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State Specialist
Bryan Swistock

308 Forest Res. Bldg.
Penn State University
brs@psu.edu
814-863-0194

Melanie Barkley
Bedford County
meh7@psu.edu
814-623-4800

Jim Clark
McKean County
jac20@psu.edu
814-887-5613

Tom McCarty
Cumberland County
trm3@psu.edu
717-240-6500


Pond Home Study Course

Welcome to the Penn State Cooperative Extension Pond Home Study Course information page! The next course will begin on October 29, 2008.

Who Should Sign Up?

Anyone interested in better managing their farm pond should sign up. Course is designed for pond owners with ponds larger than one quarter acre in size.

What's In It For Me?
  • You will learn to assess your pond.
  • You will understand pond ecology.
  • You will learn how to maintain your pond.
  • You will learn how to identify aquatic plants and algae and how to control them.
  • You will learn about pond fisheries.
  • You will learn how to attract and manage wildlife.

View lesson topics below

How Does The Course Work?

  • Lessons are emailed bi-weekly for six weeks.
    The first lesson will be emailed on October 29.
  • Read bi-weekly lesson materials and complete worksheet.
  • Return worksheet and any questions to Jim Clark at the McKean County Extension Office.
  • Worksheets ask questions about YOUR individual pond. You will receive personalized comments and suggestions for ways to improve and manage your pond.

Cost Of The Course: $35

For more information: Contact Jim Clark at (814) 887-5613 or email.

Click here to sign up

 

 

 

Lesson 1: Getting to Know Your Pond

  • Pond Assessment and Inspection
  • Measuring Pond Area and Volume
  • Water Quality Concerns for Ponds
  • Pond Ecology
  • Parts of a Pond
  • Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania (pages 1-16)
  • Lesson 1 Frequently Asked Questions

Lesson 2: Pond Maintenance

  • Pond Agencies and Permits
  • Fixing a Leaking Pond
  • Farm Pond Safety
  • Ice Safety
  • Drawdown Permit
  • Pond Liming
  • Lesson 2 Frequently Asked Questions
 

Lesson 3: Aquatic Plants and Algae

  • Aquatic Plant Fact Sheet Series
  • Controlling Aquatic Plants and Algae in Ponds
  • Commonly Used Aquatic Herbicides
  • State Permit to Apply an Aquatic Herbicide
  • Using Barley Straw to Control Algae
  • More Barley Straw Information
  • Commercial Aquatic Herbicide Applicators in Pennsylvania
  • Using Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Plants
  • Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania (pages 24-28)
  • Lesson 3Frequently Asked Questions

 

Lesson 4: Fisheries

  • Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania (pages 16-24)
  • Approved Grass Carp Hatcheries in Pennsylvania
  • Fish for Pennsylvania Ponds
  • Pond Fisheries Management
  • Lesson 4 Frequently Asked Questions
 

Lesson 5: Attracting and Managing Wildlife

  • Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania (pages 10-11,29-30)
  • Wildlife: Habitat Relationships
  • Attracting Wildlife: Sources of Assistance
  • Vernal Ponds: Seasonal Habitats for Wildlife
  • Riparian Buffers for Wildlife
  • Attracting Wildlife to Your Pond
  • Controlling Ducks, Geese, and Swans
  • Controlling Snakes
  • Controlling Woodchucks
  • Controlling Birds at Aquaculture Facilities
  • Turtles
  • Crayfish
  • Muskrats
  • Beavers
  • Lesson 5 Frequently Asked Questions
 

Lesson 6: Pond Management Studies

  • Case Study 1: Water Quality and Wildlife Control
  • Case Study 2: Aquatic Plants and Structural Maintenance
  • Case Study 3: Fisheries Management
  • Lesson 6 Frequently Asked Questions

 

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

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Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | Cooperative Extension & Outreach

This page last updated Tuesday, August 12, 2008 9:22

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