BATAVIA, Ohio (Feb. 26, 2019) — Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will offer a free pond clinic to pond owners and managers at 5:30 p.m. on April 9 at the Cincinnati Nature Center-Rowe Woods at 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford.

This year the pond clinic will include additional speakers, a new breakout session format, and a pond walk from 4-5 p.m. before the event, weather permitting.

Eugene Braig, program director of Ohio State University Extension Aquatic Ecosystems Program, will deliver the opening presentation “The Aging Process: Keeping Ponds Healthy for the Long Run.” Breakout sessions will include Ponds 101 with Jake Hahn of the SWCD; fish stocking with Jones Fish Hatchery; pond weed control also with Jones Fish Hatchery, and the benefits of riparian buffers for wildlife attraction and pond protection with Olivia Espinoza of the Nature Center.

“Our event is one of the largest in the area and we want to continue to grow this program to best inform our pond managers,” Hahn said. More than 5,000 ponds are in Clermont County, and being used for different purposes. “We hope our event can be a place for pond owners to interact with other owners in the area to solve management problems with the guidance of our expert speakers,” Hahn said.

“Through this clinic, citizens will learn how recreational and storm water ponds can be maintained, and the steps to planning their own new ponds,” he said. “Since ponds are not a common natural landscape feature in our area, they need additional maintenance and care to function properly and meet the landowners’ expectations.”  Clermont SWCD’s goal is to help construct and maintain a safe, functional, and attractive pond. Clermont County Farm Bureau is sponsoring the event.

There is no cost, but registration is required to gain free admission to the Cincinnati Nature Center. To register or for more information, go to www.clermontswcd.org or contact Clermont SWCD at 513.732.7075. ####