Backyard Conservation
You can help make our watershed healthy and vibrant by taking simple steps in your own backyard. Through FLOW’s Backyard Conservation Program, you can learn practices that protect the environment, beautify our surroundings and save time and money.
Learn about:
- conserving water
- earth-friendly lawn care
- rain gardens
- using native plants
- improving habitat for birds and butterflies
- reducing fertilizers, pesticides and other storm water pollutants.
To request a speaker on one of these topics, please contact FLOW’s watershed coordinator at hdean@olentangywatershed.org.
Rain Barrel Cost Share
Rain barrels help reduce outdoor watering costs at the same that they contribute to the health of the watershed.
Sign up to attend one of our rain barrel workshops to learn more about rain barrels.
- The workshop includes a professional demonstration of a rain barrel installation.
- Rain Barrels ordered through FLOW cost $30. This represents a savings of approximately $50 over the retail cost. FLOW also covers the cost of shipping.
- The rain barrel will be shipped to your home, and you can install it yourself or contact a professional installer.
- You can use the water collected in the rain barrel for your outdoor watering needs, helping to reduce stormwater runoff into the Olentangy and its tributaries.
The program is limited to one rain barrel per household (though we are happy to assist you in ordering a second rain barrel at the regular cost). To receive the cost share, you must attend one of our rain barrel workshops.
The cost share program is made possible by the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities’ Community Watershed Stewardship Project.
Please call 614-267-3386 or e-mail hdean@olentangywatershed.org to reserve your place in one of our scheduled rain barrel workshops. The workshops are limited to 20 participants, and, based on our 2007 experience they fill quickly, so we recommend making your reservation soon.
Dates for 2008: (All Rain Barrel workshops are currently full. Please e-mail FLOW to get on a wait list. We are currently seeking additional funding to add more workshops.)
- April 19, 2-4 PM -- full
- May 13, 6:30-8:30 PM -- full
- June 18, 6:30-8:30 PM -- full
- July 17, 6:30-8:30 PM -- full
- August 16, 2-4 PM -- full
Watershed Pop Quiz
Take our Watershed Pop Quiz to learn more about simple steps that you can take to help protect the Olentangy River and its tributaries. This quiz is made possible by a grant from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund. 
Additional Resources
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