To address the basics of large pond management, Dana Rizzo and Susan Boser, water quality educators with Penn State Extension, along with Tim Wood of Aquatic Edge Consulting, offer a workshop from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. May 5.

The program will be presented at the Mercer County Extension office, 463 N. Perry Highway.

Ponds can provide many recreational benefits to homeowners, but they have their share of problems.

Some ponds might develop leaks or fill with sediment. The water might be muddy, or choked with weeds and algae. And sometimes, that big fish you hoped would be there for the children to catch just doesn’t materialize.

During the program, the presenters will offer tips and advice on common pond problems and proper management.

Typically, the most frequent questions involve the control of aquatic plants and weeds, so we’ll spend time discussing how to identify and control nuisance plants and algae.

We also get a lot of questions about fisheries, so we’ll discuss the best kinds of fish to stock, the species to avoid and how to harvest to keep the populations balanced.

The program costs $15 per person and includes materials.

Phone registration will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling 877-489-1398.

Register on line at www.cvent.com/d/pcq0g2 until April 30; then call 724-774-3003.

The workshop is for anyone interested in building or repairing a pond, as well as those with concerns about their fish or pond water quality.

For more information on the program or on pond management, contact Susan Boser at 724-774-3003 or Dana Rizzo at 724-837-1402.

Copies of the brochure also are available by contacting the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761, Ext. 222.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.