Featured presenters at the 2023 “Green Infrastructure in Landscaping” workshop included, from left, Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County Plan Commission; Brandon Cordell, city of Warsaw stormwater; Vanessa Rainwater, Christopher B. Burke Engineering; Aleah Southworth, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District; and Aaron Ott, city of Warsaw engineer. Photo provided by The Watershed Foundation.

News Release

NORTH WEBSTER — In November, the Clean Waters Partnership: An Initiative of The Watershed Foundation marked a milestone by hosting its first-ever “Green Infrastructure in Landscaping” workshop. The event, held in Warsaw, saw 55 community members and professionals explore the intersection of landscape choices and water quality.

The workshop served as a platform for attendees to delve into the impact of landscaping decisions on water systems’ health. Through presentations and expert-led discussions, participants gained insights into the importance of green infrastructure in mitigating water pollution and fostering sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

Caitlin Yoder, watershed coordinator for The Watershed Foundation, said she was excited about the success of the workshop.

“We are thrilled to see such a positive response to our inaugural Green Infrastructure workshop,” she said. “The enthusiasm and engagement from our community members and professionals underscore the growing awareness of the pivotal role that individual landscape choices play in preserving water quality.

“These biological systems have numerous benefits beyond just managing water,”  Yoder said. “Utilizing them not only helps filter and store water but also provides wildlife habitat and community wellness through green spaces.

“Proper maintenance and installation are key,” she added. “TWF and the Clean Waters Partnership want to come alongside property owners and managers to help support these processes.”

For those who couldn’t attend the event or wish to delve deeper into the subject, The Watershed Foundation encourages everyone to explore additional resources available on its newly updated website. Visit watershedfoundation.org/green for a collection of information, tips and resources dedicated to understanding and implementing green infrastructure practices.

“The Watershed Foundation remains committed to fostering environmental stewardship and empowering communities with knowledge and tools to make informed choices,” said TWF Executive Director Lyn Crighton. “We look forward to future workshops, events, and initiatives that contribute to the well-being of our local ecosystems — as well as those that highlight the importance of protecting our water quality.”

The Clean Waters Partnership is a collaboration of organizations and individuals with an interest in the health of the water resources in the Upper Tippecanoe Watershed.

The Watershed Foundation thanked several groups for helping to make the workshop a success, including the Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District, Warsaw’s stormwater utility department, Team FAB, Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission, RW Kidd Construction, Kosciusko Parks and Recreation, Harter Home Construction, and the city of Warsaw.