Friday, December 10, 2010

Puchner Pond Update
We are expecting a load of clay any day now to improve the water-holding capacity of the pond. Originally funded by USFWS "Partners in Wildlife", the retention pond is quietly awaiting some rain. Additional funds from Professor Breen have allowed us to buy the bentonite. I mowed the area, and removed the previous rather visually intrusive electric fencing. Jaime del Valle and I dug in recycled fenceposts and installed low strands of wire to keep the pigs out. Newts and salamanders are all around. We just need some rain. The "La Nina" winter so far looks cool and dry. But one never knows.



A road culvert feeds the pond. The berm can be seen in the background. We used aged steel wire for the lower line, but a thin white string for the top line so it is visible if visitors approach closely.