This fall, we had 10 new Master Rain Gardeners complete our 6 week course. Upon installation of their rain gardens, they will have finished all requirements for their Master Rain Gardener Certification!
Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with native plants that collect and absorb stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (where water cannot infiltrate) like roofs and driveways. Instead of sending polluted water straight into storm drains, rain gardens slow the flow, filter out contaminants, and allow the water to soak into the ground. This reduces erosion, improves water quality, and helps protect local streams.
Congratulations to this group and we are so excited to see their beautiful rain gardens installed this spring. Check out cincyraingardener.org to learn more about rain gardens and future courses!
As we celebrate, decorate, give gifts and travel this holiday season, we also generate a lot of waste and increase our energy use. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the volume of household waste in this country increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day; that amounts to around one million extra tons of garbage!
Christmas tree recycling is a great gift to the environment after the holiday season ends! “Treecycling” not only keeps cut trees out of the landfill, but it helps support other ecosystems. Best of all, it’s FREE and easy!
Please note, this Treecycling program is only for live cut trees. Before you take your cut tree to a collection site or haul it to the curb for pick-up, please be sure to remove all lights, tinsel, and decorations.
There will be drop of sites in Pierce Township, Union Township, certain Clermont Parks, and more! Keep an eye on acswd.org for a
full list of drop-off locations.
With the recent snow and frigid temperatures, many of us have worked hard to clear our porches, driveways and sidewalks of snow and ice. Commonly we simply spread rock salt over these areas – it is simple and it works. Salt, though, can damage some metals, concrete, and asphalt, and can be harmful to plants, lakes and ponds, and drinking water. Less threatening alternatives to salt are readily available.
A low-corrosion alternative to rock salt is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Salt breaks down the surfaces of metals, concrete and asphalt, causing cracking and weakness with extended use season after season, where CMA is only as corrosive as ordinary tap water. Also, CMA is not harmful to vegetation where salt can be deadly to shrubs, orchards, gardens, and trees. CMA actually strengthens the soil and can stimulate plant growth by providing abundant organic acid in the way that liming a garden improves vitality. In surface water such as streams, lakes, and ponds, CMA does not stimulate algae growth or kill aquatic plants as salt does. For CMA to be as damaging to aquatic life as salt is, there would have to be three times the accumulation as that of salt to achieve even half of the damage. The downside to CMA is that it generally takes longer to melt ice and snow compared to rock salt, so it may not be as suitable for rapid ice removal.
Of course, there is the old chemical free option of shoveling. If you want to minimize the amount of work, just shovel a small walking path on sidewalks and two tire paths on driveways. Shoveling these pathways clear even part of the time while also using CMA reduces the chance of accidents and also lowers the threat of salt and chemical damage to the environment.
While decorating for the holiday season, you may encounter a few strings of lights that mysteriously decided to quit working, or the dreaded wad of lights that is impossible to untangle. Don’t throw those strings of lights away – recycle them properly!
The Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District is once again providing residents with convenient opportunities to recycle unwanted or nonworking decorative string lights. From November 27th until February 1st residents can recycle their traditional or LED-style string lights by dropping them into a specially marked outdoor container at the following locations:
Shor Park (container is by public restrooms)Holiday lights cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin or in the public recycling drop-off container you typically use because they will tangle around the machinery and automated equipment at the recycling processing center. Please note this collection event is for traditional or LED string lights only – fluorescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, or any other holiday decorations cannot be accepted. Businesses or organizations that have a large quantity of holiday lights to recycle can email DSNYDER@clermontcountyohio.gov or call 513-732-7744 for special accommodations.
We offer those too! We provide free adult education programs for groups such as garden clubs, senior centers, community groups, homeowner’s associations, library programs, local businesses, and more. Our staff can present on a variety of topics, including composting, soil health, water quality, pollution prevention, recycling, native and invasive plants, and local conservation projects. These programs are a great opportunity to learn how you can engage with conservation efforts at home and in the community. Contact Elea Cooper at ecooper@clermontcountyohio.gov for requests!
There are many great reasons to plant native plants. Native plants are the backbone of our local ecosystems and provide an array of services for the wildlife and humans that share the same space.
Native plants require less maintenance than exotic landscaping species and turf lawn as they are adapted to survive to the seasonal changes of Ohio. This means that you will spend less time watering during the summer drought and you won’t have to protect them through the winter. Native plants also help with storm water management as they have deeper root systems to help storm water get into the ground faster. This will help to prevent puddling and flooding around your yard.
Native plants also provide vital habitat for wildlife. Many species of butterflies and birds are dependent on very specific native plant species to survive. Other pollinators like hummingbirds, moths, and bats also rely on native plants for food. Native plants also produce seeds, fruits, and nuts that many species rely on to get through the cold winter months. If you would like to attract more birds and wildlife to your yard, planting native plants is one of the best actions you can take. Check out our plant sale for some great native options!
Nearly 1000 conservation leaders from across the nation gathered Feb. 8-12 in Salt Lake City for the National Association of Conservation Districts’ 79th Annual Meeting. The conference focused on the theme “Bee The Change: Reaching New Summits in Conservation”, and the future of districts and natural resource conservation took center stage. General sessions and breakouts featured an exciting line-up on how partnerships with SWCDs impact the locally-led conservation efforts regarding our nation’s soil, water, air, and other precious natural resources, including a talk by Clermont SWCD.
John McManus presented during a breakout session on the Williamsburg Off-Channel Wetland Treatment System project (see photo at right). It was a great honor to showcase this unique nutrient removal system in Clermont County on the national stage. Clermont SWCD enjoyed showcasing the efforts that are occurring within the county to address environmental concerns, and our collaboration with other agencies, businesses, and landowners to address the needs of the county and its residents.
Rain barrels are a great way to reduce the stormwater runoff that rooftops contribute to local waterways. They also help conserve water and provide an inexpensive way to irrigate gardens and landscaping. By capturing rainwater that would otherwise flow into storm drains, rain barrels help reduce erosion, prevent pollutants from entering waterways, and lower water bills. The collected water can be used to water plants, wash outdoor tools, and other non-potable uses. A rain barrel can quickly pay for itself in water savings, especially during dry months.
Rain barrels can fit beautifully into any landscape and can be painted to blend in with their surroundings or decorated with unique designs to add a personal touch. Some people also install multiple barrels to maximize water collection and ensure they have plenty of water for their gardens.
Pick up your rain barrel through our Rain Barrel Workshop (for just $55!), through our plant sale, or stop by the Cincinnati Zoo this April to bid on gorgeous, painted barrels from local artists.
Bring your class/group on a hands-on field trip! Topics you can request include soil chemistry, water quality, fish, habitats, invasive species, macroinvertebrates, and more.
Prefer something in the classroom? Borrow one of our loaner trunks filled with standards-based experiments, games, crafts, and activities focused on conservation.
All programs are completely free to any Clermont County based school/groups!
Check out our School Program Guide to learn more and book programs!
Email Elea Cooper at ecooper@clermontcountyohio.gov with questions or special requests.
