Rain Garden + Streamside Buffer Mini Grant Workshop

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Mission:�Empower the Bluegrass to create a sustainable environment

Our Service Area

Water Quality Mini Grants!

Mini Grant Program

The mini grant program is designed to equip Fayette County homeowners with funding and expertise to plant riparian/streamside buffers on backyard streams or install rain gardens on their residential lots.

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** Grants made possible by a Water Quality Incentive Grant through the City of Lexington

• Water Quality
• Riparian Buffers
• Planting a Buffer
• Rain Gardens
• Building a Rain Garden
• Native Plants
• Mini Grant Specifics

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Agenda

Water Quality

WHAT IS A WATERSHED?

• An area of land that drains to a common body of water
• Water moves from a high-point, like a hill or a ridge-top, to a low point, such as a stream, river, or creek
• We ALL live in a Watershed

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Source: http://www.delcocd.org/watersheds/

STORMWATER RUNOFF

• Everything on the ground ends up in the water
• Animal/human waste
• Sediment
• Fertilizers/pesticides
• Metals from roadways
• Vehicle Fluid leaks
• And eventually filters through to groundwater

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Source: http://www.bedfordcountyconservation.com

URBAN AND RURAL RUNOFF

• Less infiltration (less water soaking into the ground)

More Impervious Cover 🡪 Results in MORE runoff

• Larger volumes of water coming through streams during rain events

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Source: Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG) (15 Federal agencies of the U.S.)

Riparian/Streamside Buffer

WHAT IS A RIPARIAN BUFFER?

A riparian buffer is an area adjacent to a stream, lake, or wetland that contains a combination of trees, shrubs, and/or other perennial plants and is managed differently from the surrounding landscape, primarily to provide conservation benefits.�

WHAT IS A RIPARIAN BUFFER?

• Located along the edge of waterways (streams)
• Transition between water bodies and upland uses like manicured lawns or agriculture
• Combination of fast/slow growing trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials

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Source: https://landstudies.com/help-fund-riparian-buffer-project/

RIPARIAN BUFFER

Source: http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2013/page/8/

BENEFITS OF A BUFFER

• Filter stormwater runoff pollutant reduction
• Vegetation protects streambanks from erosion
• Reduce and dissipate energy slows flow
• Reduce flood damage
• Stores water and helps recharge aquifers
• Provide wildlife habitat
• Provide shade to streams improved dissolved oxygen levels
• Improve aesthetic value of landscapes

STREAMBANK EROSION

• Removal of soil and other materials (rocks/ vegetation) from streambanks
• Naturally occurring process but increased due to human activity like agriculture and urbanization

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Source: http://www.lincolnswcd.org/streambank-erosion.html

Changes in land use can cause streambanks to erode at rates much faster than those seen in a natural system

STREAMBANK EROSION

Results in 🡪 INCISION

• Larger volumes water
• deeper waters

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• Deeper waters
• steeper side slopes
• more stress on stream bed and banks

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• More shear stress
• higher streambank erosion rates

Source: https://www.sustainablestreams.com/projects/

Planting a Buffer

TAKING THE FIRST STEPS

PERFORM A SITE ASSESSMENT

• Note erosion conditions and property lines
• What does it look like after a rain event?
• Are there deep and/or vertical banks?
• Is it hard to get to?
• What kind of plants are present?
• Document types of infrastructure

Source: https://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/blog/2015/09/16/solving-stream-problems-in-your-back-yard-series--streambank-erosion

PASSIVE NO-MOW ZONE

• Easy, low maintenance
• Inexpensive - utilizing the existing seed bank and seed dispersed by wind and water
• Use markers to denote buffer location

Source: https://wmich.edu/ehs/services/environmental/water-resources

Source: https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/

PASSIVE NO-MOW ZONE

• Unwanted plants will establish (honeysuckle, winter creeper, etc.)
• Mow only 1 to 2 times a year (first time in March or April) to help control
• Spot treatment for invasive plants

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtmAY6ARDBc

ACTIVE PLANTED BUFFER

• Deliberate planting of specific trees, shrubs, and grasses
• Create a planting plan
• Remove undesirable plants
• Stabilize streams
• Install erosion control

Source: 2018 Carmen Agouridis and Amanda Gumbert/ Riparian Buffer Vegetation 101

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PLANTING IN ACTION

Area pretreated with herbicide to kill existing grass before installation of plugs.

