See All Pond Management

This video will look at the four categories of pond plants, and some of the most common aquatic plants that are found in Pennsylvania.

Many earthen ponds have problems with algae, nuisance wildlife, or water quality. This video provides a few simple tips to help solve or prevent these common problems and ensure a healthy pond.

Learn about aquatic invasive species, methods to mitigate the spread of aquatic invasive species, and more!

An explanation of basic pond measurements that are vital to basic pond management practices.

In the winter water gets much colder and ice may cover the top of the pond for an extended period of time. How does this affect the animals living in the pond?

Fish kills are common in many ponds. This article describes common reasons for fish kills in different seasons.

Pond leaks are a very common pond management problem in PA. This article introduces the steps for determining if a pond is leaking and tips for repairing leaks.

Information on the role of various agencies and permits that may be required for construction or maintenance of earthen ponds.

Duckweed and watermeal are free-floating aquatic plants that are commonly encountered in Pennsylvania. They are commonly found in nutrient-rich ponds with stagnant or little flow.

This information explains how to use grass carp for biological aquatic vegetation control.

The links below provide a listing of aquatic or wetland plants considered to be noxious weeds by the federal government or Pennsylvania.

Dozens of fish species are suitable for stocking in Pennsylvania ponds, but some species are usually more successful than others.

The European Water chestnut has nothing to do with the edible variety. It is a rooted aquatic plant that can dominate ponds, shallow lakes, and rivers.

Mosquito fern is a Pennsylvania native waterfern that can be a nuisance in your pond.

One of more than 20 pondweed species (Potamogetons) that occur in Pennsylvania, this invasive plant from Europe frequently grows to nuisance levels in ponds.

Coontail is a common aquatic plant in Pennsylvania ponds and lakes. It has whorls of stiff leaves that get more compact toward the end of the stem.

One of the most common native, submerged pond plants in Pennsylvania.

Eurasian Milfoil is an invasive, nonnative, plant with long stems, often reaching to the surface, with feather like leaves in whorls of 4 or 5 around the stem.

Elodea is one of the few pond plants that can remain green all winter long.

Planktonic algae floats in the water column and can sometimes be confused with muddy water. It causes the water to look green, brown or reddish in color.

Different species of filamentous algae exist, but all have a similar growth habit. These algae begin growth in the winter and early spring on the pond bottom.

Nitella and Chara look like rooted, aquatic plants, but both are actually a form of algae.

This article discusses some of the critical components of a typical pond that should be identified and inspected before tackling pond management issues.

General information on all aspects of pond construction and maintenance for building a new pond or taking care of an existing pond used for swimming, irrigation, fishing, or other activities.