Note: This workshop is for residents of the South Washington Watershed District. See map here to determine if you live in the district.

Register for the workshop here

Overview

At this workshop, you will learn all about native planting and gain the knowledge to start your water stewardship project confidently!

Event Description

Have you been looking for ways to make a positive impact on the environment around you? Convert your turf lawn to a pollinator-friendly habitat? Or attract more birds to your property? The South Washington Watershed District provides grant funding to eligible individuals and organizations within the district for water stewardship planting. This program promotes water quality improvement by focusing on the reduction of phosphorus in stormwater runoff, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and preserving and restoring natural lands throughout the watershed.

Workshop Agenda

The workshop will begin with an introduction to native planting, followed by a explination of the SWWD application process, and then a breakout design phase where you will receive personalized design support from a Watershed District or Washington Conservation District staff member.

Introduction to Native Planting

In the introduction, you will learn all about native planting and gain the knowledge to start your water stewardship project. Learn the technical elements of site preparation, plant types, soil and light conditions, herbivore sensitivity, plant availability, and maintenance. We will review the types of designs and review the results of your What Kind of Native Planter Are You? quiz.

Completing your Application

We will discuss the application and approval process, anticipated timelines, general policies of the grant, eligible expenses, and the reimbursement process.

Project Design

The remainder of the workshop will focus on project design. You will select a design template or create your own according to your specific site's characteristics. You will calculate your project's square footage and get a better idea of how much material you will need and an approximate cost. Watershed District and Conservation District staff will be there to answer your questions and assist you.

Important Eligibility

This workshop is designed for members of the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) community who plan to apply or have already applied for a SWWD Stewardship Grant. Your project must be within the watershed district to be eligible for funding. Not sure if you are in the District? Find out here!

Make sure you are eligible before you reserve your spot. Projects located outside of the watershed district are not eligible to receive SWWD funding.

Registration & Materials

Registration will close one week before the scheduled event. This is to ensure staff have sufficient time to gather the materials for each project site.

You will receive materials in advance of, or at the workshop, which will include:

• An aerial photo of your project site, in both digital and physical form

• The link to the What Kind of Native Planter Are You? Quiz

• A Project Cost Calculator