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Source: 2018 Carmen Agouridis and Amanda Gumbert/ Riparian Buffer Vegetation 101

BUFFER CONSTRAINTS

• Supply Available
• Native
• Suitable for buffers
• Appearance
• Manicured
• Intentional wildness
• Wild and woody
• Weed Ordinance

Strategic planning of masses of color and delineating boundaries with mowed edges, signage, and benches

Source: Central KY Backyard Stream Guide, ID-242, UK Cooperative Extension Service

MAINTAINING A BUFFER

• Inspect your stream regularly
• Remove litter after storm events
• Remove invasive plants annually
• Prune trees and shrubs as needed

• Remove previous years growth from perennials in later winter/ early spring
• Take pictures and share

Rain Gardens

What is a Rain Garden?

A rain garden is an area that captures stormwater from an impervious service before it enters the stormwater system.

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Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property.

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Why Rain Gardens?

Runoff from impervious surfaces is the leading cause of water pollution in developed areas.

Pollution may come from many sources like:

•Sediment

•Pathogens (bacteria from pet waste� and agriculture)

•Habitat alterations

•Nutrients (fertilizers)

•Motor oil

•Grease

•Salt

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When it rains…

When it rains…

Rain Garden Benefits

• Natural process that improves water quality
• The roots of natives plants filter pollutants
• Reduces the amount of stormwater runoff because the water has time to percolate into the ground
• Can reduce water quantity
• Most designed to hold water from 1” rain events
• Can help with flooding problems

Building a Rain Garden

Planting a Rain Garden

• Location, Location, Location!
• Watch it rain
• Under downspouts
• Make sure it is at least 10 feet from a building
• Avoid tree canopies

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How Deep? (Call 811!)

Building A Rain Garden

• Make sure it’s level for even water distribution
• Form a berm
• Provide a channel in the berm for water overflow when a storm delivers more than 1” of rain

How Big?

Average size of rain garden in Kentucky to capture water from a single downspout.

• 8” deep
• 8 X 10

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Or Contributing Surface Area =RGA (sq.ft)

Rain Garden Depth

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Design Your Garden

• Use your sizing calculations
• Shape your garden
• Add soil amendments
• Shady or Sunny
• Research plant bloom times, shapes, sizes
• Select native plants
• Use hardwood mulch

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Planting

REMOVE UNDESIRABLE PLANTS

• Common invasive, non-native plants in Central KY stream corridors:
• Bush honeysuckle
• Wintercreeper
• Garlic mustard
• Multiflora rose
• Outcompete native plants
• Not as effective at erosion control

Controlling undesirable plants is essential to establishing a healthy, functioning stream buffer or rain garden.

PLANT SELECTION

• Think horizontally and vertically (overhead wires, width, view shed)
• Preferences in color, seasonal interest, texture, shape
• Mass plants together for large swaths of color, blooming plants show purpose and act as buffer
• Think ahead: trees and shrubs will grow and fill space

Source: Amanda Gumbert, UK College of Agriculture, Fertilizer and Pesticide Use and Water Quality Presentation

Benefits for soil and water

The roots help hold soil in place, preventing erosion and improving water quality as they filter pollutants.

In the right conditions, native plants establish quickly and are low-maintenance.

June 2022

May 2023

August 2023

July 2024

They attract pollinators which are essential to local ecosystems and food supply!

Native plants provide habitat to beneficial animals.

They have unique seed dispersal and seeds, which can provide food for wildlife or grow into more plants.

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The seeds, and many of the plants themselves, are visually appealing and provide habitat year-round.

