Earth Gauge » Water Quality

World Wetlands Day

espinoza — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:20:16 +0000

Each year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd. Wetlands come in many forms and go by many names – estuaries, bogs, mangrove swamps, vernal pools, marshes, riparian wetlands, cypress swamps, playa lakes and more! Wetland areas improve water quality, provide flood protection and support tons of fish, wildlife and plants. If you’ve been hunting, clamming, crabbing, or enjoy eating salmon, you reaped the benefits of wetland ecosystems. Wetlands are some of the most important resources for migratory birds like ducks, geese and sandhill cranes, and also support moose, black bears, lynx, beavers and other wildlife. Cranberries and blueberries grow in bogs in the northern United States.

Despite their many benefits, the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands each year. Compared to other coastal states, Florida, Texas, California and Louisiana have lost the most coastal marshland – California alone has lost more than 91 percent of its coastal wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay has lost 50 percent of its coastal marshes. Since the arrival of settlers, 70 percent of tidally influenced wetlands in Puget Sound have been lost. And, only about 40 to 50 percent of the prairie region’s original prairie pothole wetlands remain undrained today.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you live, chances are there’s a wetland nearby. Development that occurs on or nearby wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Try these tips to protect your local wetlands:

Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These pollutants can wash into storm drains and eventually reach a wetland.
Choose native species when planting trees, shrubs and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into local waterways.
Many exotic animals are introduced into wetlands by homeowners and hobbyists, where they can harm native wildlife. If you have a home aquarium with exotic saltwater or freshwater fish or raise non-native amphibians or reptiles, do not release them into the wild.
Volunteer to help monitor local wetlands near you. Visit water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm for more information!

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Wetlands”, http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/index.cfm; “Volunteer Monitoring”, http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/monitoring/vol.cfm; “American Wetlands Month,” www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/; Izaak Walton League of America, “Wetlands Sight and Sounds Series,” http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=353; National Biological Information Infrastructure Digital Image Library, http://life.nbii.gov/index.php; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library System, http://images.fws.gov/)

Weather and Seasons Shape Estuaries

espinoza — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:20:21 +0000

Estuaries may seem permanent and unchanging, but they are not. Weather patterns and seasonal cycles shape and affect estuaries. Winter storms and winds lash the coasts, raising waves that stir up and mix nutrients, silt and decaying organic matter in estuaries. Large storm waves carry a lot of energy that is released when the waves hit the coast, crashing into barrier islands, sandbars and even open shores. Really strong waves change coastlines, wash sediments and nutrients out to sea and change the balance of salt and freshwater that characterizes estuaries.

Viewer Tip: Winter is a great time to beachcomb. The same waves and tides that pound our shorelines also deposit shells, driftwood, sea urchins, beach glass and even remains of old shipwrecks. Advanced beachcombers, especially along the Atlantic coast, even bring metal detectors, as coins and metal relics from times past are often washed ashore. Remember to dress warmly, though. Winter air temperatures are frequently colder near the ocean and coastal winds can make you feel even chillier.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Restoring Rivers

espinoza — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:09:35 +0000

Did you know that most people in the United States live within a mile of a river or stream? More than 60 percent of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams, which also support a variety of wildlife and fish, and provide many recreation opportunities. Fishing alone generates an estimated 116 billion dollars in economic benefits each year!

Viewer Tip: Clean, healthy rivers are vital to our health, safety and quality of life. Conserving water saves energy and money – and also keeps more water in rivers and streams to support fish, wildlife and recreation. Try these simple tips to save water at home:

Fix dripping faucets and running toilets. A leaky faucet that drips at a rate of one drop per second can waste up to 2,700 gallons a year.
Ready for an upgrade? Choose water-efficient faucets, showerheads, toilets and other appliances by looking for EPA’s WaterSense label.
If you have a yard, consider installing a rain barrel to collect rain from home downspouts that can be used to water plants.

This information is provided by Living Lands and Waters. Learn more at www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

Smart About Salt

espinoza — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:58:43 +0000

During the winter months, salt and sand applied to our roads, driveways and sidewalks contribute to lake and stream pollution. Fifty pounds of salt – one large bag – can pollute 10,000 gallons of water. That’s equivalent to one teaspoon of salt in a five-gallon bucket of water.

