This event is hosted by UMaine Cooperative Extension.
Ponds are a key nature-based tool for tackling challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity. In this workshop, participants learn how to build and maintain a pond to enhance their landscape, increase biodiversity, maximize wildlife habitat, and help reach water management goals in a changing climate. Agricultural engineer Candi Gilpatric of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will focus on site selection, styles of ponds, and construction methods, keeping the impacts of climate change in mind. For those who already have ponds, Candi will discuss helpful maintenance practices to keep ponds safe and healthy. Retired fisheries biologist and conservation professional Joe Dembeck will focus on pond biology and the wildlife associated with ponds in Maine. He will discuss pond habitat features for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, fish considerations, nuisance wildlife, and how healthy ponds can support climate resilience goals. Cost: $25. Includes the comprehensive NRCS guide, “Ponds: Planning, Design, and Construction”, in addition to other learning materials.
