What Property Owners Can Do

Keep Streams and Drainage Areas Clear

• Remove litter, dumped debris, and non-natural obstructions from stream corridors.

• Monitor culverts, drainage swales, and stream crossings for blockages, especially before and after major storms.

• Do not dump leaves, grass clippings, or yard waste into streams or drainage channels.

Protect Wetlands and Floodplains

• Avoid filling, grading, mowing, or disturbing wetlands and adjacent buffer areas.

• Maintain natural vegetation near streams and wet areas whenever possible.

• Wetlands store and slowly release stormwater, helping reduce flooding downstream.

Plant Native Vegetation

• Native plants help stabilize soils, absorb stormwater, reduce erosion, and support pollinators and biodiversity.

• Deep-rooted native trees and shrubs improve infiltration and help protect streambanks.

• Reduce lawn area where feasible and incorporate native plantings or rain gardens.

Reduce Impervious Surfaces

Impervious surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, and compacted gravel increase runoff and flooding.

Consider:

• permeable pavers,

• gravel pathways,

• rain gardens,

• vegetated swales,

• and reduced pavement coverage.

Manage Stormwater on Site

Simple actions can significantly reduce runoff:

• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.

• Use rain barrels where appropriate.

• Slow runoff with landscaping features that encourage infiltration.

• Maintain healthy soils and avoid excessive compaction.

Why This Matters

Healthy waterways and wetlands help:

• reduce flooding,

• protect roads and homes,

• improve water quality,

• support wildlife movement,

• cool surrounding areas,

• and strengthen climate resilience.

Small actions across many properties collectively make a major difference.

Before You Begin Work

Projects involving wetlands, streams, drainage areas, retaining walls, culverts, grading, or vegetation removal may require permits or review.

Please contact the Village before undertaking significant work near waterways or wetlands.

Learn More

For additional resources on:

• Irvington's flood mitigation planning and sustainable landscaping

• New York State DEC

• Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities

Together, residents can help protect Irvington’s waterways, reduce flooding risks, and strengthen long-term community resilience.