Backyard Ponds Attract Aquatic Life Within Days
A Texas gardener details how simple containers and rainwater support toads and birds, while Round Rock offers a rebate for rainwater systems.
By Larissa Shah ·
Claire Sorenson, a member of the Austin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, reports that aquatic wildlife appeared in her south Austin yard immediately after she installed small ponds. She notes that despite living in a dry climate, the introduction of water quickly drew species she had never previously observed in her neighborhood.
Sorenson argues that simple water features are essential for supporting local ecosystems. She advises that homeowners do not need complex infrastructure to create these habitats. Basic materials such as metal livestock troughs, plastic liners, or large tubs are sufficient to hold water for native plants and animals.
The gardener recommends using non-chlorinated water to protect aquatic life. She suggests letting tap water sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate or using collected rainwater instead. She lists ten native species suitable for these ponds, including Whitetop Sedge, Cardinal Flower, and Pickerelweed.
Within days of setting up the ponds in her new home, Sorenson observed a rapid increase in local fauna. Birds such as House Finches, Eastern Phoebes, and Robins began visiting to drink and bathe. Gulf Coast Toads soon moved onto the patio, and their mating calls were audible at night. She documented eggs in the smaller pond, with tadpoles appearing 24 hours later. She also identified dragonfly larvae and an adult dragonfly hovering near the water.
Sorenson provides specific guidance for those aiming to support amphibians and dragonfly larvae. She recommends using mosquito dunks rather than mosquito fish, as the fish consume amphibian eggs and tadpoles. She also advises placing rocks inside the pond to create ramps for animals to enter and exit the water safely.
The article includes a description of a rainwater collection system used to fill the ponds. Sorenson uses 55-gallon barrels connected to gutters with 3-inch PVC pipes. She notes that filter baskets prevent debris from clogging the system. This setup has functioned reliably for years to maintain pond levels and water gardens.
The City of Round Rock currently offers a rebate for water customers who install rainwater collection systems. Sorenson’s guide was published in the Fall 2026 issue of Texas Native Plants magazine and is shared with the permission of the author.
