What you can do this winter (2026)

A warmer, wetter winter can leave gardens waterlogged and disrupt the seasonal rhythms of local wildlife. Now is the time to set up your water capture systems and rain gardens to slow and capture rain water for future use.

Homeowners and gardeners can help by keeping soil covered with plants or mulch, replacing impermeable surfaces with greener, free-draining areas, and planting a varied mix of native flowers, shrubs and hedging. Leave seed heads, logs and some long grass undisturbed to provide food and shelter, offer clean water, and avoid pesticides and peat-based compost. Small, thoughtful changes can turn every outdoor space into part of a healthier local habitat.

Read how to slow the flow with a rain garden.