The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service will host two workshops in aquatic weed control and pond management March 20-21 in Princeton.

Ponds are important to Kentucky farmers and recreationalists. The state’s more than 233,000 farm ponds serve as water sources for livestock and crops and may be great spots for recreational fishing. Landowners can help these water systems reach their full potential with proper management.

Bill Wurts, Forrest Wynne and Bob Durborow, aquaculture extension specialists with Kentucky State University, will lead both trainings at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center.

The specialists will present Aquatic Weed Control Training from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. CDT March 20. The training will emphasize proper chemical selection, applicator techniques, safety and record keeping. Additional discussion topics include aquatic plant and algae identification, methods of algae control and herbicide and algaecide use.

Pesticide applicator continuing education units will be available for three specific hours in category 5 and two general hours for categories 10 and 12.

During the farm and recreational pond management workshop, 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. March 21, KSU extension aquaculture specialists will help landowners learn how to manage their ponds better. Participants will get a broad perspective about effective management techniques for ponds used for agricultural purposes and recreational fishing. Discussion topics include pond safety, water quality, managing fish populations, fish health, proper site selection, construction methods and control of unwanted aquatic plants.

Both events are free and open to the public. Though preregistration is not required, registration will ensure that participants receive workshop materials. To register, contact Wurts at 270-365-7541, ext. 200 or wwurts@uky.edu or Wynne at 270-247-2334 or fwynne@email.uky.edu.

Similar trainings in Central Kentucky will be announced at a later date.