Stormwater Themes

Each year the Northeast Ohio Public Involvement Public Education (NEO PIPE) committee creates a theme for Soil & Water Conservation Districts across Northeast Ohio to guide their efforts. This creates a unified message across the region.

2019 – Reduce Runoff – Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In
Increased stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces and lawns negatively impacts water quality and aquatic habitat in our local waterways and Lake Erie. Implementing small-scale stormwater management practices such as rain gardens, rain barrels, trees, improved soil health and impervious surface/turf reduction help the built environment to better mimic the way water flows through the natural environment, reducing negative impacts to water quality.

2018 – On the Road to Clean Water
Everyone lives in a watershed.  Because of this watershed connection, our activities on and around our roadways – from how we maintain our cars and boats, to how we keep paved surfaces safe in winter – directly impact our local waterways and Lake Erie.

2017 – Lake Erie: Don’t Waste It
Everyone lives in a watershed, and in Medina County everyone lives in the Lake Erie watershed. Because of this watershed connection, our activities at home, at school at work and throughout the community directly impact not only Lake Erie, but also our local waterways. Promotes the reduction of stormwater pollution from pet waste, human waste (HSTS/Illicit Discharge), household hazardous waste, yard waste and commercial waste (e.g., restaurant grease).

2016 – Lake Erie Starts Here!
Everyone lives in a watershed.  Because of this watershed connection, our activities at home, at school at work and throughout the community directly impact not only Lake Erie, but also our local waterways. Outreach and involvement activities will identify this connection and provide recommendations and opportunities to make a positive watershed impact to various target audiences.

2015 – Honey, I Shrunk the Lawn!
In urban and suburban areas, lawns can be a significant contributor to nonpoint source pollution. Compacted soils, short-rooted turf grass and excessive use of fertilizers and other lawn care chemicals cause lawns to generate increased amounts of runoff, nutrients, pesticides and herbicides, all of which negatively impact the health of aquatic systems. By replacing portions of turfed, traditionally managed lawn area with native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and/or grasses, the negative impact of lawns on water quality is also reduced. Likewise, simple changes in lawn management practices can reduce the pollution contribution from lawns.

2014 – Keep Your Yard Green and Our Waters Clean
Many homeowners strive for the idealized lush, green lawn. However, this perfect lawn is often achieved at the expense of water quality. It doesn’t have to be that way. Small changes in lawn care routines and landscaping practices can reduce pollution in local streams and Lake Erie while maintaining healthy lawns.

2013 – Taking Root for Clean Water: The Importance of Trees and Native Plants
From their rain-intercepting canopies to their soil-stabilizing roots, trees naturally manage storm water and protect water quality. Strategically inserting trees and other deep-rooted native plants into the landscape reduces polluted stormwater runoff, enhances habitat for birds and pollinators and restores degraded urban and suburban soil systems.

2012 – Household Habits for Healthy Waters
Clean stormwater starts at home, and everyone can do something to prevent stormwater pollution. Landscaping practices such as rain barrels and rain gardens, choosing friendly household products and proper pet waste management can help our watersheds be healthier and cleaner.

2011 – Steer Clear of Pollutants
Illicit discharges to the community storm sewer system and drainage network convey pollutants such as oil, gas and other automotive fluids, soapy water and undertreated sewage directly to local rivers and lakes.

2010 – Headwater Streets – Mimicking the Functions of Headwater Streams and Wetlands – Where Rivers Begin – in the Developed Community.

2009 – Low Impact Development
Low Impact Development comprises a set of site design approaches and small-scale stormwater management practices that are designed to reduce runoff and associated pollutants from the site at which they are generated.

2008 – Going Green One Yard at a Time
Reducing stormwater impact from residential properties.