Can i make a small swamp in my backyard?

i live in the swamps of louisana. i live right next to the levee that blocks the water from the gulf of mexico. All between there is swamps and i want a little piece of swamp to look at every morning. Also its almost alligator season, so i need to attract one of those 11 1/2 foot ones like i did after katrina. What would be the steps, or the requirements for digging out and making a small swamp of my own?