It wasn't long before students realized that we had a problem with our wetlands model in that the areas that were supposed to be dry on top weren't and our "dry foot" plants didn't look very happy. Because the gravel base was just above the water level when the sandy soil was added it quickly filtered down through the rocks slowing the flow and raising the elevation.

My good friend and neighbor, Mr. Jim as the kids know him, decided to try his hand at aquaponics. The idea is to raise fish in one pond and vegetables and vegetation in the other. The waste from the fish pond will provide nutrients for the vegetation and the vegetation will provide food for the fish.

Sounded like too good an opportunity to pass up so I was excited about the chance to lend a hand. Jim got a couple of huge containers from his friend Margaret and we set off to digging a couple of holes.