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HELPING PONDS AND PEOPLE WITH HEALTHY PONDS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Natural Resources/Aquaculture

Michelle Atkinson
Environmental Horticulture Agent
University of Florida/IFAS Manatee County Extension
Palmetto

Abstract

Extension agents are faced with the need to communicate stormwater pond best management practices to audiences that do not understand the functions of these systems. This gap makes recommendations based on science difficult to achieve.  Most community members and many pond professionals do not connect stormwater ponds to downstream water quality.  However, stormwater is the leading contributor to water pollution and ponds are the primary stormwater best management practice for water quality.  Until recently, pesticide licensing programs, which only address proper chemical application, were the only training offered by extension agents that worked with pond managers.  The goal of the Healthy Ponds Certification Program is to expand the tools in this audience’s toolbox to increase pond function while making them easier to maintain. A team of five worked with twenty-one UF/IFAS researchers and specialists to create a peer-reviewed, online course providing over twenty-one hours of continuing education curriculum and a four-hour in-person field day.  The program is designed to help improve water quality and wildlife habitat as well as reduce erosion in and around stormwater ponds.  The strategies taught increase stormwater pond function while making them easier to maintain, reducing chemical treatments, and increasing water quality, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity.  Since the program began, two years ago, eight extension agents have participated in the training.  Trained agents have the opportunity to access, facilitate, and offer the program to improve the understanding of the physical, biological, chemical, and cultural best practices for stormwater pond management to their clientele. Among the sixty-four pond professional graduates, 70% reported that they are able to communicate better with their clientele. After the field day, 30% of the graduates stated that they will incorporate water testing into their maintenance protocols.  The Healthy Ponds Certification Program is a new clearinghouse for stormwater pond research and recommendations. 

Authors: Charles Cichra, Ph.D., Abbey Tyrna, Ph.D., Mary Lusk, Ph.D., Michelle Atkinson, M.S., Eban Bean, Ph.D., Michelle Atkinson, M.S.
  1. Charles Cichra, Ph.D. Professor, Fish Ecology and Management, University of Florida, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Department, Florida, 32611
  2. Abbey Tyrna, Ph.D. Water Resource Agent, University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension, Florida, 34241
  3. Mary Lusk, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Urban Soil and Water Quality, University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Florida, 33598
  4. Michelle Atkinson, M.S. Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent, University of Florida/IFAS Extension Manatee County, Florida, 34221
  5. Eban Bean, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Urban Stormwater Management, University of Florida Manatee County, Florida, 32611
  6. Michelle Atkinson, M.S. Environmental Horticulture Agent, University of Florida/IFAS Manatee County Extension, Florida, 34221