Constructing an Ecological Pond on Campus孫寧一譯

Constructing an Ecological Pond on Campus

新北市環境輔導團團員孫寧一譯

Mr. Chiang-Ho Chen has participated in many ecological pond constructions on campus over the years, and here he tells it all!

Ecological ponds constructed on campus are mainly for educational purpose; conservation or restoration is secondary. Keeping this in mind, related facilities, plants, and installation shall all interlock with educational activities. Therefore, one must have thorough discussion with the staff to gain understanding of their “why”, “how”, and “what” – that is, “why building an ecological pond”, “how this pond will be utilized and maintained”, and “what is expected to be done”. And the following must be taken into consideration prior to immediate action:

(1) Sufficient natural water resources are necessary;

(2) Maintenance staff is available; and

(3) Role of the pond is confirmed.

These features are crucial to the success of an ecological pond because it is not a natural habitat. In fact, as more than 20 plants are to be grown in such confined space, it does require much human influence. Once being neglected, this unnatural space will soon be “taken over” by aggressive species. As a result, the preset educational purpose vanishes.

Moreover, construction contractors may each interpret the original design differently. Thus, communication between parties and careful coordination of progress are extremely important. To connect this process with education, the staff can arrange for the students to make written or visual records/reports and participate in planting. This experience will encourage the children to be more involved in future management or maintenance (eg., cleaning, trimming, declogging, sealing-up, removing alien species, etc.).

Just like raising children, an ecological pond takes much efforts to sustain; whoever involved much be well prepared to begin with. In a nutshell, planning carefully, exploring manpower on campus, and integrating into curriculum are the keys to a healthy, living, and functional ecological pond.

Last words before constructing an ecological pond on campus:

(1) Discuss fully with the staff and the community members;

(2) Connect process to the curriculum as much as possible;

(3) Stick with environmentally friendly design; and