Viewer Tip: Many cities and states are working to reduce salt use while still keeping streets and sidewalks safe. Using less salt at home will help protect water quality in your neighborhood – and it will save money, too!

Shovel first. Clear away as much snow and ice as possible before you use a deicer. Only use deicers on ice, not snow.
Save your salt. Read the label and use salt sparingly. Use about 30 percent less salt by wetting it with some water before applying it to icy patches.
Protect your plants. Keep salt away from salt-sensitive plants. Learn more about salt damage to plants at www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/id/id-412-w.pdf.
Know your stuff. There are many types of deicers and they perform differently at different temperature ranges. The most common deicer, sodium chloride (“rock salt”), only melts ice to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride cost more, but work in colder temperatures.

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(Sources: Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership, www.myfairlakes.com; TomScheuler. Snow, Road Salt, and the Chesapeake Bay. The Center for Watershed Protection. http://www.cwp.org/; Iowa State University, Centre for Transportation and Research Education. “Prewetting with Salt Brine.” http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/PUBS/semisesq/session1/donahey/index.htm)

Holiday Gatherings

espinoza — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:15:39 +0000

The holiday season is a time for happy gatherings of family and friends. But a house full of guests can also result in higher energy bills, increased water use and stressed septic systems. Try these easy tips for a happy, healthy and environmentally-friendly holiday gathering.

Heating Help: Keep everyone warm and save energy at the same time by using a programmable thermostat. Homeowners can save up to 180 dollars per year by using a programmable thermostat to automatically reduce heating when it’s not needed as much – such as when you are sleeping or away from home. Learn more about programmable thermostats: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TH
A Water Efficient H2Oliday: Prepping and cleaning up after a holiday meal can use a lot of water. Save a few gallons by thawing frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of using running tap water. Scrape dirty dishes before you put them in the dishwasher rather than rinsing to save even more. If every American household reduced their water use by 10 gallons on Christmas Day, we would save more than one billion gallons of water! Learn more about saving water at home: www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html
Septic Smarts: For the 20 percent of Americans who use septic tanks for wastewater treatment, extra guests can overwhelm the system. Remind houseguests not to use drains and toilets as trash cans. And make sure your system is properly maintained to avoid backups and overflows – not only are these costly for homeowners, but they can also contaminate well water and community drinking water supplies. Learn more about septic systems: cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/

(Sources: Energy Star Program. “Programmable Thermostats.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TH; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Winter Tips.” http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hi-winter.htm; Keehner, Denise M., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands Oceans and Watersheds. “Holidays can pose challenges for those with septic systems: Easy ways to keep your holidays smelling sweet.”)

Mississippi River Watershed

espinoza — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:58:55 +0000

Did you know that the Mississippi River provides drainage for 41 percent of the continental United States? This means that if a single drop of rain falls anywhere in this area, which includes all or part of 31 states and two Canadian provinces, it becomes a part of the Mississippi River Watershed. The fate of this single drop of water then depends on several factors. If the ground is not saturated, the water will be pulled downward into the soil by gravity, where it becomes available for plants or recharges groundwater supplies. If the soil is saturated or if the water drop falls on some type of impervious surface such as rooftops, concrete or asphalt, the droplet will travel above the surface towards the nearest stream or body of water. As this drop of rain flows across the surface, it encounters a slew of possible contaminants including, but not limited to gasoline, pesticides, pet waste and fertilizers.

Viewer Tip: No matter where you are in a watershed, what you do on your property can affect the overall hydrologic system. An easy way to protect water quality at home is to keep rain water on your property by directing downspouts onto a lawn or grassy area, away from driveways and sidewalks.

You can learn more about the watershed you live in, both at a local and regional scale, by contacting your local Department of Natural Resources office or visiting their website.

This information is provided by Living Lands and Waters. Learn more at www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

Lose the Lead Sinkers

espinoza — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:30:40 +0000

Fall fishing and ice fishing are popular past times for many in the Great Lakes Region. As you rig your line in hopes of landing that big catch, think twice about what weights your lure. Lead has been used for weighting fishing tackle for centuries, but this heavy metal poses a hazard to human and wildlife health. Lead sinkers have been listed as the leading cause of mortality in loons and other water birds. The sale of lead tackled is banned in some states.

