POND RECLAMATION

C.2022

Located at the heart of the property, the pond was originally man-made and once designed as an ornate feature beside a house that no longer stands. Over time, and without intervention, nature has begun to reclaim it—and that’s something I want to continue encouraging. This means removing invasive aquatic species and clearing the shoreline of other invasive plants, while keeping the pond accessible as a fresh-water source for forest animals and birds. With thoughtful care, the pond has the potential to become a thriving ecosystem—one that supports wildlife and offers a peaceful place for people to enjoy as well.

The Pond in Process

Before

The existing man-made pond hadn’t been maintained for many years. Non-native plants had taken over, and decades of plant debris had built up, significantly reducing its depth.

During

We expanded the pond from roughly one-third of an acre to about an acre and a half. By creating varied depths and naturalized edges, the pond now offers diverse habitats where fish can reproduce, grow, and thrive.

After

After months of intermittent excavation, the groundwater settled into its natural level and the shoreline was cleared of the non-native plants that once ringed the pond. Native little bluestem and sideoats grama were planted along the water’s edge, helping attract insects, butterflies, and birds back to the shoreline.

in process

Restoring the pond and stocking it with native freshwater fish supports the local ecosystem while creating opportunities to observe and appreciate the diversity of wildlife that will make the pond its home.

We worked with a local pond maintenance service to survey the pond, ensure oxygen levels were healthy, and help monitor plant life and algae growth as the ecosystem began to rebalance.

We introduced several fish species gradually, starting with the smallest and working our way up. Minnows, sunfish–bluegill hybrids, yellow perch, crappie, walleye, and seasonal rainbow trout were stocked to create a balanced aquatic ecosystem—one that supports healthy growth while also offering hours of simple fishing enjoyment.

The Gazebo

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The Gazebo 〰️

An existing gazebo was preserved when a former dwelling was removed, offering the chance to reimagine the structure rather than start from scratch. The space was thoughtfully rehabbed with a defined dining area and versatile seating that easily converts to sleeping space. A compact kitchenette—with a mini fridge and camp stove—was seamlessly integrated, and a new staircase and dock were added to strengthen the connection to the water. The gazebo quickly became a flexible, well-used space for midday meals, working from “home,” and evening cocktails. Just beyond it, a native stone wall defines an outdoor room centered around a firepit and comfortable seating, extending the experience into the landscape and creating an ideal setting for slow evenings by the pond.

A naturalized seating area with a firepit was created along a terraced section of the pond bank, defined by a native fieldstone wall and finished with a gravel surface.