A Model Conservation Project for Schools and Communities
- simongisler1
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Puddle Ponds and Basins for Biodiversity
Small Waters, Big Impact – A Habitat for the Yellow-bellied Toad
Together with the Naturschulen Zürich and dedicated school classes, arbeitseinsatz.ch has successfully implemented a project to promote yellow-bellied toads over the past two years during a total of 17 half-day sessions.
The yellow-bellied toad is one of the most endangered amphibian species in Switzerland. Its yellow-black patterned underside makes it unmistakable. To survive, it requires temporary, shallow water bodies, which are increasingly disappearing. However, even small measures can make a big difference.
The Project: Taking Action for Our Wild Neighbors
With great enthusiasm, students used shovels and pickaxes to dig more than 40 holes in the ground, which were later lined with pond liner, filled with stones, and naturally collected rainwater to serve as proper puddle ponds. Additionally, existing bodies of water were maintained, and in some cases, special toad basins were installed. Under expert guidance, students not only carried out practical work but also learned through hands-on experience about the importance of amphibian habitats.
A particular highlight was identifying pond inhabitants: students used magnifying cups to examine larvae, tadpoles, and insects, gaining a deeper appreciation for the fascinating biodiversity in these small ecosystems.
Die Massnahmen im Überblick:
Installing Toad Basins: Shallow, portable basins provide quick and easy breeding waters for the yellow-bellied toad. They are robust, durable, waterproof, and blend seamlessly into the environment.
Creating New Ponds: Using shovels, spades, pond liner, and gravel, students manually created ponds that provide ideal conditions for amphibian breeding and insects. The regular drying of these small water bodies helps protect the yellow-bellied toad and its young from predators such as dragonfly larvae.
Maintaining Existing Ponds: Leaves and invasive plants like blackberries were removed to keep the water bodies open and functional. When needed, gravel or pond liners were replaced.
Enhancing Structural Diversity: Piles of branches and small natural structures provided shelter and protection for amphibians and small animals.
Project Schedule at a Glance
Each session combined hands-on work with short learning units:
Introduction: Students learned about the yellow-bellied toad’s way of life and why these measures are important.
Practical Work: In groups, students built new ponds, installed toad basins, or maintained existing water bodies.
Educational Input: Examining pond inhabitants made biodiversity tangible. Students identified insect larvae, tadpoles, and amphibians, or engaged in interactive activities to explore species diversity.
Conclusion: The group admired the results of their efforts and reflected on their impact – a new habitat that the children could be proud of.n.
Why Are These Projects Important?
Promoting Biodiversity: Temporary water bodies such as ponds and basins create vital habitats for amphibians and small creatures.
Hands-on Environmental Education: Students experience how ecosystems function and learn about the value of nature through direct involvement.
Easy to Implement: With expert guidance and experience from pilot projects, schools and municipalities can efficiently carry out such measures – with great impact.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for People and Nature
This project demonstrates that simple measures, such as manually built ponds and toad basins, can create valuable habitats. At the same time, children and young people learn about the importance of biodiversity and how they can actively contribute. Municipalities benefit from greener spaces and increased ecological diversity.
Would you like to implement a project yourself? Whether you are a school, municipality, or private individual – we are happy to support you. Together, we can secure habitats for the yellow-bellied toad and enrich the nature around us.
Let’s get started!