Ponds for Kids, was developed by Aquascape, Inc. a leading manufacturer of water gardening supplies in North America. Aquascape, Inc. saw the importance of sharing this great hobby with as many people as possible and founded the non-profit organization known as N.A.W.G.S. (The North American Water Garden Society). N.A.W.G.S. is responsible for developing Pond for Kids into an educational program to give children and young adults a working appreciation for nature and ecology. Schoolyard Habitat Sites provide endless opportunities to meet and exceed high academic standards across the curriculum from pre-school through high school. "Using habitat-based learning sites makes learning more real, fun, hands-on, interdisciplinary, and relevant." (Benchmarks for Science Literacy)

Brian has been involved with several Pond for Kids Projects, including Islip High School Earth Day (4/22) 2007! With the help of other Certified Aquascape Contractors and many students and teachers , we were able to build a 16' x 30' pond in the school's courtyard.

For More Information on how you can get your school involved, please contact our office at (516) 937-3474.

The Following article was printed in Aquascapes Summer 2007 Newsletter:

6 CAC's, 35 Students, 1 dedicated science teacher, tremendous school spirit, and 1 and a half years in the making . . .all paved the way to one amazing Ponds For Kids Day at Islip High School on Long Island, NY.

It all started a year and a half ago, when Islip H.S. science teacher Wayne Mennecke contacted me through NAWGS. He had told me how his students in collaboration with KIC (Keep Islip Clean Organization) had started to build a 16' x 30' pond in the courtyard of their school. They were running into a few problems however and needed help to complete their project.

From when I first met with Wayne, I realized these kids were such dedicated individuals, and had already put a few years of hard work into this project .. I wanted to take this opportunity to make it work for them, the school, and the community. So with the help of fundraisers, donations, and state funded grants, enough money was raised to finally set a date of Friday April 20th 2007 in honor of Earth Day (4/22/2007).

Now, if you've read through the Ponds for Kids materials, you will recall where it recommends building a pond no greater than 11' x 16' . From the beginning I knew what I was up against, the proposed project was already a 16' x 30' pond!! There was no doubt in my mind that I needed to call on a few fellow CAC's to help bring this project together (in one school day no-less), they included; Diane Baker (James Ponds, PA), Kevin Cotter (Glencar Water Gardens, NY), Charlie Holland (Chester Hollow Water Gardens, NH), Jim Ruprecht Jr. (Bay State Aquascapes, MA), and Mark Willoughby (The Gardens Edge, PA). Without them, this day would not have happened and I Thank Them ALL!!

Another key factor to the success of the Ponds for Kids Day was preparation. I spent time collaborating with teacher Wayne Mennecke and the students. Days before the event, and after school hours the students participated in transporting rocks and gravel into the school's courtyard - which was no easy task. This played a major role in how smoothly the build went.

It went so smoothly in fact that by the time 2pm rolled around that day . . . the local Fire Department had the pond filled (with water from a nearby lake), a Citation had been presented by the Town Supervisor, and the last flash had gone off...that's when I realized we did it!!

One thing that I will definitely take away from this experience was hearing from a teacher that she had seen more school spirit today, because of Ponds for Kids, than she had in the past 5 years all together! Hearing that makes what we do, so much more worthwhile, and enjoyable.

On a Closing Note . . .Relationship's are Key! When I needed help I was able to pick up the phone and ask for it. I needed it, I called, Help Arrived. We all know how to build ponds, but the relationships we build through events like Pondemonium, WGE, etc., are priceless.

Thanks Once Again,
Brian, The Fish Guy