade • pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata ) filtration • arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) filtration • hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) protection for small creatures Surrounding :Most other native Texas plants!

  9. Pond Activation Ideal World • Water and plants added first • After 2-3 days, add minnows Real World • It will rain (with some luck, not until after the liner is in) • The rain will only partially fill the pond, toads will immediately jump in, lay eggs, and need help getting out! Except for the minnows, all pond creatures will be added by themselves !

  10. Algae It is normal for healthy ponds to have algae. Algae provides food and shelter for many of the microscopic creatures that make ponds a healthy, complex ecosystem. “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Especially in the spring or in the morning the water may look green and have visible growth or matts. Do not panic. No one controls the algae in natural ponds, it all gets sorted out! If your minnows are not dying, your pond is ok. Dr. Seuss

  11. Maintenance Rake out excess vegetation once or twice a year. Compost or use as mulch 2 days To allow small creatures to crawl back in pond

  12. Dragonflies Birds Reptiles Bees Wasps Spiders Native insects Amphibians Ponds Support Native Wildlife

  13. West University Elementary School Cheryl Hoyle

  14. Cheryl Hoyle Cheryl Hoyle

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