Protecting water quality
Rain to Recreation’s water quality work aims to prevent and reduce pollution on a watershed level by:
- educating residents on ways to prevent pollution and reduce stormwater runoff
- finding ways to engage the community – residential and professional – in protecting stormwater
- responding to emergency spills and pollution complaints
- issuing permits for commercial businesses, construction sites and land development to prevent pollution, as well as inspecting permitted job sites for compliance
- utilizing green infrastructure and stormwater Best Management Practices to treat and reduce runoff
- monitoring lakes, creeks and streams for pollution, identifying problem areas and planning protection.
Projects
See the work Rain to Recreation does in Lenexa.
Stormwater cost share program
In 2013, Lenexa will once again be offering a 50% reimbursement to Lenexa residents and businesses who install rain barrels, rain gardens or native plantings in their yards. Check back here during the first part of the year for more information about how to apply and qualify for the program. To view last year’s application with details on program requirements, click here.
Healthy Yards Expo 2013
Mark your calendars to attend this year’s Johnson County Healthy Yards Expo on March 23, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Shawnee Civic Center (13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS). The expo focuses on KansasHealthy Yards and Communities (KHYC), a program developed by Kansas State University Research and Extension. KHYC helps homeowners make wise choices on environmentally conscious lawn and garden care techniques. Johnson County K-State Extension is teaming with Johnson County Stormwater Management and the cities of Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee to present the event.
The Healthy Yards Expo will highlight products, tips and tools that meet the program’s criteria, helping Johnson County residents become “greener” in their lawn and garden care.
Expo features
The expo is a great place to get new ideas from experts. It’s a one-stop learning event on green ideas, products and services. New this year is an expanded area for kids. The popular StoneLion Puppet Theatre will present “It’s a Jungle Out There” at 9:30am and 11:30am. Other hands on activities will be available to help teach children about the importance of ecology and the environment. “A lot of times it’s the children that spur parents to make changes,” Patton said. “By exposing kids to healthy practices, we hope to influence not only current behaviors but also plant the seed for change in future generations.”
Visitors to the Expo can:
- Enter to win door prizes for rain barrels or a compost bin.
- The first 100 visitors will receive a free tree seedling, courtesy of Overland Park.
- The first 300 visitors will receive an assortment of native plants to try in their home gardens, courtesy of Johnson County Stormwater Management.
- Visit with Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners and local plant societies. They’ll offer expert advice on gardening and plant cultivation.
- Listen to informative speakers on topics such as composting, water conservation, vegetable gardening and sustainability.
- Participate in free, fun and educational activities for children.
Free soil tests
This year will be an opportunity for Johnson County residents to get a free soil test, complements of Johnson County Stormwater Management and Johnson County Extension. It is important to know the nutrient levels in order to grow healthy plants and protect the water quality in our local streams and lakes.
Go to www.johnson.ksu.edu/soiltest to learn how to take a soil sample, and bring your sample to the Expo to get your free soil test. (One per Johnson County household)
For more information on the Healthy Yard Expo, visit www.johnson.ksu.edu or call 913-715-7000.