Helping The Environment

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Listen to Mary Hegarty, Prior District Manager Discuss the Soil & Water Conservation District's Environmental Programs on WRCR Radio

The Rockland County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources Department is committed to encouraging municipalities and residents to conserve water and to protect our existing water resources.

Rain Gardens

Rain Gardens are an inexpensive, simple to implement and environmentally sound solution to suburban stormwater runoff.

A Rain Garden will: Filter runoff pollution, recharge local groundwater, conserve water, improve water quality, protect rivers and streams, remove standing water in your yard, increase beneficial insects that eliminate pest insects, reduce potential of home flooding, create habitat for birds & butterflies, survive drought seasons, reduce garden maintenance, enhance sidewalk appeal, and increase garden enjoyment.

For more information see the Rain Garden Brochure.

Rain Barrels

Rain Barrels are containers that capture and store rainwater draining from your roof. With the rising price of municipal water and drought restrictions now facing much of the United States during the summer months, more and more homeowners in our own modern society are turning to the harvesting of rainwater to save money and protect this precious natural resource. Barrels usually range from 50 to 80 gallons and have a spigot for filling watering cans and a connection for a soaker hose. Combining the use of rain barrels with appropriate plant selection and mulching promotes water conservation. Rain barrels benefit your home, garden and community.

For more information see the Rain Barrel Fact Sheet.

Invasive Species Management

Invasive plants are non-native plant species which crowd out native vegetation. Left unchecked, they eventually destroy native plant species and disrupt local ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, harming human health, and adversely impacting agriculture, recreation, tourism, and other economies.

For example, invasive plants reduce the size and types of insect populations. Birds that rely on insects for food are then forced to migrate to other areas for sustenance.

Recognizing the adverse impact that invasive plants have on the environment, in 2014 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) adopted a regulation that prohibits or regulates certain invasive species.

Rockland County property owners and managers are encouraged to help manage invasive plant species by identifying and controlling them using best management practices. These practices include replacing non-native invasive plants with native ones. For every non-native invasive plant there is a native alternative plant, and one that is often local. The Garden Club of Nyack is one of several groups in the Lower Hudson valley who cultivate and make available local native plants.

Common invasive plants in Rockland County include: