Is Your Property WaterWise?
- Melissa Nash
- Mar 31, 2022
- 2 min read
Water-Wise is a voluntary conservation landscape certification program that allows property owners to be recognized for implementing best management practices in their lawns and gardens. Landowners can help reduce pesticides use, increase water quality, provide
wildlife habitat, and much more! Check out the yardstick and see if your property measures up. You just need 36 inches to become certified. Once certified, you w
ill receive a small aluminum sign to display. The first step is to fill out the application. Garrett County Master Gardeners will be visiting your site to complete the certification process. This program mimics the popular and successful BayWise Program.
Garrett County is home to some of Maryland‘s most beautiful rolling hills, mountains, streams, lakes and rivers; however, pollution and development threaten our waterways. Most residents live within a half-mile of a drainage ditch, storm drain, stream, or river. All of these waterways eventually drain into a larger body of water downstream. What we do to maintain our own landscapes can affect the health of our local waterways and ultimately our environment. Acid mine drainage, aging infrastructure (wastewater), the overuse and misuse of pesticides and fertilizers, soil erosion, poor stormwater management practices, and incorrect plant selections have all contributed to the degradation of our streams, lakes, and rivers. Sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping practices can improve water quality and conserve natural resources for future generations. We all need to do our part to take care of waterways and the environment. By changing a few simple landscape practices, you, your family, neighbors, and friends can help keep our communities healthy for future generations.
Homeowners can contribute to a cleaner environment by implementing several environmentally sound approaches from the categories below. 💧Control Stormwater Runoff 💧Manage Yard Pests with IPM 💧Encourage Wildlife 💧Mulch Appropriately/Compost Yard Waste 💧Protect the Waterfront 💧Manage Your Landscape Wisely 💧Smart Lawn Care 💧Plant Wisely
Download the landscape management practice "yardstick" guide from the website and select those actions that you have already taken in your yard. Mark your credits on the yardstick (on the last page). Once you reach 36 inches (credits) on the yardstick, return to the website to complete the Application (Google Form). A Maryland Master Gardener will contact you to visit your site and do an analysis to complete the certification. Participating properties will receive a free yard sign!
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