Viewer Tip: Stock your tackle box with stainless steel sinkers and hooks. You can find lots of great products at your favorite tackle supply shop. And, many bait shops and city recycling centers collect and properly dispose of lead products for you – just ask!

For more information about the impacts and replacing lead tackle, visit www.pca.state.mn.us.

This information is provided by Great Lakes Aquarium. Learn more at www.glaquarium.org.

Extreme Weather Events

espinoza — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:42:55 +0000

Severe weather events—hurricanes, flooding, tsunamis, storms and heat waves—can be bad news for estuaries. Strong storms, particularly hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor’easters, can wreak havoc on estuarine ecosystems. While only about a third of all hurricanes make landfall, those that do can create dramatic surges in water levels that can push saltwater into coastal freshwater habitats, killing fish, plants, plankton, corals, and other invertebrates unused to high salinity. Damage to coastal barrier islands, salt marshes, and other important ecosystems can be extensive.

Viewer Tip: Hurricane Irene, which caused extensive flooding and damage along the East Coast this summer, illustrates other, potentially more damaging problems: stormwater discharge and marine debris. While estuaries and their ecosystems are extraordinarily resilient—much natural damage is repaired with months or a few years—human-caused damage can be more destructive and last longer. Live in a coastal area (or in a watershed that drains to the ocean)? Keep lawn fertilizers to a minimum or use none at all. Have a septic tank? Make sure it’s secure and in good working order; coliform bacteria are notorious pathogens. Loose items around your house and in your yard? Store them where they can’t blow into streams or rivers that feed into nearby estuaries.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Oysters in Galveston Bay

espinoza — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:07:02 +0000

The current drought that Texas is suffering through is threatening the oysters of Galveston Bay. Galveston Bay needs freshwater to keep the salinity level of the Bay low to protect oyster reefs. Some predators and disease thrive in very salty waters, which can weaken and kill oysters. Oysters are the Bay’s keystone species, providing habitat for other living things – just ask a fisherman if he likes to fish around reefs – and each filtering as much as 50 gallons of water a day, providing natural water cleansing services.

Viewer Tip: To protect the oysters, the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) has a newly established oyster shell recycling program. Since March of 2011, GBF has been collecting discarded oyster shells, curing them and then using them for the oyster reef restoration program. Oyster larvae are free flowing in our bay and in search of a hard substrate to settle on and begin growth. Recycled oyster shells are a perfect solution. Recycled oyster shells are bagged and hung over residences’ piers to attract larvae, which will grow on the shells as spat. The oyster gardening bags are removed from the piers and the live, gardened oysters are placed on several constructed reef pads in an effort to expedite colonization by oysters. These oysters are for conservation efforts and not used for consumption. If you would like to get involved in our community based oyster reef restoration effort, please visit www.galvbay.org.

This information provided by the Galveston Bay Foundation. Learn more at www.galvbay.org.

Raking the Days Away

espinoza — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:34:20 +0000

When the leaves start to fall, neighborhoods become a flurry of rakes and leaf blowers. Falling leaves contain nutrients that are great for your garden, compost or lawn. With so many falling at once, they can easily cover storm drains as well as your backyard. Clogged storm drains cause rain water to run down streets into lakes and rivers. Traveling over the roadways, the water collects dirt, grease and trash. These potential pollutants can negatively impact the health of local waterways.

Viewer Tip: Keep your leaves out of storm drains this fall. Compost leaves or use them to cover flower beds for the winter. Using leaves as mulch will protect your plants from the cold and add nutrients to the soil for the next growing season. Also check with your garbage hauler – they may have a leaf composting program just waiting for your leaves!

This information is provided by Great Lakes Aquarium. Learn more at www.glaquarium.org.

