Is a pond just a pond?

Today I made a pastel picture of Water Lilies. Mine isn't exactly like the ones made by Claude Monet, but I think it's great. I love water and all the life that lives in and around it.  Did you know that there are more than 1,000 species of animals that live there? Not all of them are in one pond, but you'll find lots, if you really look. 

I have a tiny pond in my backyard. It is frozen now. We have lots of snow today. In little ponds there are frogs, fish, fleas, dragonflies and snails. There are amphibians, invertebrates and mammals in ponds. Beavers, birds, ducks and racoons live near them too. 

Ponds are interesting because they support lots of different food chains. There are many plants that live in ponds such as water lilies. As well as being beautiful to look at, they make great places to give creatures shelter.

Pond water needs to stay clean so that it can help keep all the plants and animals healthy. When we dump or pollute pond water, there isn't enough oxygen to break down the pollution. One thing I've learned about pollution is that there are chemicals and fertilizers that get put on our food and the soil we use to grow crops. These chemicals can get absorbed in the water that flows to rivers, streams and ponds. 

You can help keep the water in ponds clean by picking up garbage you see in and around a pond. Also, try not to eat foods with chemicals in it. Try to eat organic foods if you can. I know it isn't always easy.

There are no sharks in ponds, but there are lots of different types of fish like trout, bass and Kingfishers. Just as we do, all of the fish in ponds need clean water too. I bet Monet loved looking at all the animals, fish and plants that lives in his pond in Giverny. His paintings are inspired by the water and life that needed it to survive. I'm so glad that Monet liked ponds or we wouldn't have some of his best paintings!

I hope you like my pastel art too.

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