As rainy spring weather washes phosphorus off farm fields, a series of new filters in northwest Ohio’s Defiance County are working to catch the nutrient — before it gets into the...
News & Events
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Install A Rain Barrel
Rain barrels are an effective way to reduce stormwater runoff entering our rivers and lakes while providing stored water for use on lawns and gardens. Redirect Your Downspouts Every downspout on...
Benefits of Composting
Composting at home is a great way to keep nutrients out of our waterways and help improve water quality! Composting reduces waste, enriches soil, and protects the environment. By composting grass...
Plant A Tree!
Trees provide an abundance of economic, social and environmental benefits. A city’s tree canopy can significantly reduce stormwater runoff and save millions of dollars in drainage infrastructure needs. A healthy level...
Healthy Lawn Care
What does your yard say about you? We all want a safe environment for our family; starting with lawn care is an important step that also contributes to healthy waterways. Fertilize...
Native Plants
Include Native Plants in Your Landscaping & Create Habitat Connectivity Pollinators and beneficial insects rely on native plants for food and shelter. Natives are also smart choices for low-maintenance landscaping. Since...
Create A Rain Garden
Rain Gardens are an easy way to beautify your yard while contributing to cleaner waterways. Deep-rooted native plants in rain gardens absorb 30% more water than a conventional lawn, enhance groundwater...
Seasonal Storm Drain Tips
Homeowners’ Guide to Storm Drains Storm drains remove excess water from homes and businesses, connecting our neighborhoods to local rivers. Regular maintenance helps keep them working optimally and prevents trash and...
Leave The Leaves!
Letting your garden go natural can reap big benefits The temptation to clean up leaves, spent flowers, and garden debris in the fall is great, but keep in mind there are...
Recycling
Recycling: With just a little effort we can keep so much more out of our landfill. Our city recycling programs are busy removing plastics and paper from the landfill, here are...
More Ways To Make A Difference
We all can help clean up our local water supply and improve our natural environment. In addition to the other tips to Make A Difference, you be an advocate in your...
RiverFest ’26 – Saturday, June 27, 2026
Don’t miss what we have planned for RiverFest 2026! Follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/land.to.lake.ohio or Join our mailing list for updates! This FREE family-friendly community event offers a variety of unique educational...
Land to Lake Magazine—Spring 2026
This issue features information about Conservation Efforts in Defiance, including: See the digital magazine and browse previous issues at Land to Lake Magazine – Land to Lake These quality print magazines...
DRA: 2026 Year In Review
The Defiance Research Alliance (DRA) 2025 Year-In-Review was published as an insert in the Spring 2026 issue of Land to Lake magazine. Read the review below, or view the entire magazine...
ALUS Defiance
Formed in 2024 and launched in early 2025, ALUS Defiance is a farmer-led program focused on creating and managing new natural areas and providing ecosystem services tailored to local farms. Its...
East River Drive Wetland
Turning To The Past To Restore The Future: Restoring A Forested Floodplain BRINGING BACK THE FLOODPLAINOnce part of the Great Black Swamp, the Maumee River floodplain originally contained many thriving forested...
Public Projects Map
The City of Defiance is continually working to protect our source water and promote conservation in the Maumee Watershed. This map illustrates locations for more than a dozen public projects designed...
Spring Soil Testing
The Key to Smart Fertilizer Use for Homeowners With spring’s arrival and warmer weather, many homeowners are excited to get outside and work on their lawns and gardens. One important but...
Upper Maumee Watershed Partnership
2026 Speaker Series These events highlight current research and allow attendees to learn more about the work and conservation efforts around the watershed. Speaker presentations are available upon request. Please contact...
Outdoor Recreation Links
Enjoy Ohio Outdoors:Ohio ParksODNR Boating & PaddlingBuckeye TrailReservoir Nature TrailDefiance Maps & TrailsMaumee River Water Trail...
Maumee Watershed Groups
Working To Protect Water Quality Maumee Watershed AllianceSave MaumeeSt. Joseph River Watershed InitiativeWestern Lake Erie Basin PartnershipUpper Maumee Watershed Partnership...
Great Lakes Links & Resources
Alliance for the Great LakesCouncil of the Great Lakes RegionGreat Lakes CommissionGreat Lakes Observing SystemOhio Lake Erie CommissionLake Erie Waterkeeper...
Conservation Links
US EPA Clean Water ActOhio Environmental Council4R Nutrient StewardshipThe Nature Conservancy...