Thank you for your question.

In checking the records of our forum, I see that you asked a related question to your current one on 3/3/22. At that time, you were provided the following reference site:

https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/landscape-design - how-to-find-help-with-your-landscaping-project-1561813

It was also suggested to you that contact be made with the Extension Office for Olmsted County to seek their advice and possible assistance. Instead of the reference site mentioned at that time, a better site would be:

https://extension.umn.edu/local/olmsted

I’m curious to know if you explored these suggested sites. Were they helpful?

With respect to your current question, which appears largely to deal with ducks, I have the following thoughts:

1). Great all-purpose breeds for cold climates and small ponds in Minnesota are:

a). Pekin – large, friendly, excellent egg production.

b). Khaki Campbell – best egg layers; very cold hardy.

c). Welsh Harlequin – calmer than Campbells, excellent layers.

d). Rouen – heavy, calm, beautiful, but moderate egg layers.

e). Runner Ducks – great for slug patrol in gardens.

See:

https://blog.meyerhatchery.com/2019/07/what-duck-breed-is-best-for-you/ - :~:text=White Pekin,9 pounds for the females.

https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/af256438-3d16-46b0-b2a8-cad93d377bb6/content

2). See the following for housing and raising ducks:

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/programs/duck-research-laboratory/duck-housing-and-management - :~:text=In areas where poultry raising,inexpensive netting or wire mesh.

https://opensanctuary.org/building-a-good-home-for-ducks/ - :~:text=existing residents safe!-,Indoor Living Spaces For Ducks,provide traction on the ramp.

https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/animals-and-wildlife/a-guide-to-duck-houses - :~:text=The house should be at,legs and feet in winter.

3). Some information on water sources and pond construction:

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/excavatedponds/index.html - :~:text=Wetlands that have not been,assistance page in this section.

https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/backyard/wildlifehabitat/excavated_ponds/excavatedponds.pdf

https://www.farmingfornature.ie/your-farm/resources/best-practice-guides/building-a-wildlife-pond-on-your-land/

The following book site might be helpful to you:

https://store.motherearthnews.com/products/storeys-guide-to-raising-ducks?srsltid=AfmBOopMMmKr4NXb5r0xWjTW-7MBmYNHHtMNCoiEAXBnNuc8OD6dlRrL

As for your cherry and apple project, the following should help you plan things:

https://mnhardy.umn.edu/cherries

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden - :~:text=Apricots, cherries, peaches and plums,get a lot of it.

https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2024/09/umn-apple-breeding-program-desirable.html - :~:text=With its original release in,apple variety that is released.

https://mnhardy.umn.edu/apples/varieties

https://extension.umn.edu/find-plants/fruit

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples

https://www.bachmans.com/information/resource-hub/fruit-trees

Good luck with both projects. They are fantastic ones. Please get back to us with any further, related questions. Thanks for using our forum