Work began on the research ponds at the Horticulture Station in the second week of October (2003) and was completed in May 2004. The project consisted of constructing 6, 0.2 acre research ponds, an access road, wetland, well, and a staging area. The Iowa State University Aquatic Research Facility has a total of 1.2 surface acres of water. The total project area covers 3.58 acres; approximately 20,000 cubic yards of dirt will be moved and reshaped for pond construction.