Learn new methods to manage stormwater June 3

Everyone seems to have one: those pesky wet spots in your lawn that you battle all summer lawn. But instead of battling those wet spots with your mower, it may be time to consider a different tactic to manage that excess stormwater: a rain garden.

“Rain gardens can be a beautiful and functional addition to the landscape,” said Jane Houin, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) director. “Not only are they a management tool to corral excess stormwater, but they help improve water quality and filtration all while showcasing beautiful native plant species.”

Ashland SWCD will be hosting a Conservation Chat: Rain, Rain Come Our Way on Friday, June 3 at 9 a.m. in Loudonville’ Central Park to talk about the benefits rain gardens provide, proper site selection and design, and what plants work best in rain gardens.

“Even though your lawn needs rain to thrive, storms can add stress to your sump pump and leave your yard soggy and littered with puddles,” Houin said. “But rain gardens can be spongy, flower-covered superheroes for rescuing your lawn. They can help protect your home from water damage and flooding, improve drainage in your lawn, and provide many benefits for the environment.” 

The Conservation Chat will take place is Loudonville’s Central Park at 9 a.m.—prior to the Farmer’s Basket market scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in Central Park later that morning. Registration for the event will be $5 and pre-registration is required and includes beverages, a $5 voucher to spend at the market, and a door prize entry, including rain garden seed packets, water bottles and more.

“Rain gardens provide a host of benefits for the environment, from conserving water, providing pollinator habitat, increasing wildlife and biodiversity and recharging groundwater,” Houin said. “Plus, they provide economic benefits by reducing flood risk, improving drainage, higher property values, and savings from not having to use lawn chemicals or mow.”

The Conservation Chat: Rain, Rain Come Our Way will take place June 3 at 9 a.m. in Loudonville’s Central Park. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/conservation-chat-rain-rain-come-our-way-tickets-329781755107 or can be purchased by contacting Katie Eikleberry at Ashland SWCD at 419-281-7645.