Ponds are important ecological features of most landscapes.
The term “pond conservation” describes a wide range of activities and initiatives aimed at protecting the pond environment. Conservation is generally as concerned with water purity and habitat preservation as it is with animal life and ecological health. In some cases, conservation efforts are organized by large entities, but can also be done at the individual level. Community groups and schools sometimes choose to “adopt” a local pond for environmental conservation purposes.
The silvery teal prefers shallow freshwater bodies, such as ponds.
Ponds are important ecological features of most landscapes. They occur naturally but are often threatened by human development, wildlife overpopulation, and climate change. Many biologists and Earth scientists believe that ponds must be kept healthy so that the different areas remain in balance. Even small lakes can have a big impact when it comes to freshwater supply, plant growth, and the sustainability of nearby soil and land.
Different groups tend to have different goals and therefore conservation can take many forms. Sometimes the preservation of freshwater resources is the main focus. The repopulation of species and the regeneration of plants can also be the objective.
Cleanup efforts are some of the most basic forms of pond conservation. Almost anyone is qualified for such an undertaking, since little more than garbage collection and regular monitoring is required. This type of casual conservationist may also look for anything unusual in the water, particularly algae blooms, and contact local authorities if chemical contamination is suspected. There are typically far more ponds than dedicated conservation resources, which means that in many places, pond health depends, at least in part, on volunteer work.
Structured pond conservation organizations also often recruit members of the community to help monitor local ponds. Most of the time, charitable or non-profit ecological and conservation research groups devote at least some effort to conserving the lake. Government-sponsored environmental agencies are often involved. Autonomous pond conservation groups are also common in some areas.
People hired by these groups often spend time marking the location of lakes, measuring water levels, and identifying resident species. Water samples are usually collected fairly regularly. The data collected is used for reporting and research. In most cases, however, conservation officials simply have too many ponds to monitor to give each one the attention it deserves. It is for this reason that volunteers and community members are often called upon.
Conservation often involves more than just monitoring. Most of the time, data collection is done as a baseline measurement. The groups tend to act when the information collected indicates that the resources of the lake are diminishing or declining, or are threatened.
Pond conservation often has a practical side and a paper-based side. Scientists trained in field work tend to spend time in ponds, directly helping to rehabilitate ecosystems and remove toxins. Others work within conservation organizations to lobby for environmental laws and regulations that protect against future damage.
Fundraising and public awareness are also often an important goal. True resource conservation often requires a community approach. Scientists and activists can take charge of monitoring and restoring habitats, but other players, especially developers and large corporations, must also commit to doing no harm. Conservation groups can play a key role in organizing pond restoration efforts, but they often cannot do it alone.