Rain Barrels and Compost Bins
Highlight This Year’s Conservation Plant Sale

The Clermont SWCD will again offer tree seedlings and groundcovers at discount prices.  This program provides the opportunity for individuals to develop small areas of reforestation, wildlife enhancement, or enhance home landscaping.  Follow this link for all the details and to get an order form.  The deadline to place orders is April 11, 2008.

Due to the great demand for quality rain barrels in Southwestern Ohio, Clermont SWCD is pleased to announce that we will be selling rain barrels at our 2008 Tree & Groundcover Sale. The high quality 60 gal. plastic rain barrel kits are available for the incredible price of $75 each (actual retail price is $120)!  See the plant sale section for order information.

Rain barrels are a great way to reduce the storm water runoff that home rooftops contribute to local rivers, streams, and lakes.  They also conserve water and provide an inexpensive means to irrigate home gardens and landscaping.  Rain barrels can fit beautifully into the landscape, and can be painted to match your home (using Krylon Fusion paint).  The rain barrels offered by the district will be terra cotta color (note: black will be substituted if terra cotta supplies are exhausted - we cannot guarantee color).  Reasonably priced rain barrels are very difficult to come by.  Please get your orders in early; the district is anticipating a sell-out!!! 

    Mark Your Calendars

Could Your Farm Benefit From A Watering System ?

All you need to do is be willing to fence out your stream from livestock.  The minimum buffer width is 20 feet and can go up to 120 feet.  By restricting access to surface water on your property and giving your livestock a clean source of water to drink from, chances of sickness from pathogens are greatly reduced.    Livestock illnesses associated with polluted water include: mastitis, scours, lepto, cryptosporidiosis, and foot rot.   Nitrates in water can also  reduce lactation, lower blood pressure and cause anorexia.  The danger of injury or death from falling on streambanks or even drowning will be nonexistent when your livestock are excluded from these areas.  CRP will also cost share 90% on fencing for livestock exclusion.  Other practices CRP reimburses 90% include stream crossings for stable access to pasture fields, gravel heavy use pads around watering troughs, and trees, shrubs, or native grasses that you choose to plant inside the buffer area.

Besides the cost share that is reimbursed, there is also a one time incentive payment when you sign your contract, and an annual rental payment on the buffer area for 10 or 15 years, depending on the length of your contract.  Maintenance payments will also be made to help with upkeep of certain practices.