New Home Owner - Wetlands in Backyard

[S.Hass]

I recently purchased a home in Westchester NY and have only seen it in the winter with a foot of snow. That snow has melted and revealed a little bog/swamp/wetlands in the backyard (see pic below - I don't know the difference).

I don't mind it because its far from the home (about 100ft) and I think there is an opportunity to create something beautiful from this.

We plan to clean up some of the fallen trees and bushes once we identify what is alive and what is dead but I don't have the funds to hire a professional.

Am I naive to think that a little digging and landscaping can create a beautiful small pond that will attract frogs and other amphibians?

I would appreciate any advice for options that don't cost too much and would be suitable for an amateur like myself. I am looking forward to many weekends of projects and I have a few friends that can help so manpower and time are plentiful

Thank you so much in advance. Can't wait to one day post the "after" pic!

 

[Meyer Jordan]

First thing that I would do is get a pH reading. Likely to be acidic?

 

[DrCase]

Get a chain saw and clean it up, its cheap but hard work

 

[Big Lou]

Wetlands are so important and so are good, non trash, trees. Wetlands are sometimes protected meaning must remain in their natural state. You can determine if yours are protected by contacting the appropriate department in your county government.

 

[j.w]

Wonder if it is an all year wet area or will it dry up in the hot summer?
Hope it will be a nice spot for critters after you clean it up some.