Earth Science Week 2011

espinoza — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:17:05 +0000

October 9-15 is Earth Science Week (www.earthsciweek.org). Every year, Earth Science Week encourages students and the public to explore the natural world around them and learn about the geosciences. This year’s theme is Our Ever-Changing Earth. Humans depend on the Earth for many resources – air, water, food, fuel, trees, metals – but we often forget about one of the most important natural resources: soil! Just like water and air, soil is an important and limited resource. Consider this:

75 percent of the Earth is covered in water – oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.
25 percent is dry land area, but half of that is desert, swamp, polar and mountainous regions where conditions are too hot, too cold or too high in elevation to be productive.
Of the remaining area (about 12 percent), nine percent is too flood-prone, too poor-quality or too hot for food production. The remaining three percent represents the area of Earth developed by humans. Just a small fraction of this area is made up of soil that we depend on for food and other uses.

Viewer Tip: Scientists estimate that we are losing soils 10 to 40 times faster than they can be replaced – 60 percent of soils are washed into our rivers, streams and lakes where they can decrease channel depth, increase potential for flooding and smother aquatic wildlife habitat. You can help control erosion at home by using mulch to cover garden beds and other areas of exposed soil. Planting ground-cover plants or small shrubs will also help stabilize soil.

(Sources: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Division of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, in cooperation with Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and Oklahoma Department of Education. “Ag in the Classroom: How Much Soil is there?” https://www.soils.org/files/about-soils/earth-science-week-2007.pdf; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. “Dig It! The Secrets of Soil.” http://forces.si.edu/soils/index.html; EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. “Watershed Tips.” epa.gov/owow)

Rain Gardens – Miniature Marshes

espinoza — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:38:03 +0000

Marshes, and particularly salt marshes, are renowned as “filters.” Streams and rivers flowing into marshes often carry large loads of sediment and silt which are trapped by marshes and used to build up and replace existing marsh soils that otherwise would be carried out into bays and estuaries. Marshes and other coastal wetlands also capture and sequester heavy metals, fertilizers in the form of nitrogen and phosphates, and other pollutants that would otherwise make their way into sensitive estuarine ecosystems.

Viewer Tip: Rain gardens function like miniature marshes. They prevent untreated storm water from washing off yards and other properties into storm drains, where it makes its way into fragile bays and watersheds. The principles are simple:

Choose a low-lying area on your property where water from drains and other areas can be directed or pools naturally.
If the soil there is relatively impermeable and holds water for long periods, excavate six to eight inches down and lay in loose soils, sand, and gravel to allow water to percolate naturally and gradually into the existing soil and water table.
Cover with mulch or wood chips to hold moisture and prevent erosion, and use native (area/region appropriate) plants to decorate.

Want to know more? Check out your area’s native plant society or go on-line. Fall is a good time to build a rain garden!

This tip is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Oysters: A Fall Treat

espinoza — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:04:07 +0000

One commonly asked question is why oysters are traditionally eaten only during months with an “r” in them. There are two answers. One, earlier times lacked refrigeration and oysters spoil quickly in warm weather (months without an “r”: May, June, July and August) unless they are chilled. And two, oysters just don’t taste as good in the summer months for biological reasons. Oysters spawn in the early summer, using their stored food reserves to make spawn. In the process, they become watery and develop an off-taste. Modern day refrigeration makes it possible to eat oysters year round, but these tasty shellfish are still best in colder weather.

Viewer Tip: Oyster populations in Chesapeake Bay are at less than one percent of their historical levels. Want to help restore the Bay oyster? Volunteer at any of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s oyster gardening events. One popular—and dirty—volunteer opportunity is making reef balls. These cement balls provide oyster sprat—larval oysters—with places to attach and grow. Help the Bay by volunteering at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Oyster Restoration Center. For more information, visit www.cbf.org/page.aspx?pid=1063#involved.

This tip is provided by The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, part of Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Plant Trees in the Fall

espinoza — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Did you know that planting one oak tree in your yard can save you money? A new oak sapling (one-inch in diameter) will save about 29 dollars over one year. Much of that money comes from the increase in property value that a tree provides, but your new tree will also absorb about 80 gallons of rain water runoff, improve air quality and reduce your energy bill. When your tree grows to six-inches in diameter, it will provide about 75 dollars in benefits each year!

