A farm pond can be practical and also provide a lot of fun for the entire family. It can capture runoff water; provide water for livestock, household use, irrigation, and fire fighting; and offer recreation—fishing, swimming, picnicking, ice skating, and wildlife habitat.
If you would like to create a farm pond, the first step is to identify a suitable site. This means finding a site that has the right topography and an acceptable soil type that will provide sufficient water. The watershed is the area surrounding the pond that drains into it. The ideal watershed will provide enough silt-free water to keep the pond full at all times with water seldom running over the spillway. A rule of thumb is to aim for about 20 acres of watershed area for every one acre of pond surface.
The soil for a farm pond must contain enough clay to provide a watertight dam and a basin through which a minimum of water will seep – usually at least 20 percent clay by weight.
To construct the farm pond, consider building a dam across an existing gully or low-lying area. Using a bulldozer or excavator, dig out a bowl-shaped basin above the spot where the dam will be located and then use the soil to build the dam. Within a year, the pond should fill with water.
An excellent 85-page, USDA publication entitled "Ponds - Planning, Design, Construction" is available as a free downloadable pdf file a
- Bob Frazee, Extension Educator, Natural Resources
Get the Weeds Out– Naturally
Although many commercials will try to convince you otherwise, there are ways to prevent or remove weeds from gardens, flower beds and driveways that do not require a trip to the store.
Leftover boiling water from pasta or coffee? Pour the water (still close to boiling) directly on the weed – it will be dead in a day or two. It is important to note that boiling water can harm roots of nearby plants, so this method is best used in open areas, such as on weeds in a driveway or sidewalk.
Salt is also an effective plant killer for large areas. Spread salt on your gravel driveway and keep the weeds from growing for several months. Applying salt between sidewalk cracks will produce the same result, also.
Old newspapers can also be a homeowners friend. Weeds can be prevented from growing in flowerbeds and in gardens by covering the unplanted areas with layers of newspapers – typically three to four sheets thick – and covering with mulch. This will also kill existing weeds by blocking the sunlight and the newspaper will add organic matter to your soil when it breaks down.
A major earthquake in Illinois is something most people don't worry about.
What are the chances of a powerful earthquake happening in the Midwest? According to many scientists, it's about a 9 in 10 chance within the next 50 years. To minimize earthquake damage in the home, there are several things that can be done. Anchor free standing bookcases, cabinets, and appliances to walls. Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and lights to the permanent structure of your house. Water heaters should be secured to a nearby wall. All gas appliances should be fitted with flexible connections and a breakaway shutoff device. Unreinforced masonry chimneys and concrete walls should be braced. Anchor bolts or steel plates can be added between the home and foundation. In addition, houses with cripple walls, a short wall between the top of the foundation and first floor, should be braced with sheathing.
After an earthquake, check your home for possible electrical shorts, and gas or water leaks. Contact your local electric cooperative, water, or gas company if leaks are present. Obey evacuation orders from local authorities, and be prepared for aftershocks, some of which could be almost as strong as the initial quake.
For more information on Illinois and earthquakes, visit the Illinois State Geological Survey at http://www.isgs.uiuc.edu/
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and University of Illinois Extension are developing a new website to provide Illinois residents with information about Illinois wildlife and how to coexist with wildlife, especially in urban areas. Many species of wildlife are welcome visitors to our properties, but some individuals can wear out their welcome. Preventing problems with wildlife is much simpler and less aggravating than dealing with problems after they occur. Fortunately, taking a few simple steps can help prevent many of the most common wildlife-related problems around the home. A number of proven methods can be used to remedy situations when problems cannot be prevented. For instance, if a wild bird or mammal is causing property damage or is a threat to public safety, removal may be necessary. By Illinois law, an animal removal permit must be requested from the IDNR before most species of wildlife may be removed from private property by the resident. Another option is to hire a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) to remove an animal.
The "Living with Urban Wildlife in Illinois" website contains an extensive information base about Illinois wildlife. It helps to identify wildlife and answers questions such as whether a permit is needed, what to do about sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, who and when to call for assistance with wildlife, and how to report unusual wildlife to the IDNR. Look for the new website on the University of Illinois Extension homepage in June 2008.
- Laura Kammin, Extension Specialist, Wildlife and Natural Resources
If you like to spend time in nature, enjoy learning how nature works and want to share your experiences with others, becoming an Illinois Master Naturalist may be the perfect opportunity for you!
Sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and its' partners, the Illinois Master Naturalist program provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. During their initial 40 hour training and 30 hours of volunteer service each year, Master Naturalists experience nature, develop knowledge of and respect for the environment, and practice natural resource stewardship.
Over the past three years, nearly 200 people have participated in the Illinois Master Naturalist training in Rock Island and Champaign Counties. The knowledge, skills and experience of Illinois Master Naturalists has led to the development and revitalization of numerous stewardship projects within local communities, such as prairie restorations, youth environmental education camps, and backyard conservation programs. Today, over 40 additional Illinois counties anticipate offering the hands-on, science-based program within the coming three years!
Illinois Master Naturalist graduates improve the conservation education and stewardship of Illinois communities. With local Extension staff and partners mentoring their volunteer service and continuing education opportunities, Master Naturalists make a difference by building trails, planting trees, establishing wildlife viewing areas, conducting species inventories, building schoolyard habitats, interpreting nature, creating educational displays and much more!
To apply for the East Central Illinois Master Naturalist program, which begins August 2008, contact the Champaign County Extension office (217-333-7672). The Rock Island County Extension offers Master Naturalist program each spring; to learn more call (309-796-0512). To find out if the Master Naturalist program will be offered in a location near you, contact Illinois Master Naturalist Coordinator Liz Haynes via email ehaynes@uiuc.edu.
- Elizabeth K. Haynes, Illinois Master Naturalist Coordinator
