Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers. Many citizens have streams flowing through their property, some in their backyards. Many streams are subject to “urban stream syndrome” which can lead to increased flooding and scoured stream banks. Homeowners are often challenged by how to “manage” a backyard stream. Stream bank erosion, invasive plants, and lack of wildlife habitat are often problems for backyard stream owners. It is important for all Kentucky citizens to understand basic watershed concepts and basic stream science, and be able to apply this knowledge when making management decisions that may impact water quality. Educational programs will provide opportunities for backyard stream owners and managers to become better stewards of Kentucky’s water resources by stabilizing stream banks, planting native vegetation, improving wildlife habitat, and potentially improving property values.

The population of Kentucky continues to migrate to urban areas thus increasing impervious surface and subsequent runoff and impairments to water quality. EPA has imposed regulations on 104 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permitted communities with populations of 10,000 or more to educate and involve the public in their permit plans.

To address this issue in Hardin County, the horticulture agent has worked with over 200 homeowners to correctly apply the needed amounts of nutrients to the soil for proper plant growth.  This includes soil tests for vegetable gardens, lawns and ornamental plants in the landscape.  

Another approach is to offer educational programs that reduce the fertilizer-intensive lawns around many homes.  The Attracting Pollinators class discusses the pollinators that may come to your garden, but it also starts the homeowner on the road to reclaiming some of the lawn into less fertilizer-dependent perennials and annuals.   "Calling All the Lawn Rangers" class emphasized the cultural practices of lawn care: mowing height, proper variety selection, soil testing, and fertilization.