Book Sections

How to help amphibians Speak Out Community Green Plans Wetland Restoration
HELP! - Problems and concerns brought to our attention through letters from homeowners.
Wetland tales / Literature
Word Games
Art Activities
Science Activities
Additional Activities

Photo Gallery I Photo Gallery II
Glossary
Appendix

Background information

Where to build your pond    -   Toad ponds    -   Woodland ponds    -   Farm ponds How big and how deep Shape Concrete, fiberglass or clay ponds?

Flexible pond liners Digging your pond Overflow Water source Maintenance The Mitchell Pond

How to attract amphibians to your pond    -   Norway Maple: threat to natural areas?    -   Other amphibian shelters How to attract other wildlife to your backyard    -   Metro Toronto Zoo bat box programme

Digging your pond

There are a couple of things you should do before you start digging your pond. It's a good idea to outline your pond in the proposed area with a piece of rope or flexible hose. You must also take into consideration lot lines, property deeds, locations of any overhead or underground lines, and local bylaws requiring fencing or permits.

Natural debris removed from your pond area may be useful when creating wildlife habitat around your pond (see next chapter). When stripping off the turf, save large pieces to be put around the edge of the pond. Smaller pieces can be placed in a compost pile. Digging should be done in layers so that the topsoil can be kept in a separate pile. Get the pond excavations level and reshape the surroundings to blend in before digging the depth of the pond. The pond must be excavated to a size allowing for a waterproof barrier with its protective matting (if required) and for a layer of sand at least three inches deep to cover the whole pond bed.