SUCCESS STORIES

Streamside buffer planting: May 2023

July 2023

August 2023

November 2023

Native Plant Suppliers

https://www.knps.org/native-plant-suppliers-service-providers/

FCCD SUPPORT FOR FAYETTE RESIDENTS

FAYETTE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

KYFCCD.ORG

SUPPORT@KYFCCD.COM

Our mission at the Fayette County Conservation District is to sustain our local ecology in both urban and rural environments; including but not limited to the conservation, development, maintenance, and use of the land, water, trees, and other natural resources. We coordinate financial, technical, and educational assistance through local, state, and federal initiatives that support our community to implement sustainable practices. We seek to assist other local agencies and producers to implement sustainable and best management practices in cooperation with the Kentucky Agricultural Water Quality Plan and application of additional conservation efforts.

Our Mission

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

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County Agricultural Investment

Winter Cover Crop

Backyard Conservation

Heavy Use Area

Conservation & Education Grant

Dead Livestock Removal

Community Partnerships

Soil Sample Vouchers

Backyard Conservation Program

This program offers a 50/50 reimbursement of up to $200.00 back for establishing, enhancing, restoring and/or maintaining a backyard conservation project.

Eligible Practices

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• Rain Gardens
• Rain Barrels
• Compost Bins
• Pollinator Gardens
• Beekeeping Supplies
• Bat Houses
• Garden Plots
• Raised Bed Gardens
• & More!

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Rain Gardens

Rain Gardens can remove standing water in your yard, reduce mosquito breeding, filter runoff pollution, and conserve water. They also create an environment that supports an increase of beneficial insects that can eliminate pest insects.

Conservation & Education Grant

Community members can receive up to $2,000 for local projects that encourage agricultural, conservation, and environmental initiatives around the county.

Grant Overview

Eligibility:

• One application per year
• May not be for profit
• Must be a conservation, environmental, or agricultural benefit to Fayette County

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Project Examples

Classroom supplies; Field trip or field day costs; School or community gardens; Agricultural tours; Outdoor classroom space; Trash cleanup; Conservation camp tuition, fees, and supplies; Other projects, materials, and events will be considered for funding on a case-by-case basis.

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Explore Our Social Media Channels

Facebook

Instagram

Thank You

kyfccd.org

All photos featured in this presentation were submitted by Fayette County program users.

heather@kyfccd.com

CONTACT US

Mini Grant Specifics

MINI GRANT SPECIFICS

• BGGS will reimburse direct expenses up to $500 for approved projects
• 20% of the project will be required as matching funds (skin in the game) provided by the recipient
• Matching funds can be either cash or inkind
• GRANT ELIGIBILITY
• Own property within Fayette County
• Attend a workshop in person

BGGS GRANT APPLICATION

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• Sketch or photo of buffer area and surrounding structures and features
• Planting plan
• Budget estimate
• Visibility
• Photos/map of the site

Potential Costs

ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

• Plant Materials
• Erosion Control Materials
• Approved Herbicide and application equipment
• Labor
• Equipment Rental
• Slope Stabilization
• Match

Allowable Costs

• Native plants
• Mulch
• Rental Equipment
• Tools
• Herbicide
• Weed Blanket
• Contract Labor
• If unsure, ask!

Unallowed Costs

• Non-native plants or trees
• Food
• Hourly salary

Matching Funds

• Labor - worth $7.25/hr
• Yours
• Friends
• Family
• Neighbor
• Extra money spent on project
• Must be 20% of grant
• Needs to be documented

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Sample Budget

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Timeline

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AWARD AGREEMENT

• Site Preparation and Planning
• Call KY 811 before you dig
• Remove undesirable, invasive plants
• Obtain local permits, if required
• Plant your buffer
• Install erosion control
• Post Construction and Long-Term Maintenance, incl. watering recommendations

We Want Your Feedback!

Fill out our feedback form for a chance to win a native plant giveaway! Once you have completed the form online, please see BGGS staff for a ticket to enter the raffle.

Questions?

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Amy Sohner�Bluegrass Greensource

amy@bggreensource.org