The owners of the House at Climbers Run, a retreat center and rental space, used to dread heavy rain because it meant that the stream on their property would flood, causing significant land erosion, safety concerns, and increased pollution. 

Every two months, Mr. Beiler found himself back in his family’s fields to spread another layer of “farmer’s gold.” With inadequate manure storage, Beiler had to spread manure even when the ground didn’t need or wasn’t able to absorb the added nutrients. 

But because of dollars granted from the Clean Water Fund and project partner LancasterFarmlandTrust, Beiler now has a six-month manure storage pit and is playing his part for cleaner water for his family, farm, and community.