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Leah Rampy, author and founder of Save Our Soils, connected soils and healthy watersheds for an audience of homeowners and gardeners at a presentation on July 26 at the Shepherdstown Public Library. She shared practices that promote healthy soil while at the same time reducing runoff into streams and protecting clean water.

Through the practice of regenerative land care, healthy soils have spaces to absorb and hold water due to their biological matrix and therefore are essential for productive gardens and farms. Planting a diversity native plants, including grasses, shrubs, trees, and perennials helps protect soils and supports pollinators.

Rampy and the audience discussed ways to involve residents, local governments, HOAs, and planning agencies to build awareness and action to protect soil.