Join University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, Jay Solomon for “Rainwater Management with Native Plants”. This program is taking place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There will be a $5 fee to attend the program and pre-registration is requested. To register or for more information call us at 815-858-2273. You can also register directly at go.illinois.edu/Rainwater.

Whether dealing with drought conditions or excess rainfall, management of rainfall is important to the long-term health of your landscape. The lingering minor drought conditions over the last two years serve as a reminder of how important capturing any rainfall as soil moisture can be. The ability of the landscape to deal with heavy rainfall events can be just as important during drought or wet years. Using native plants and intentionally designing rainfall management systems into our landscape (yard or larger areas) can ensure success during minor drought and excessively wet times.

Learn about options for diverting rainwater from hardscapes into designed areas for absorption instead of lost as runoff. Jay will discuss how rain gardens, bioswales, and other structures can be designed into your landscape to retain this valuable resource. He will also talk about how native plants can complement these efforts.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call us at 815-858-2273. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.