Viewer Tip: This is a great time of year to add a tree to your yard. In the northeastern United States, new trees can be planted until early October. Cooler temperatures and rainfall help new trees establish healthy roots that will support new growth when spring rolls around next year.

Find recommended native plant and tree species in your state: www.wildflower.org/collections/
Calculate the benefits of planting other types of trees: www.arborday.org/calculator/.

(Sources: Lake Champlain International. “Tip of the Week #10.” http://www.mychamplain.net/lci-protect-lake-champlain-tip-week-10; National Arbor Day Foundation. “National Tree Benefit Calculator.” http://www.arborday.org/calculator/

National Estuaries Day

espinoza — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:04:09 +0000

Not all estuaries are created equal. Or at least there are different types of estuaries. Most scientists classify estuaries geomorphologically—that is, how were they formed and what is the end result of those geological processes. Most American estuaries are one of four types:

A coastal plain estuary, formed when the sea level rises into an existing river valley (Chesapeake Bay is a prime example, as are Tampa Bay and Galveston Bay);
A tectonic estuary is caused by folding and faulting of the earth (San Francisco Bay);
There’s the lagoon (or bar-built) estuary, where a shallow lagoon forms behind the shelter of a barrier island or sand bar (Albemarle Sound-Pamlico Bay is the largest lagoon estuary in the United States);
And then there are the “fjords,” deep u-shaped gashes formed by glaciers. Most of these are in Washington state and Alaska. Puget Sound is an outstanding example of a fjord estuary.

Viewer Tip: Whatever kind of estuary is near you, get out on the water this year! Restore America’s Estuaries will be celebrating National Estuaries Day on Saturday, September 24. This year’s theme is “Day on the Bay.’ Check our website—www.estuaries.org—for more information on National Estuaries Day activities and events.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

What Kind of Estuary?

Not all estuaries are created equal. Or at least there are different types of estuaries. Most scientists classify estuaries geomorphologically—that is, how were they formed and what is the end result of those geological processes. Most American estuaries are one of four types: A coastal plain estuary, formed when the sea level rises into an existing river valley (Chesapeake Bay is a prime example, as are Tampa Bay and Galveston Bay). A tectonic estuary is caused by folding and faulting of the earth (San Francisco Bay). There’s the lagoon (or bar-built) estuary, where a shallow lagoon forms behind the shelter of a barrier island or sand bar (Albemarle Sound-Pamlico Bay is the largest lagoon estuary in the United States). And then there are the “fjords,” deep u-shaped gashes formed by glaciers. Most of these are in Washington state and Alaska. Puget Sound is an outstanding example of a fjord estuary.

Viewer tip: Whatever kind of estuary is near you, get out on the water this summer! Restore America’s Estuaries will be celebrating National Estuaries Day on Saturday, September 24. This year’s theme is “Day on the Bay.’ Check our website—www.estuaries.org—later this summer for more information on National Estuaries Day activities and events.

Algae Impacts

espinoza — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 15:57:44 +0000

Nitrogen and phosphorus are part of healthy aquatic habitats. These nutrients support the growth of underwater plants that provide oxygen and habitat for fish and other animals. They also support algae growth, which is a source of food for many fish and shellfish. Aquatic habitats can become unbalanced, however, when too much nitrogen and phosphorus enter the waters. Algae can grow out of control, reducing oxygen levels in the water and blocking sunlight that underwater plants need to grow. Too much algae in a water body can produce bad smells, clog drinking water filters and cause drinking water taste and order problems.

There are many sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, including agricultural livestock waste and fertilizer; fertilizers and pet waste from home yards and gardens; and detergents and soaps. Rain water can pick up these substances and carry them into storm drains and local water bodies. Sometimes, nitrogen and phosphorus can impact waters far from where the nutrients originate.

Viewer Tip: Reducing nutrient pollution at home will help protect waters nearby and downstream.

Apply fertilizer and other yard care chemicals only when necessary. Wait for dry weather to apply.
Pick up pet waste at home and on walks. Avoid walking pets near streams and other waterways.
Use a commercial car wash that filters and recycles water. Or, wash your car on a grassy or gravel-covered area where water can soak into the ground. Use soap sparingly.

