Vegetated buffers filter runoff water and help protect streambanks and pond edges from erosion. Though widely accepted and recommend by conservation professionals, vegetated buffers still generate many questions from landowners and lakeside residents. The Oldham County Extension Office gets many questions about ponds from spring through late summer.  Questions range from fixing a structural issue to fish stocking to aquatic weed control and other general management issues. To help residents understand resources available, Oldham County’s Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent partnered with other agencies to offer Pond Management Field Days in July 2022 and May 2023. Planning partners for these programs included the Kentucky State University Extension Specialist for Aquaculture; University of Kentucky Extension Water Quality Specialist; Currys Fork Watershed Director; and a local neighborhood association president.  

 Topics covered at these field days included:

1. Aquatic plant identification and management
2. Use of vegetated buffer zones to reduce sedimentation.
3. Use of native plants and live staking in buffer areas.
4. Proper Fish Stocking
5. Agencies and private businesses that provide pond management assistance.

 Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, and several local businesses tabled and/or spoke at the events to share information about their services.

 A total of 92 adults participated in these field days. A post-program evaluation was conducted after the July 2022 field day. Eighteen participants completed evaluations, with the following reported outcomes based on what they learned.

1. 17 participants reported improving their ponds by applying herbicides to manage aquatic weeds.
2. 17 participants reported new knowledge about use of vegetated buffer zones to control erosion and protect water.
3. 8 participants planned to create and maintain vegetated buffer areas to control erosion and protect water.
4. 15 participants said they now knew what agencies could assist them with pond management questions.

 The 2022 Pond Management Field Day presentations were recorded and are available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_qVRIn_1X0.

 An additional outcome of the Pond Management Field Day promotion and marketing is an increase in awareness of extension’s service in the community.  6 new clients received site visits to troubleshoot pond issues.

 Pond management field days are expected to continue annually because of interest from residents and planning partners.