Georgetown, Del. – The Sussex Conservation District (SCD) will host free stormwater workshops on the second Wednesday in Sept., Oct. and Nov., from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Vanderwende-Evans Conservation Center, 23818 Shortly Road, Georgetown. In-person seating is limited, virtual attendance is available and preregistration is encouraged.

The workshop series is designed to provide property owners, homeowner associations and property maintenance companies with an introduction to stormwater management, drainage, community and open space enhancement.

“We encourage communities and property owners to become informed about stormwater systems, so they can identify problems early, before they become costly to repair,” says Jessica Watson, sediment and stormwater program manager at SCD.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of communities moving away from turfgrass open space, opting instead for meadows and pollinator habitats. These seemingly small changes can have a positive impact on wildlife, water quality, and the community,” said Blake Moore, University of Delaware extension agent.

The first event, Stormwater 101, will be held on Sept. 13. Jessica Watson will cover the history of sediment and stormwater regulations in Delaware, stormwater facilities, their function, maintenance and best management practices. This event has been approved for one Delaware nutrient management credit.

Ditches and invasive species will be held on Oct. 11, to provide information on the history of tax ditches and the enhancement and management of drainage infrastructure. Wes Allen, SCD tax ditch program manager will provide an overview of Delaware’s tax ditches. Simplifying Designer Ditches will be presented by John Sandkuhler, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance (NWA) restoration coordinator. Blake Moore will present Right of Way Invasive Plant Management.

Community enhancement and funding opportunities will be held Nov. 8. Beth Wasden, NWA deputy director, will discuss converting lawns to meadows. Taryn Davidson, Delaware Department of Agriculture urban and community forestry program acting director, will review forestry grant programs.

For more information or to register, visit www.sussexconservation.org/events or call Siobhan Kelley, communications and outreach specialist at SCD, 302-856-2105, ext. 122.