Book Sections

How to help amphibians Speak Out Community Green Plans Wetland Restoration
HELP! - Problems and concerns brought to our attention through letters from homeowners.
Wetland tales / Literature
Word Games
Art Activities
Science Activities
Additional Activities

Photo Gallery I Photo Gallery II
Glossary
Appendix

Background information

Where to build your pond    -   Toad ponds    -   Woodland ponds    -   Farm ponds How big and how deep Shape Concrete, fiberglass or clay ponds?

Flexible pond liners Digging your pond Overflow Water source Maintenance The Mitchell Pond

How to attract amphibians to your pond    -   Norway Maple: threat to natural areas?    -   Other amphibian shelters How to attract other wildlife to your backyard    -   Metro Toronto Zoo bat box programme

Where to build your pond (cont.)

In a new pond, toads are often the first species to appear. Toads adapt very well to living around homes and gardens, and are a good species to attract to your new pond. In most cases, toads are the model species for new ponds and your efforts should focus on attracting this species. While you are waiting for the first toads to arrive, take delight in the first dragonfly that magically arrives at your new wetland.

Do not worry if your toad pond dries over the summer (ephemeral ponds) as this is the type of pond that most toads will select. It is not unusual to see thousands of little 1 cm toadlets lined up along the shore of a drying pond basking in the sun and taking in the last of the pond water through the skin of their belly. Because toad ponds are located in open areas with full sun it is essential that cover such as boards, flat rocks, tall grasses, or stumps be provided as shelter for the toadlets while they move away from their birth pond.

American toad calling.