Stormwater: How to Manage and Reduce Runoff in Cities

The need for stormwater management in cities has grown just as rapidly as the cities have. Before there was concrete and asphalt covering so many acres of land, the prairies grass and plants would naturally filter water while allowing water to slowly soak into the soil while other water made it into streams and rivers. We no longer have the landscape to do so, which poses the question, what can we do to control stormwater runoff?Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting workshops to talk about a few of the many ways to help combat stormwater runoff, such as rain barrels and rain gardens. 

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are low spots in a property that collect and holds water from a roof, driveway, or street and allow the water to slowly soak into the ground. Rain gardens typically are planted with grasses and flowering perennials and is a cost effective solution to water runoff from your property. Where you once had a low spot that was always muddy that you couldn’t mow or walk through because it always laid so wet you know have a  beautiful garden that is helping reduce water runoff. We will be hosting a workshop on September 3rd at Honey Haven Farm.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels capture water from your rooftop and store the water for later use. The water can be used for your lawn, gardens, indoor plants, or maybe even washing your car. Rain barrels help to reduce the flow of water leaving your property from your downspouts. It can help to reduce the amount of water that picks up pollutants such as pesticides, oil, and fertilizers. If you are interested in learning more about rain barrels, installing and utilizing them at your home, and even construct your own rain barrel, we will be hosting a workshop on June 20th at Honey Haven Farm.

Rain Beat on Main Street

This year will be our first Rain on Main event held in Loudonville on the square from July 30th - August 11th and in Ashland at Corner park from August 13th - August 22nd. This event will have rain barrels painted by local artists. Each rain barrel will be sponsored by a local business. We will be holding an online auction from July 30th - August 25th. The funds earned from the auction will be used to fun other stormwater management events in Ashland County. If you are interested in painting a rain barrel or if you’re a business and are interested in sponsoring a rain barrel please reach out to Ashland Soil and Water.

You can contact Becca Vales at bvales@ashlandcounty.org for more information on any of the events. 

Becca Vales

As our urban and education specialist, Becca will work to implement our urban agriculture initiative grant through the National Association of Conservation Districts. She works to develop urban agriculture and stormwater education programs throughout the county.