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Photo Credit: tygrys74 - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Woodland Ponds: A Field Guide

By Steve Bowers

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

How can I make a salamander habitat?

We have a small backyard pond, and salamanders have moved in. I’m looking for info on how to take care of their pond so they can thrive. Can I add water from my garden hose? Is there a type of food that I can provide for them?

Rachel Werling | Mar 2022 | Featured question

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

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

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Featured Resources

Water Systems: Taking Care of a Precious Resource

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...

Rachel Werling, Stan Dean | Dec 2019 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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 Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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

Q: I have a backyard pond that is about 5'x10'. 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 tree frog tadpoles available. Is there a kind of fish that would not eat the frogs?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

More pond resources

  • Algae Blooms in ponds, rivers, and lakes: 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: 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: 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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Meet Our Experts

Abigail Tomasek
Assistant Professor and Statewide Soil Water Quality Extension Specialist, Crop and Soil Science

Contact me with questions related to statewide soil and water quality.

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How can I make a salamander habitat?

Q: We have a small backyard pond, and salamanders have moved in. I’m looking for info on how to take care of their pond so they can thrive. Can I add water from my garden hose? Is there a type of food that I can provide for them?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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