(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Nutrients: The Problem,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/problem.cfm and “Nutrients: Take Action,” http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/action.cfm

Great Lakes Shorelines

espinoza — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:40:32 +0000

About 80 percent of Great Lakes shoreline in the United States is privately rather than publicly owned. That means most of the shoreline is vulnerable to impacts like water pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus in lawn fertilizers which can encourage algae build-up. The rapid flow of rain water runoff into the lakes resulting from near-shore development can also impact the shoreline and the lakes.

Viewer Tip: Whether you live on beachfront property or miles away from the coast, land owners can take simple measures to protect the shoreline like reducing their use fertilizers containing phosphorus. Beachfront property owners can take bigger steps like removing algae or even raking beaches with a thatching rake. According to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, raking the sand to let it lie exposed to the air and sun can reduce contamination. The organization recently launched a Shoreline Property Stewardship Program in which shoreline owners can become certified once they receive stewardship training and improve their shorelines. Learn more about the program at www.greatlakes.org.

This information is provided by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.greatlakes.org.

Living Shorelines

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:37:03 +0000

More than 85 percent of the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline is privately owned. And most of that is lined with hardened bulkheads or riprap designed to protect waterfront property from erosion and sea level rise. These “hardened shorelines” take away from some of the Bay’s most productive acreage: the coastal marsh and intertidal areas that serve as refuges and spawning grounds for many species of fish, shellfish, and invertebrates that are important to the Bay ecology, commercial fisheries and recreational users of the Chesapeake. A better solution is to consider a living shoreline, a technique using native plants, grasses, shrubs and trees planted along the tidal water line. Living shorelines improve water quality; provide shoreline access to wildlife like nesting turtles, horseshoe crabs and shorebirds; and provide shallow water habitat and a diversity of plant species for aquatic and terrestrial animals. All in all, a win-win solution for property owners and wildlife!

Viewer Tip: Own waterfront property, either on the Bay or along the tidal creeks feeding into the Chesapeake? Both Maryland and Virginia offer financial assistance for shoreline projects. Maryland has a wide range of loan, grant and cost-share programs available to homeowners, communities, local governments and non-profit organizations. Virginia has grants available for private individuals through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Living Shoreline Initiative.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Learn more at http://www.cbf.org/.

Beach Closures

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:01:05 +0000

Ocean and lake beaches around the country get closed every year due to poor water quality from pathogens – disease-causing bacteria and viruses. One way that pathogens get into the water is from pet and wild animal waste being washed down storm drains when it rains. In most communities, storm drains discharge storm water directly into local water bodies. And, even if water does go through a wastewater treatment plant, heavy rainfall can overflow the system, allowing untreated wastewater to flow into rivers, lakes and the ocean.

Viewer Tip: About 80 percent of pollution in our oceans and lakes comes from the land. No matter where you live, you can help protect water quality at local beaches by always picking up after your pet on walks and in your yard. Dispose of waste in a trash can or flush it down the toilet. To help control waste from wild animals, don’t feed geese and other water fowl. This encourages flocks to hang around shorelines and stay put through the winter months.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Beaches.” http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/index.cfm; Long Island Sound Study, “Sound Health: Status and Trends in the Health of Long Island Sound,” http://longislandsoundstudy.net/2010/12/sound-health-2010/)

Decrease Runoff into the Bay

espinoza — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:41:55 +0000

One of the biggest sources of pollution in Chesapeake Bay is “non-point source” pollution and erosion. That’s runoff from homes, lawns, gardens, streets and other paved surfaces when it rains. Urban and suburban runoff is on the rise, but many homeowners don’t see the connection between their yards and gardens and Bay pollution. Fertilizers may make suburban lawns green and produce bumper garden crops and flowers, but they also feed algal growth in the Bay, robbing it of vital oxygen.

Viewer Tip: Plant native trees, shrubs and perennials to help filter stormwater and prevent pollutant runoff. One particularly good way of reducing stormwater runoff, both at home and at business sites, is a rain garden. By planting native plants with deep roots in shallow excavations, you can funnel and filter stormwater that might otherwise end up in the Bay.

This information is provided by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.plantmoreplants.com and www.cbf.org.