We encourage communities to adopt practices to minimize stormwater runoff and runoff pollution, provide wildlife habitat, and improve soil health and landscaping aesthetics.
Runoff from rainwater and snowmelt enters storm drains, carrying pollutants from lawn fertilizers, pesticides and vehicle fluids directly to ditches, streams and rivers. With the amount of impervious surfaces (roads, rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots) increasing, stormwater can cause serious property damage and flooding.
Common backyard conservation practices include: rain gardens, rain barrels or cisterns, native plantings, mulching, drip irrigation, pervious surfaces, dry streambeds, appropriate use of landscaping chemicals, soil testing, integrated pest management, streamside buffers, composting and green roofs. The menu to the right offers more information on each practice.