Cornell Cooperative Extension

Columbia and Greene Counties
Frog and Lily Pads on Pond
Image by Liz West, flickr.com

Lily Pads can hurt a pond ecosystem if uncontrolled.

Shovel and Pond
Image by Rob Boudon

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.

Shovel and Pond

Building A New Pond

Successful ponds require careful planning. New ponds must be located in the best spot possible, supplied by a consistent water source, and constructed with an adequate spillway.

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pond and vegetation

Aquatic Weeds & Algae

Decisions about aquatic weeds have consequences for swimming, fishing, and environmental quality. We recommend a step-by-step approach to weed management.

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Frog

Attracting Pond Wildlife

Most ponds will attract significant wildlife without any effort on your part. Here are suggestions on how to attract or discourage wildlife from taking up residence at your pond.

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Cattails in a ditch, Dryden NY

Controlling Cattails

A few cattails can be desirable in a pond however they often grow into thick stands. Learn various methods to use to control them, here.

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Last updated July 21, 2025

Ponds

Soil and Water Conservation Districts for Columbia and Greene Counties

Contact your local County Soil & Water Conservation District for a pond site evaluation to determine if your site is appropriate for a pond. 

Columbia County SWCD is located at:
1024 State Route 66
Ghent, NY 12075
(518) 828-4386 option 5 

Bare Root Sales for Columbia County: 
Each spring, Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District hosts their annual Bare Root Tree and Shrub sale offering bare root plants to local residents. These plants are available at a low cost for conservation purposes, but, at the same time add to the beauty of your property.  All plants are sold as bare root (unpotted) and range in size from 10" to 24", depending on variety.  Orders are accepted from January through mid-March, with plants ready for pick-up at the end of April.  All orders are pre-paid. Payment with check or money order must accompany order when it is placed.

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Events

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Farm Pond Safety

This fact sheet from Penn State University Cooperative Extension covers steps to take to prevent accidental drownings in your farm pond.

Publications

Cover of The Pond Guidebook

The Pond Guidebook (2007, Ochterski, et. al). Description and order form on the NRAES website. The guidebook 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.