Helping The Environment

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 species are non-native species which crowd out native vegetation and wildlife.  Left unchecked, invasive species disrupt local ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, harming human health, and adversely impacting agriculture, recreation, tourism, and other economies.

Rockland County property owners and managers are encouraged to help manage invasive species.  Below are resources to help with identifying and controlling invasive species, and restoring natural, native habitats.

Plant Species Identification Apps - Below are three widely used smart phone apps to identify plant species. Please note some have a subscription fee.

Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management -  A network of partners and volunteers who collaborate and inspire others to mitigate the harmful impacts of invasive species and to foster healthy ecosystems.  Resources include species identification and mapping, native plants, project funding, and volunteer programs.

New York New Jersey Trail Conference - The Trail Conference is the trusted steward of trails across the region by building, maintaining, and protecting trails to ensure safe, sustainable, and enjoyable access to the outdoors.  Invasive species programs include the Invasives Strike Force, hosting the Lower Hudson PRISM, and conservation dogs to sniff out invasive and endangered species.

New York State Integrated Pest Management - The Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences helps address (invasive) pest management needs, whether on the farm, at work or in school, at home, or in the community.  Activities and resources include research, demonstrations, education, and outreach.

New York State's Invasive Species Resources and Regulations - Describes activities at the state level to control invasive species and offers education and outreach materials (tip strips, videos, pamphlets, brochures, booklets, fact sheets).