River Friendly

Create a River Friendly Yard.  Our lawns and yards and the maintenance they require can have a significant impact upon the health of our waterways and natural environment.  Stormwater runoff from rain and irrigation can wash fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides from our yards into storm drains and, ultimately, into our river and its tributaries. For this reason, we all essentially live on waterfront property.

Excessive nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) from fertilizers can cause serious algal blooms that are harmful to the aquatic vegetation, wildlife and even human health. Herbicides and pesticides can also be harmful or fatal to native aquatic vegetation, fish, wildlife, and humans.

Fortunately, opportunities exist for all of us to reduce our impact on the river by changing our lawn maintenance practices and our landscaping choices. Be part of the change and see what wildlife your yard will attract!

Monarch Caterpillars

Monarch Butterflies

River Friendly Activities

DIY Plant Field Guide

Don’t forget to take our River Friendly Pledge!