6. Landscape areas around your home with rain gardens. Rain gardens are an environmentally friendly way to manage stormwater. For more information, visit the Toledo-Lucas County Rain Garden Initiative webpage.

7. Use pervious pavers when landscaping. Pervious pavers come in many varieties, all of which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.

8. Create a buffer near a waterway. Hundreds of miles of ditches, creeks, and rivers drain Lucas County. If your property is adjacent to one of these waterways, consider planting a 20' strip of native grasses and wildlflowers to improve habitat. This strip will also save money for landowners who currently mow streamside areas.

9. Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Growing your own produce is a rewarding experience and that has plenty of quality of life benefits. To learn more about growing your own fruits and vegetables, check out backyardgardener.com. To learn more, consider attending the Lucas SWCD organic lawn care clinic on March 29th, 2009, where we will discuss raised beds, sample herbs, and more!

10. Plant a tree! Studies show that a single, adult tree can absorb CO2 at a rate of 48lbs./year. In fact, if each American family were to plant a single tree the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by 1 billion pounds each year. If properly placed, trees will also provide beneficial shade to the home, saving homeowners money on energy bills over time.