Water Quality Practices Funded by Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District

The Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) awarded nearly $7,500 to five landowners to install water quality conservation practices in the upcoming year.  Through the SWCD’s cost-share program, the landowners have agreed to pay at least 50% of the costs of installing rain gardens and/or pond edge enhancements on their properties.  These conservation practices are designed to improve the water quality of our ponds, streams, reservoirs, and river.

Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions that intercept stormwater from roofs, roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces and allow it to infiltrate into the ground.  This natural process helps reduce urban flooding, improve water quality, and provide wildlife habitat, all while adding a beautiful landscaping feature to a property.

Pond edge enhancements are native plantings around the shores of retention ponds that help filter and improve water quality, stabilize shorelines to prevent erosion, and attract beneficial wildlife like songbirds and pollinators.  Neighborhoods utilizing pond edge enhancements will also benefit from fewer maintenance needs as mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pesticide use are reduced.

The Hamilton County SWCD provides the community with conservation leadership and quality service dedicated to improving and sustaining our natural resources.  We offer educational workshops and speaking engagements, technical assistance and recommendations, and a cost-sharing program as mentioned above.  By providing this personalized assistance to landowners, we can promote environmentally sound property management techniques for the benefit of the environment and citizens alike.  If you have a natural resource concern, are interested in the cost-share program, or would like to learn more about the SWCD, please visit www.hamiltonswcd.org or call (317) 773-2181.