To keep our community healthy and thriving, everyone must play a part in making sure polluted runoff does not reach our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay!
What YOU can do to Help Keep Stormwater Clean:
- Report any dumping of inappropriate materials into storm water drains (such as oil, antifreeze) to your local municipal officials.
- Use good housekeeping practices with lawn care chemicals, oil, gasoline, pet wastes, etc.
- Help to start or participate in programs to recycle and safely dispose of used oils and household hazardous wastes and containers.
- Tell others about pollution runoff and storm water runoff and what they can do to help.
- Plant trees, shrubs and ground cover to protect bare soil and reduce runoff.
- Create a “rain garden” to keep rain water in your yard to replenish plants.
- Try composting to recycle yard wastes and reduce fertilizer use.
- Find alternatives to the chemicals you use on your lawn.
Get your Garden "Bay-Wise" Certified!
You can make your home landscape more environmentally friendly and receive a sign to display in your yard displaying your certification. Follow the link below and download the yardstick educational material, fill out a Bay-Wise application, and submit to make a certification appointment with your local Bay-Wise Master Gardener!
Bay-Wise Landscape Certification and Signage
Join the Maryland Tree Stewards and Antietam-Conococheague Alliance!
The Maryland Tree Stewards is an initiate created by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Maryland Forest Service, and other Maryland partners to promote, increase and enhance tree canopy coverage in urban and suburban areas. There is a four session training presented by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay where you can learn all about tree selection, health, and care from tree experts. For Washington County, refer to the Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance for more information!
Maryland Tree Stewards
Plant With a Purpose
Native plants are a crucial component to stream health and help to keep an ecosystem thriving! Supporting biodiversity helps to support local ecosystems. Native plants serve as habitats, food sources, and breeding grounds to local mammals, insects, and birds. They also help to maintain soil integrity and health, with root systems acting as natures anchors for preventing erosion and keeping land fertile. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has extensive native plant resources for homeowners and gardeners to refer to when deciding how to build a landscape.
Maryland DNR - Native Plants Resources
Plant With a Purpose
Native plants are a crucial component to stream health and help to keep an ecosystem thriving! Supporting biodiversity helps to support local ecosystems. Native plants serve as habitats, food sources, and breeding grounds to local mammals, insects, and birds. They also help to maintain soil integrity and health, with root systems acting as natures anchors for preventing erosion and keeping land fertile. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has extensive native plant resources for homeowners and gardeners to refer to when deciding how to build a landscape.
Maryland DNR - Native Plants Resources
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