Even during these hottest days of summer, it’s fun to rise with the sun and spend some time looking over our domain. Our ponds, our lakes. Water is soothing to us. Gives our souls a respite from whatever is about to consume our days. Its fun to see how our ponds are responding to our strategy…or how it isn’t. Ponds are a lesson…check that…lessons. If we listen, we learn. If we don’t listen, we learn.

Personally, I find it rewarding that you are taking time to read these pages and absorb as much knowledge as you can. There’s just something about osmosis that transcends its science. We read, we do, we learn. We gain, and then our ponds gain.

And there’s fruit, whether you find it in the serenity of your pond or on the business end of a fishing pole in a boat with grandkids, helping that little catch their first fish.

This issue is loaded with good stuff. A Pond Boss reader, Raegan Siegfried, sent in a story about renovating a small pond to grow big bluegills. Speaking of big bluegills, the Slab Lab is on its way back and you’ll be fascinated with how it’s responding. Reminds of some words in Exodus.

Be sure to try to wade through the water chemistry conundrum Kenny Dryden is facing. It’s a hard-science read, but give it a whirl. We’ve got all the regular stuff, plus the next in the series about the most amazing lake I’ve met, Gilmore Creek Lake. It’s educational, with some palm to forehead moments that will make this pond and fish management stuff make more sense…and come to life.

The Pond Boss team offers a profound “thank you” for being a part of our extended family. It’s an honor that you’ve chosen us to help guide you to your dream state of stewardship of your precious land and water!