Sustainability at Home: Small Ponds and Backyard Water Gardens

Join ALT and our friends at Interactive Environmental Programs and Penn State Extension for an exciting new topic in the Sustainability at Home series, backyard ponds and water gardens!

Your small pond ecosystem depends on creating a sustainable habitat by maintaining the plants and water resources in your pond. Susan Boser, Water Resources Educator with Penn State Extension, will discuss the benefits of choosing native aquatic plant species for your pond. Participants will also understand how to monitor their pond water quality to ensure that plants and animals can thrive. We will not be discussing the construction of ponds.

During the second half of the workshop, participants will explore the frogs, toads, turtles, and salamanders most commonly attracted to home water features with local naturalist April Claus of Interactive Environmental Programs. Learn why these animals are vital indicators of a healthy environment and how their presence reflects local ecosystem health. Special attention will be given to local amphibians, including how to identify common species by their calls, behaviors, and seasonal activity. Live native animals will be featured to help sharpen identification skills and provide a closer look at their life histories and survival requirements. Attendees will gain practical insight into what sounds to listen for, when to expect them, and how simple, wildlife-friendly pond design choices can encourage biodiversity while coexisting safely with these fascinating animals.

*Note: Due to having two incredible speakers on this topic, this class is slightly longer at an hour and a half instead of the typical hour.

All participants will receive $100 worth of related materials for attending. One set of materials per ticket purchased. Children under 18 are not eligible to receive the materials, please do not purchase a ticket for any children that may be in attendance with you. You must be present for the entire workshop to receive the provided materials.

No walk ins will be permitted.

Generous funding and support for this series was provided by the EQT Foundation.