HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO BE A GOOD STREAMSIDE NEIGHBOR:
LET LAWNS LIE! Frequent mowing can prevent water infiltration, and excessive chemical applications can wash into streams, threatening aquatic life.
Grass roots grow to half the depth of the grass - so if you mow your lawn to be one inch tall, the grass roots are only 1/2 inch deep, which acts like pavement and stops rainwater from entering the soil. Consider letting your grass grow a little longer - the deeper the root system, the less water runs off of your yard!
If you or a contractor are applying chemicals to your yard (like herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers), be sure to carefully check the labels and weather forecast. Rain and wind during and after application of these chemicals result in less effective use on your yard and a large impact on the nearest water body. Consider alternative methods to chemicals like manual removal of pest plants or replacing sections of your yard with native meadow plantings to reduce chemical use!
PLANT NATIVES! When picking plants or seeds for your yard or flower garden, opt for native varieties (especially if you are planting along waterways!). Native trees and plants provide pollinator and animal habitat and can help buffer stormwater, improving water quality.
Native plants require less water and support a large diversity of birds, butterflies and other important pollinators. For more information on beautiful native plant communities that will flourish in your yard, check out our website!
PICK UP LITTER when you see it! When plastic garbage washes into our waterways, it can cause long lasting damage to the ecosystem. Prevent trash from entering the waterways by securing your garbage and recycling cans when they are on the street and picking up litter. Remember to always be safe and wear gloves and wash your hands after touching anything off the street.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT WATERSHED YOU LIVE IN?
