Event Overview
Ponds Unpacked is a full‑day, hands‑on training designed to strengthen foundational pond knowledge among Soil and Water Conservation
District staff. Districts—especially Durham—receive pond‑related calls regularly, and the ability to support landowners with clear, accurate information is essential. Understanding general pond issues such as dam and spillway condition, erosion concerns, vegetation and weed identification, and layout or structural problems enables staff to provide informed guidance and better collaborate with engineers and program partners.
During this workshop, participants will explore both a “before” pond and an active retrofit site to understand real design considerations, common issues, and on‑the‑ground assessment techniques. Two photos (one drone image and one phone image) of the pond site will be attached for participant reference.
Training Outcomes
By the end of the training, participants will:
- Build foundational understanding of pond structure, terminology, and common field issues.
- Increase confidence in identifying structural components and possible problem areas during assessments.
- Strengthen familiarity with pond vegetation and weed‑management considerations.
- Improve collaboration with engineers through more effective information gathering during landowner inquiries.
Follow‑Up Webinar
A follow‑up webinar will be held after the onsite workshop. This session will focus on choosing the correct cost‑share program (ACSP vs. AgWRAP) for pond projects, including similarities, differences, and examples of when each pathway best fits a landowner’s situation.