Crawford SWCD pond clinic slated for June 6

CRESTLINE — The Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Pond Clinic is scheduled for June 6 from 5:45 to 8 p.m. The clinic will be at the Schroeder pond located 7042 Crestline Rd., Crestline Ohio.

This is a great opportunity to get your pond questions answered on construction, maintenance, and upkeep. We will have Wildlife Officer – Greg Wasilewski, OSU Program Director for Aquatic Ecosystems – Eugene Braig, and Crawford SWCD staff will present and take time to answer your questions.

If you would like plants identified, bring a fresh sample to the clinic. This event is free, but we ask that you please call the Crawford SWCD office at 419-562-8280 ext. 3 or stop in at 3111 State Route 98, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 by June 4 to register for this event. A light meal will be provided by the Whetstone Go-getters 4-H Club at 5:45 p.m.

The clinic will start promptly at 6 p.m. Remember to bring lawn chairs for seating. 

Some of the following topics that will be covered in detail. Begin maintenance on your pond before warm weather arrives and it becomes overcome with unwanted vegetation and algae. The following tips will help you manage and maintain your pond throughout the season to have a clean and healthy pond.

First thing you should do is know the size and depth of your pond to accurately apply the right amount of chemicals that will be needed. Always refer to the label for proper handling instructions and application dosages. Also consider an aerator for your pond to ensure constant oxygen to reduce fish kills and algae blooms.

If feasible, remove any excess leaves and plant matter. Organic content, dead or alive is constantly using oxygen, competing with the fish and any extra supplied oxygen can help keep your pond in balance.

A healthy vegetation level for a balanced pond should be 25% of your pond surface. Including emergent, submerged, and floating plants. Be mindful of invasive plants and remove as necessary to ensure natural flora is present around your pond. Feel free to stop in with plant id questions. Finally, consider the fish you have in your pond and restock if more are needed.

For more information on pond management or assistance to accurately size pond volumes, please call the Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District office at 419-562-8280 ext. 3 or stop in at 3111 State Route 98, Bucyrus, OH 44820.