A $48,405 Environmental Education Fund grant from Ohio EPA will allow Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) promote green infrastructure as a cost-effective method to reduce nutrient loadings and storm water runoff volume to streams. Ohio EPA awarded 11 environmental education grants statewide for $304,136.
Defiance SWCD will partner with local leaders to build innovative storm water demonstration projects. Outreach workshops highlighting back yard conservation and stream monitoring will give residents hands-on tools to improve water quality.
Three demonstration rain gardens with interpretive signs will be created in local communities. Rain barrel and rain garden workshops and kits will be offered to at least 160 residents. Community events such as movie screenings and canoe trips will be offered to cultivate active participation and build a volunteer base. “Land to Lake Watershed Awareness Campaign” activities will be complemented with a local conservation magazine and social media outreach.
Defiance SWCD is collaborating with the city of Defiance, Defiance Development and Visitors Bureau, Kircher’s Flowers and Garden Center, ODNR Division of Watercraft, Upper Maumee Watershed Partnership and the villages of Hicksville and Sherwood.
The Ohio Environmental Education Fund is administered by Ohio EPA. Eligible grant recipients include environmental groups, public and private schools, colleges and universities, trade or professional organizations, businesses and state and local governments. For additional information, contact the Ohio Environmental Education Fund on the web or at (614) 644-2873.