I agree with chas, Hertford. You didn't say how the Army Corps of Engineers came to be involved in telling you what you can and can't do with this wet place on your property in the first place (did you contact them, or did they contact you, for instance?). But generally, any place officially designated by the government as a "wetland" is subject to a number of different protections that even someone like me (who belongs to half a dozen conservation societies) doesn't really know all the ins and outs of. A wetland also usually does NOT mean "pond." "Wetlands" are generally defined as areas that are covered in water part or most of the year, but at least parts of them are dry part of the time (I think). Bogs, marshes and swamps all fall into the designation of "wetland." It's possible the ACE WILL let you do enough with that property to clean it up and pretty it up and make it into more of a pond. Then again, you may have to settle for just cleaning it up some, and allowing for what wildlife naturally occurs there (although ACE or not, I'd NOT be willing to allow venomous snakes to remain that close to my house). Where you live, that could include copperheads, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, I think, plus possibly coral snakes, the most venomous snake in North America (venom similar to the cobra). You probably need to do a lot of research, but as far as cutting down the trees and shrubs, and any other "weeds" you want to get out of there, I'd say NOW is the time to do it, since during the winter any snakes that live there WILL be in hibernation and not likely to send you to the hospital. Then, come spring, they'll be easier to see and deal with. Best of luck, Jeff

Thanks, guys and gals. I'll try to stop fretting. You do all sound so nice, and yet I feel like I'm going to the school dance without a date! :-) Dawiff, I'd love the coneflowers, if they're not spoken for. Anyone with hostas to share, particularly if they are variegated, I will partake. Heuchera, too. (Trying to build my shady path garden along the side of my house). ALSO, I am in great need of sun-loving plants for the sunniest spot in my yard: Around the mailbox. I was thinking some spring bulbs and ... not sure what else, but if you bring sun-lovers, I'd love to know about it so I can consider them for this new garden. (It used to be all baby's breath, but I finally resigned myself to the fact that I HATE baby's breath and I ripped it all out. This was only last weekend and it may still be salvageable, if someone wants some.) I honestly don't know what a lot of the plants are that people are bringing. I do hope people will have pictures and info on where to plant (sun/shade) so newbies like me can know whether something would work for them. :-) I will be bringing pics of my plants in bloom, as well as pics of my property so everyone can see my projects. I'd love to see everyone else's, too. Hint hint!!! Happy digging, everyone!

barton, thanks for the site but unless as a new born they are very different in color--as in bland/mud color that's not him. I just tried to send a pic with no success. I have Kodak easy share, is it possible to send using it?

Be careful saving "roadrunners". Here is an article from News-Press.com from S.W. Florida..... Heather Lowe says she's been called a baby killer. That label is inaccurate, ugly and cruel. But tragedy inspires some folks to utter insults. Emily Kent of North Fort Myers was 6 years old when she darted onto Old U.S. 41 to rescue a wayward turtle. Driver education teachers tell you to leave yourself an out. Yet, what if there's no time? There was no way out for Emily and Heather that June 5 night near Littleton Road in North Fort Myers. "I didn't see the little girl at all,'' Heather says. "I don't know if she bent over to get the turtle or just ran in front of me.'' Despite pleas from her mother to wait, Emily's heart overruled her regard for safety. Emily only had eyes for the turtle. The selfless little animal lover was oblivious to traffic. A sickening thud followed. "It happened as quick as you can snap a finger,'' Heather says. "I stopped. I heard the little girl's mother screaming.'' Heather, 19, called her mom. "She was screaming into her cell phone: 'I hit a kid. Oh, my Lord, I hit a kid,' '' says Debra Sheffield, 52. "She was so hysterical, I thought at first she said she hit a kitten. "When I got out there, she was frozen to the steering wheel. I had to pry her little hands loose.'' Both families hoped and prayed for a miracle, but death didn't take a detour. This is the kind of calamity that shakes your faith. How could God or whoever is calling the shots  let a Toyota strike a wonderful child trying to save a turtle? The sad story traveled worldwide and inspired acts of kindness toward Emily's family. Repeated coverage of a death takes its toll. Even though Heather wasn't at fault, she becomes a second victim. "I know that my saying 'I'm sorry' and 'I didn't mean to' is not going to bring this little girl back. I am overwhelmed with sadness for her parents.'' Heather says she wanted to express her sympathy to Emily's family, but a police officer advised against it. Too soon, he told her. That's a good call by the cop. A family reeling from this kind of fatality is in no condition to meet the unlucky driver. No charges were filed, but Heather violated her learner's permit. She was cited for driving at night and driving without a licensed adult in the car. Second victims sometimes feel a need to defend themselves. "I'm not a baby killer,'' Heather says. "I don't like living with it, just like the little girl's family. But I believe that's how they look at me. It was a tragic accident, but I have feelings, too. "I have to live with this the rest of my life.'' She's trying to deal with her despair without counseling, but says if that doesn't work she will seek professional help. The torment of this tragedy won't go away for either family. They can't explain it no matter how many times they replay it: A girl dashes to the aid of a turtle and ends up dead. How do you explain it? It is the most unjust accident in Lee County history.