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Franklin Soil & Water outlines backyard rebates and invasive‑species removal options for New Albany residents
Summary
Franklin Soil and Water presented two programs for residents: Community Backyards rebates (up to $100 for native plants/compost/rain barrels; $250 rain‑garden rebates) and an invasive‑trading rebate (up to $500) for removal of targeted invasive species; staff discussed outreach and farmer’s‑market tabling.
At the June 10 meeting the board heard from Grace Chaplin, outreach program specialist at the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, who reviewed two resident programs available to New Albany households.
Chaplin said the Community Backyards rebate program—running about 15 years countywide—offers New Albany residents up to $100 off native plants, compost bins and rain barrels and up to $250 for a rain‑garden rebate; participation requires completing an online course or attending an in‑person workshop and then submitting proof of installation. "Last year we had 3,452 participants countywide," Chaplin said; "for New Albany this year we've had 15 online participants so far and three residents have used their rebates; about 20 rebates for New Albany remain available."
She also described the invasive‑trading program (its third year), which provides up to $500 to remove one of the program’s top five invasive plants—Callery pear, non‑native bush and vine honeysuckle, tree of heaven, burning bush, or Japanese barberry—and replace it with a native tree or shrub. Chaplin said 10 New Albany residents have applied, four have been fully approved, and seven spots remain.
Board members and Chaplin discussed outreach tactics, including an in‑city workshop, Farmer’s Market tabling on June 25, targeted school engagement (fifth‑grade science units), HOA outreach, social‑media promotion and yard signage for participants. Chaplin said the program uses partner vendors for instant discounts and that the district offers multiple reimbursement and gift‑card options through a vendor called Choice Digital.
Chaplin emphasized education and follow‑up: the new online course includes interactive elements and a composting "game," and the district plans extension modules to cover soil types, plant selection and installation techniques. She encouraged board members to request handouts for events and said staff and volunteers will help amplify outreach.
The board did not take formal action; Chaplin agreed to provide program materials for the board to distribute.
