LowImpactDevelopment

Headwater Streets: Abram Creek

A Financial Incentive Program for Residents of the
Upper Abram Creek Watershed

Headwater Streets: Abram Creek is a financial incentive program for residents in the Upper Abram Creek Watershed (see map), which roughly includes the neighborhoods surrounding Big Creek Parkway and Pearl Road between I-71 and W. 130th St. in Middleburg Heights. The purpose of the program is to reduce storm water pollution in Abram Creek, which flows along Big Creek Parkway and Brookside Parkway.

Financial Incentives for Residents include a 50% rebate on Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens and Soil Testing, potentially totaling hundreds of dollars in savings. The 50% rebate is available for Rain Barrels or Rain Gardens installed or Soil Testing Performed until June 30, 2011.

Stop Throwing Money Down the Drain! Studies indicate that on average nearly 60% of household water use during the summer goes directly to watering our lawns and gardens. Furthermore, recent soil test results from lawns across the county indicate no additional nutrients need to be added in most cases. A large portion of the fertilizer that is added never makes it into the soil anyway, quickly running off into the nearest storm drain instead of soaking in. Essentially, we’re throwing money down the drain! Additionally, installing rain barrels or a rain garden may qualify you for fee credits under the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s anticipated Storm Water Utility, saving you even more money!

Rain Barrels are containers used to collect and store rainwater that would otherwise be lost to runoff and likely diverted to a storm drain. Collected water may then be used to water lawns and gardens. Rain barrels are available at many lawn and garden stores, and through workshops hosted by Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District.

Rain Gardens are attractive landscaped areas planted with perennial native plants that do not mind getting "wet feet." Built in a saucer shape, rain gardens allow water to percolate into the ground.

Soil Testing, or a Soil Fertility Analysis, takes the guesswork out of fertilizing your lawn and garden. The test diagnoses whether there is too little or too much of an analyzed nutrient, such as nitrogen or phosphorus.

To Find Out More or To Enroll contact Rocky River Watershed Coordinator Jared Bartley at 216-524-6580 x14, jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org, or visit www.cuyahogaswcd.org.

About Headwater Streets

Natural headwater streams and wetlands have many important functions. They protect water quality, maintain natural flood control, trap sediment, and provide important habitat. However, as the landscape has been developed, these important headwater systems have been paved over, channelized and drained. Rooftops, downspouts, driveways and roadside ditches are now the true headwaters of our urban and suburban watersheds. The goal of the Headwater Streets Program is to provide opportunities for communities and individuals to mimic the natural functions of headwater streams and wetlands in our own yards and neighborhoods - our “Headwater Streets.”

The Headwater Streets: Abram Creek Financial Incentive Program is funded through a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain Our Great Lakes grant program, which includes financial contributions from ArcelorMittal and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Headwater Streets - Abram Creek - Rebate Application Form