Green Initiatives
Wood Chips/Mulch
The Village chips the brush generated by residents and makes wood chips available for delivery to residents to use as mulch. The equipment produces chips varying in size and shape, and sometimes includes green leaves. Delivery time varies based upon weather conditions, equipment and staff availability. Use the online formto request this service.
Rain Garden
A Landscaping Approach to Stormwater Management
"What is a Rain Garden?" |
Amberley is in the process of developing a rain garden between the west side of the Village's walking track and Dena Lane. It is a demonstration project that improves water quality and reduces flooding potential from stormwater that flows into Amberley Creek on the south side of Section Road. Construction began in 2008 by Village employees with some help from volunteers. The plantings, some of which were started from seeds, will continue to be added over time. Signage explaining how the rain garden works has been placed nearby.
The Village received a mini-grant of $5,000 from the Hamilton County Storm Water District for partial funding of the project, one of only two municipalities to do so from this program, which was created to promote education about stormwater management and polluction prevention. In seeking the mini-grant, the Village partnered with the non-profit Mill Creek Watershed Council of Communities, which provided invaluable assistance.
Rain Garden Area Before Installation
Rain Garden Area After Installation
For more information about rain gardens:
From Millcreek Watershed Council of Communities: http://www.millcreekwatershed.org/rain-gardens.html
http://www.millcreekwatershed.org/rain-gardens/native-plants-rain-gardens-and-rain-barrels.html
From Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District: www.hcswcd.org
Rain Garden Guidelines for Southwest Ohio: http://www.hcswcd.org/newsltr/RainGardenManual.pdf
Rain Barrel
Collecting rain water in a barrel or other container for future use is an old-time practice with real value in the present day. Like rain gardens, this practice protects natural resources by reducing the amount of rain fall that flows into rivers and streams.
A rain barrel, created by Amberley maintenance staff, has been installed at the back garage on Village Hall grounds. Check it out the next time you're walking on the track or playing tennis! 
A primary use for water collected in a rain barrel is watering landscapes and gardens, using it directly from the barrel. Naturally soft in composition, devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals, rainwater can help improve the health of gardens, lawns and trees.
For more information:
http://civicgardencenter.org/garden_files/documents/Rain%20Barrel%20Handbook%2004-09-08.pdf
Arbor Day Recycling Projects
As part of the Environmental Stewardship Committee's focus on sustainable practices, unique recycling projects have been incorporated into the Arbor Day program.
- Paper shredding - A company called Shred Safe that shreds and recycles paper for post-consumer uses comes to Village Hall during the event. They collect and shred unneeded paper documents in an ecological manner and with complete confidentiality.
- Electronics - Residents were able to drop off old electronics ranging from old cell phones to TVs to fax machines and computer equipment to be safely disposed of.
- Athletic shoes/flip flops - These old shoes were collected and taken to the Nike Outlet in Monroe, which sends them to be ground up and made into outdoor playground pads for parks in Cincinnati.
- Tires - Old tires were collected through a program offered by Keep Cincinnati Beautiful.