What you can do for the Prettyboy Watershed on your property!

Research whether your property can qualify for land preservation.
This ensures that your property cannot be subdivided into smaller lots for development and keeps agricultural lands open. Contact the Maryland Environmental Trust for more information. If you live in Pennsylvania , contact the Farm and Natural Lands Trust of York County .

Plant trees.
Planting trees protects water quality more effectively than any other restoration effort, especially along streams. If your property is used for agriculture, you are probably eligible for matching funds to plant trees and implement other best management practices. Contact your local Soil Conservation District office to find out more.

Protect your streams from erosion.
Eroding streams contribute sediment and other pollutants to waterways

Reduce pesticides and herbicides in your landscape.
These products are toxic and a potential source of contamination in groundwater and streams. Use them sparingly and in strict accordance with label directions. Seek non-toxic alternatives whenever possible and pull weeds by hand.

Plant native plants and use other bay-friendly landscaping approaches.
Native plants provide more food sources and habitat for wildlife, rain gardens trap sediments and slow run-off, protecting local streams.

Use chemical fertilizers sparingly.
Don't overuse fertilizers especially near ponds or streams. Rain and water wash fertilizers into waterways, contributing to algae blooms that in turn kill fish.

Use or dispose of grass clippings.
Leave grass clippings on your lawn as natural compost. If you bag your clippings, throw them away with your garbage or compost them in a pile. Avoid letting them clog storm drains on your street.

Plant instead of pave.
Groundcover minimizes surface runoff. Consider replacing turf adjacent to waterways and water bodies with vegetative buffers, especially trees, that will slow storm water and reduce nutrients entering the water. Consider using brick pavers instead of more asphalt for driveways and other walkways on your property.

Redirect runoff from roofs, patios and driveways.
Stormwater runoff that flows directly into channels and storm drains goes right into the Bay, carrying pollutants with it. Minimize runoff by disconnecting downspouts over paved areas. Redirecting runoff to landscaped areas such as Rain Gardens will slow and filter stormwater before it gets to the drain.

Leave the storm drains for the storm.
Never put used motor oil, antifreeze, paint, leaves, lawn clippings or other waste materials or chemicals directly into storm drains, channels or inlets. Motor oils and antifreeze are extremely toxic to wildlife and plants and can contaminate water supplies. Take oil and paint containers to hazardous material recycling stations.

Use Agricultural Best Management Practices.
Again, your local Soil Conservation District has a wealth of information on a range of programs and practices that can help to keep your soil productive and minimize impacts on local streams. Many programs offer matching funding.

Install rain barrels.
Rainbarrels also minimize runoff and conserve water.

Join the Alliance and learn more!