Lily Pads can hurt a pond ecosystem if uncontrolled.
Ponds
A pond can add both beauty and utility to your property. The following resources may be helpful as you consider building a pond, or managing an existing one.
Last updated July 26, 2019
Steuben County SWCD
Contact the Steuben County Soil & Water Conservation District for a pond site evaluation to determine if your site is appropriate for a pond. SCSWCD is located at 415 West Morris Street, Bath NY 14810, Tel: (607) 776-7398, Ext.3.
The Pond Guidebook
The Pond Guidebook (2007, Ochterski, et. al) is written for ponds of 1/8 acre or larger in the Northeast, the Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic United States. The authors explain the causes of many common pond problems and review the advantages and drawbacks of various treatments. The book suggests practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, promote healthy ecosystems, encourage responsible use of chemicals, and enhance biological diversity. View this publication as a PDF on the NRAES website.
Purchase a hard-copy of the book or download a low resolution fair-use copy here.