There’s no question that it’s been a long winter, with bitter temperatures and over 2½ feet of snow (so far!). If you’re like us, our minds are turning to spring, and now is a great time to start making plans! We’ve prepared a list of conservation-related actions you can take to get you in the Spring mood.

• Clean leaves, brush, and other yard waste from drainageways and storm inlets, especially if the ground in your area is relatively flat.
• Test the soil in your flower garden, vegetable garden, or lawn to learn what your soil actually needs before fertilizing.
• Consider replacing a small portion of your lawn with native plants. Now is a good time to create a landscaping plan so you’re prepared
• Hold off on mowing for a while. It can be hard for pollinators to find flowers in early spring. By letting your lawn grow longer, you can help provide pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies.
• Early spring is a good time to work on invasive species management. Invasive species such as honeysuckle and lesser celandine typically leaf out or bloom before our native plants.
• Re-connect your rain barrel after the dangers of a hard freeze have passed, usually sometime in April. If you’re interested in installing a rain barrel, we have these available as part of our plant sale.
• Consider composting if you don’t already. The Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District is selling composters and small under-the-counter kitchen scrap containers through our plant sale.

As always, Clermont Soil & Water staff is happy to provide guidance with any of your conservation needs!