WILLIAMS — Property owners looking to improve an existing pond or construct a brand-new one can get expert, hands-on guidance from state and local specialists at an upcoming outdoor educational workshop in Lawrence County.
The Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District, alongside several conservation partners, announced Thursday that the educational Pond Workshop will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will be hosted entirely outdoors, right alongside a local pond located at 4308 Ridge Road in Williams.
Navigating the delicate ecology of a backyard pond can be challenging for property owners. To address these complexities, the workshop will feature three specialized sessions led by regional experts:
- Pond Construction and Soils: A Soil Scientist will discuss how to evaluate soil suitability, which is the most critical factor when determining if a piece of property can successfully hold a pond without leaking.
- Fish Stocking and Wildlife Habitat: A Fisheries Biologist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will cover proper fish stocking ratios, species selection for Indiana waters, and how to manage underwater habitats to sustain a healthy fish population.
- Aquatic Plant Identification: A Purdue Extension Educator will teach attendees how to identify various aquatic weeds and algae, offering safe, effective strategies for controlling invasive vegetation before it takes over a pond.
Attendees must RSVP by Wednesday, June 10, 2026, by calling the district office at 812-279-8117, ext. 3. A free, light supper is included with the program, making an accurate headcount necessary to ensure enough food is provided.
Because the workshop is being held directly in the field to allow for real-time demonstrations, organizers are reminding the public to prepare for a rustic environment.
Attendees are strictly required to bring their own lawn chairs for seating. Additionally, because of the remote lakeside location, no public restroom facilities will be available on-site, and participants are asked to coordinate their travel plans accordingly.
The collaborative community event is being presented through a joint effort by the Lawrence County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Lower Salt Creek Watershed Project, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Indiana DNR, and Purdue Extension.
