By 188Delaware
A partnership with the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District is among the local efforts that helped the Village of Shawnee Hills earn regional recognition for its sustainability work.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has recognized Shawnee Hills as a Bronze community through its Sustainable2050 initiative, citing efforts that include backyard conservation incentives, water-quality education and improvements designed to make the village more walkable. Shawnee Hills was honored alongside Grandview Heights and Reynoldsburg. Grandview Heights received a Silver designation, while Reynoldsburg earned Gold status.
Ratings under the program are based on points earned through various sustainability activities undertaken by participating communities.
“The designation of Grandview Heights, Reynoldsburg, and Shawnee Hills as Sustainable2050 communities demonstrates the powerful impact of local leadership in driving regional environmental progress,” said Brandi Whetstone, MORPC’s Director of Sustainability. “When communities commit to actionable environmental priorities, they do more than protect our natural resources. They build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods and strengthen economic vitality for generations to come.”
Local Efforts Help Shawnee Hills Earn Bronze
Among the initiatives cited for Shawnee Hills was its partnership with the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District on a backyard conservation rebate program. The program was designed to encourage water-quality education while helping residents make practical conservation improvements at home. Eligible participants can receive a $50 rebate toward the purchase of either a rain barrel or native plants.
Rain barrels can help capture stormwater that might otherwise flow into streets and storm drains, while native plants can support local ecosystems and help manage runoff.
The village has also worked with Delaware Public Health on walk audits examining local streets and pedestrian conditions. Those efforts have resulted in road-crossing improvements at several locations as Shawnee Hills looks for ways to make walking through the community easier and safer.
A Regional Approach to Sustainability
Sustainable2050 provides participating governments and organizations with technical assistance, opportunities for collaboration and regional recognition. Membership is open to MORPC members and associate members. Participating communities must adopt a resolution supporting the program, designate a local sustainability champion and align local goals with MORPC’s Regional Sustainability Agenda. Communities can earn points through efforts such as expanding recycling, improving air quality, protecting water resources and increasing energy efficiency in municipal buildings. Based on their accomplishments, participants may earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum certification.
Across MORPC’s 15-county region, 39 communities and regional organizations currently participate in Sustainable2050. Twenty-four have earned certification at one of the program’s tier levels.
For Shawnee Hills, the Bronze designation places the Delaware County village among communities receiving formal recognition for turning regional sustainability goals into projects at the local level.
