A little help from below the surface

Apr 24, 2025

Our duck pond has been going through some things. Not too long ago, we told you how we found ourselves in the middle of a quiet pond crisis. Algae had taken over. The fish were struggling. The ducks were living their best lives. And the dragonflies? Let’s just say they weren’t winning. The balance we once had was slipping fast.

So, we brought in some backup. A few new catfish, quietly introduced into the pond, and already proving to be little powerhouses. They haven’t turned things around completely, but they’re working hard. The water is clearer, the smell is better, and you can see it. There’s a shift. Especially in the spots where our ducks like to hang out most (you know the ones). The catfish have made those patches a bit less... green. It’s not a dramatic transformation, but it’s enough to remind us that small changes still count.

Of course, we’re not leaving it all to the catfish. As a team, we’ve been helping the effort along with good old-fashioned elbow grease. We’ve been recycling the pond water by hand - bucket by bucket - to water our plants around the farm. It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. But that water is rich in nutrients and our crops are already looking a little more vibrant. We do it gently, too. No splashing, no drama, just a slow, respectful process so we don’t disturb the ecosystem further. It’s a delicate dance.

And the ducks? Still plenty of them. But we’ve started relocating a few to Tamarillo Estate to ease the pressure on the pond. It helped. Not just in terms of space, but also giving the catfish a fighting chance to do what they do best. For a while now, we’ve also been incorporating some of the duck meat into meals served at our restaurants. It’s part of that full-circle Gobelo approach: thoughtful, respectful and always with care.

The pond isn’t perfect yet. But it’s getting there. Every small step counts when you’re trying to find your way back to balance.