You have all been incredibly helpful. I have located two possible sources of fathead minnows on my normal weekly driving routes, fired off an email to a wetland expert, and yesterday morning (in the pouring rain) we cleared about 4 foot of shoreline by posting sticks and brush into the chipper/shredder. The woods are full of movement- mostly squirrels this morning. Saw a bluebird sitting on the fencepost this morning, and I THINK I saw a red-wing-blackbird yesterday. I am imagining the soon to take place transformation outside my bedroom window as the trees turn from sticks to lush vegetation. From my bathroom window I can see a BOW, rather than just a thicket. It is pale green, and probably will, indeed, smell as soon as the temperature goes up a little, but it is my pond, and my heart swells with pride to be a pond owner.
I'm probably going to lurk here for a while, but hope to be able to post my progress later in the year.
Many thanks to all who responded. Your kindness, wisdom, generosity and good humor is much appreciated.
