Ponds attract wildlife


Ponds are a type of wetland. Wetlands are crucial to ecosystems and sustain more life than any other habitat. In your backyard, creating even a small water feature will provide much needed water and wet spaces to many animal species. Depending on the type and size of your project you may attract frogs, dragonflies, salamanders, bathing birds and thirsty mammals.


Setting up a half-barrel pond

Create a small pond with a plastic, pre-formed liner available commercially.

Placement of the half-barrel pond:

Place in an area on the lawn amongst trees or on patio. Plants will need a minimum of 3-5 hours of sunlight a day.

Making the half-barrel pond:

Fill with water (rainwater is always preferable). If chlorinated water is used, let water stand for a least 24 hours. Place plants in pots, supported by rocks or bricks if needed.
Maintain water level and freshness of water by adding buckets of water filled the day before. This will ensure the water will be the same temperature as that of the water in the pond. Place flat rocks above the water to act as a support for insects, birds or frogs. The small pond in this photo was placed beside a garden fence and a raspberry patch, which acted as cover. It attracted birds that came to drink, damselflies, and even a frog that called for a mate! For a photo of this frog’s favorite hiding spot, visit the “oddities” photos at www.earthvalues.org/wgg/wgg_oddities.php

Backyard Garden Pond
Digging a small pond in your backyard can be an incredibly enhancing feature for your landscape design and for wildlife.
Placement of the pond:
A small pond can be placed in the corner of a property, along a hedge or under a treed area. 3-5 hours of sunlight will be necessary for most plants. Water lilies will definitely need 5 hours of light. Partial shade is important too, as the shallow water heats up quickly and animals like frogs need protection from the afternoon heat.
Building the pond:

• Use garden hose or rope to outline the pond on the property.


• Remove grass from lawn.


• Dig a gently sloping hole that will eventually go from 3 to 15 cm (1.5 to 6 inches) of water. This will allow animals to enter and leave the pond with ease.


• Dig a deeper section of 60 cm (24 inches) (or more if you wish – check with local municipal laws in your area).


• Remove roots and rocks that may pierce the liner.


• Smooth the bottom and place several centimeters of sand on it. A few centimeters of old newspapers will act as a cushion to the liner if sand isn’t used.


• Carefully place the PVC liner purchased at home centers or old pool liner into dug out area.


• Remove any footwear that might puncture the liner when walking inside the hole.


• Leave approximately 15-30 cm (6 to 12 inches) of liner around the edge of the pond. This can be covered with rocks, logs later on.


• Fill with water and let settle for a couple of days.


• If possible, conserve water by diverting rooftop water to the pond with a 3 to 5 cm (1.5 to 2 inch) PVC pipe. The extra effort saves “fill up time” in the long run.


• Place rocks, logs and sticks around pond edge and in water. Rocks or sticks that protrude from water are great resting spots for animals.


• Purchase native plants at local nursery and pot them.


• Small pumps can be purchased to keep water moving. This is important to keep the water fresh and to discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs. Outdoor electrical outlets must have a ground fault circuit interrupter.


• Pump filters should be cleaned often to ensure proper water flow.