Stormwater management series to start Aug. 7

The Sussex Conservation District, in partnership with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, will offer a series of free seminars aimed at improving water quality through effective stormwater management and best management practices. Sessions will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on select Thursdays at the Carvel Research and Education Center near Georgetown.

Stormwater 101 is the Aug. 7 topic. Jessica Watson, SCD sediment and stormwater program manager, will provide an overview of the stormwater program in Delaware, including regulations, types of stormwater systems, required maintenance and enhancement options. "We encourage communities and property owners to become informed so they can identify problems early, before they become costly to repair," Watson said.

Stormwater Ponds and Water Quality will be held Sept. 11. Blake Moore, UDCE natural resources extension agent, will share updates on local stormwater demonstration plots and new findings on how to support beneficial predatory insects in managed landscapes. Nicholas Ray, PhD, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has been invited to present on greenhouse gas cycling and water quality in stormwater ponds. His research explores how management techniques such as oxygenation may help reduce methane emissions. 

Enhancement and Funding Opportunities is the topic for Oct. 9. John Emerson, UDCE turfgrass extension agent, will present on Delaware Minimum Levels of Sustainable Nutrition, a modern soil test interpretation method designed to reduce over-fertilization in turfgrass systems. Ben Coverdale and Holly Walker, both with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, will share successful project implementation details and discuss funding opportunities, including those for Chesapeake Bay watershed projects. Taryn Davidson from the Delaware Forest Service will present on additional funding assistance programs and provide a tree-planting demonstration in preparation for SCD’s Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative giveaway.

Preregistration is required. Delaware nutrient management credits are pending.

To register or learn more, go to sussexconservation.org/events.