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Backyard Buffers for Your Property in the Rocky River Watershed!

Well winter storm Uri certainly has hit our country hard this week, and more snow and rain are predicted to be on the way. Large storms like these are results of climate change, which causes severe storms to occur more and more frequently. The good news is that with proper preparation and planning our cities and neighborhoods can handle the effects of such storms and increase our quality of life at the same time.

One great way to protect your property from the effects of heavy snowmelt, post-storm flooding, and high rainfall events is to maintain a healthy, lush buffer zone of native plants and trees next to any drainage areas. These beautiful buffer zones help absorb the force of flowing water, reduce soil erosion, and soak up excess water. Just check out this video showing a scale model of how forests help absorb the force of high-water waves. All while simultaneously providing habitat for wildlife and improving your property value- a pretty great deal!

Unfortunately, the Cleveland area has been losing their trees, as reported by Cleveland.com here. The good news is that Cuyahoga SWCD is partnering with Dominion Energy, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to give away native trees to streamside landowners in the Rocky River Watershed this spring!

Do you own property along a river or stream anywhere in the Rocky River Watershed (see the map above to check)? Would you like to plant some native tree seedlings along your streambank? Then you may be eligible for our Rocky River Backyard Buffers program! Just fill out the eligibility questionnaire here by March 31st, 2021.

Our staff will be in touch within 2-4 weeks after the deadline, and the only requirements are that participants plant seedlings adjacent to the stream and to watch a short online presentation about plant care.

Seedlings will be available and ready to plant in mid to late April 2021. Participants will be able to pick up their tree seedlings at distribution sites throughout the watershed, details of which will be sent out in late March.

For more information please contact Colleen Berg at 216/524-6580, ext.1014

Blog Author: Meg Hennessey, Watershed Coordinator

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