The system was installed by the Ohio Land Improvement Contractors of America at a test field owned by the Lima campus. Old drainage practices move excess water from the fields to ditches and streams and with it the nutrients that were put on by farmers. But with this new way, the water can be filtered of nutrients before it makes it to a waterway to reduce the harmful algal blooms, or the excess water can be reused in the same field.

The Lima Allen County Neighborhoods in Partnership, along with Mercy Health and Activate Allen County, held an open house at the Spring Street Community Garden. The garden has been around for around 20 years, and the public was able to see the efforts of the people who like to get their hands a little dirty. That includes 10 “Giving Gardens” for people in need just to come by and pick some fresh produce when it is ready.