Thank You For an Amazing 2024!

As we close out 2024, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our residents for their support and cooperation throughout the year. We recognize that the recent utility fee increase was a significant change, and we truly appreciate your understanding and commitment to improving our community. This adjustment will allow us to make much-needed repairs and upgrades to our stormwater infrastructure, ensuring a safer and more resilient system for years to come.

We are also grateful for the strong sense of community shown by our residents. Your enthusiasm for volunteer opportunities, like stream cleanups and other local events, has had a tremendous impact on protecting our waterways and raising awareness about stormwater management. Your dedication to keeping our environment healthy is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing even more of that passion in the coming year. Thank you for being active partners in preserving the beauty and safety of our community!

Winter Rain Barrel Tips

Winter is right around the corner! This is an essential time to take steps to protect your rain barrel and keep it in good condition for spring. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your rain barrel weathers the winter safely:

1. Drain and Disconnect
Before the first hard freeze, drain your rain barrel completely. Water left inside can freeze and expand, potentially causing cracks or damage to the barrel. Once it's empty, disconnect it from your downspout to prevent ice buildup in your gutters.

2. Clean and Store
Take this opportunity to clean out your rain barrel—rinse any debris or sediment from the bottom and let it dry completely. If possible, store it upside down in a shed or garage to keep it sheltered from the elements. If you need to leave it outside, consider securing a tarp over it to protect it from winter weather.

3. Keep Gutters Free-Flowing
While your rain barrel is disconnected, attach a winter downspout extension or splash guard to direct water away from your home's foundation. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves, ensuring smooth water flow during winter rainstorms.

4. Plan for Spring
Use the winter months to plan any upgrades or repairs. Check for any cracks or leaks that need sealing, and research accessories like overflow diverters or leaf filters that can make your rain barrel even more efficient come spring.

By following these simple steps, your rain barrel will be ready to collect fresh rainwater again when the warm weather returns!

Tree-Cycling: Give Your Christmas Tree a Second Life!

After the holidays, don't let your Christmas tree go to waste—recycle it! Recycled Christmas trees can be repurposed in a variety of environmentally friendly ways, including for erosion control and rainscaping. When used to create check dams, the trees help slow down stormwater runoff, trap sediment, and reduce soil erosion, making them a valuable tool for protecting local landscapes. They can also provide natural habitat for wildlife as they break down over time. By recycling your tree, you're not only reducing landfill waste but also contributing to a healthier and more resilient environment.

Upcoming Events

Downtown Athens Parade of Lights
Thursday, December 5, 7:00 PM
Downtown Athens

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and Athens Downtown Development Authority are proud to present the Downtown Parade of Lights. 

The ACC Downtown Parade of Lights is a “rain or shine” event. If safety becomes an issue for participants and spectators due to severe weather, the parade may be cancelled by the event organizer. For more information, visit accgov.com/parade.