Earth Gauge » Home and Yard

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/)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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/

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/.

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.

Fertilizer Runoff

espinoza — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:45:29 +0000

Often, homeowners apply fertilizers to help out lawns that don’t naturally receive enough nutrients. Fertilizer helps to optimize grass growth, but you can have too much of a good thing. Over-fertilizing or improperly applying fertilizers can lead to excess nutrients in the soil, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can degrade water quality. These nutrients can seep through the ground, past the root zone and into our groundwater supplies. Fertilizers can also be washed off of a property and into the storm drain during rain storms.

Viewer Tip: There are easy steps you can take at home to prevent water pollution from fertilizing:

Try not to spill fertilizer granules. If you do have spill, do not rinse fertilizer granules away with a hose – sweep up with a broom, instead.
Avoid applying fertilizers and other yard care treatments if rain is in the forecast.
Leave grass clippings on your lawn or use them as mulch in garden beds. As the clippings break down, they will fertilize naturally, reducing the need for extra fertilizer application.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow; Greenscapes, http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/greenscapes/index.htm; Smart Yard, Healthy Gulf. http://www.smartyardhealthygulf.com/fertilizer-guidelines)

Passion for Precipitation

espinoza — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:19:52 +0000

Heavy rains are no friend to our local ponds and rivers. Rain water rushes down gutter spouts into streets and storm drains, carrying oil, fertilizer and other pollutants with it.

Viewer Tip: Make precipitation your passion by adding a rain barrel in your yard! Rain barrels collect water for free, saving you big on your water bill. And you’ll be helping local rivers and streams, which get polluted by rainwater run-off. Get rain barrel smart at www.anacostia.net.

This information is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Photos for use on-air and online:

Rain barrel in Montgomery County
Click to download full size image.

Rain barrel in Rockville, MD.
Click to download full size image.

Stormwater Smarts

espinoza — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:40:21 +0000

When it rains, what goes down the storm drain? As rain water flows over yards, driveways and city streets, it picks up pet waste, fertilizers and pesticides, oil from cars, trash and other pollutants. It’s tempting to think that storm water visits the local waste water treatment plant, but in most communities water that goes down the storm drain discharges into lakes and streams without any treatment at all. Polluted rain water can degrade water quality and cause closures of favorite fishing and recreation areas.

Viewer Tip: You can help protect water quality – starting in your own backyard.

Pick up. The Humane Society estimates there are more than 77 million owned dogs in the United States. If one of them belongs to you, make sure to pick up after your pet at home and on walks.
Slow down. Keep rain water on your property by directing downspouts onto a lawn or grassy area, away from driveways and sidewalks.
Use less. Try reducing the amount of fertilizers and pesticides you use on your lawn and garden. When you do apply yard-care products, make sure there is no rain in the forecast to minimize impacts on water quality.

Image available for use on-air and online.

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(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. www.epa.gov/owow; Think Blue Maine, http://www.thinkbluemaine.org/, University of Maryland – College Park Home and Garden Information Center, The Humane Society of the United States, www.hsus.org)

Buggy Benefits

espinoza — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:17:38 +0000

Did you know that many of the insects in your garden are more beneficial than harmful? When gardeners see insects or insect damage on their plants, many reach for pesticides in an effort to eliminate harmful pests. Unfortunately, pesticides can kill valuable garden insects – like ladybugs, assassin bugs and praying mantis – and may also harm birds, bats, spiders, and lizards. Pesticides are also considered a contributor to the population decline of the honey bee. All of the beneficial insects work to control the pest population and pollinate the area plants.

Viewer Tip: Small populations of pests are necessary to provide a constant food source for good insects. Take a few days to evaluate the insects in your garden and decide if pesticides are necessary or if the beneficial insect population can maintain a healthy balance. If you must use a pesticide in your yard, make sure to choose a product that is intended for the pest you wish to eliminate. Always wait for dry weather to apply yard-care chemicals.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

National Arbor Day

espinoza — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:44:41 +0000

Friday, April 29 is National Arbor Day. Trees not only add beauty and value to our landscape, they also provide many environmental benefits. In a year, a single healthy tree:

Has the same cooling effect as ten room-sized air conditioners running continually.
Absorbs 750 gallons of stormwater, preventing erosion and protecting water quality.
Filters 60 pounds of pollutants from the air.

Viewer Tip: This is a great time of year to celebrate trees!

Plant a tree at home. Find tips for choosing and siting trees at www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace/index.cfm.
Volunteer to plant trees in your community. Visit www.arborday.org/programs/volunteers/States.cfm to find a list of tree-planting organizations in your area.
Learn to identify trees in your neighborhood. Use the free online edition of “What Tree is That?” at www.arborday.org/trees/whatTree/to hone your identification skills.

Benefits of trees image:

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Season: Spring

(Source: Arbor Day Foundation. “Benefits of Trees.” http://www.arborday.org/trees/benefits.cfm; PATrees.org, “Trees and Forests Reduce the Impacts of Stormwater,” http://www.patrees.org/trees-reduce-stormwater)

Drains to the Bay

espinoza — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:13:48 +0000

Trash and chemicals that end up in the street drain directly into our waterways. For example, old motor oil that is poured down a storm drain on the side of the street will wind up in Tampa Bay. Fertilizer and pet waste that do not get absorbed by lawns also flow into the streets, down storm drains and into waterways. Many daily activities involving storm water runoff have a direct impact on the quality of the water. Although it may be tempting to assume that water flowing into roadside drains will get treated, this is not the case.

Viewer Tip: Try not to use harmful chemicals in your yard or driveway and don’t dispose of household chemicals directly into drains. You can also volunteer to mark storm drains in Tampa with the message “No Dumping! Drains to Our Bay!” Help educate the public about the harmful effects of stormwater runoff pollution and what we can all do to prevent it.

This information is provided by Tampa Bay Estuary Program, part of Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.tbep.org.

The Birds and Bees…and Fish and Water!

espinoza — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:49:16 +0000

Spring is the best time of year for planting trees, shrubs or other garden plants. Native trees and shrubs are an important part of a healthy Pacific Northwest. In the Pacific Northwest we still have lots of evergreen forests. But in our cities and suburbs, birds, animals and fish can benefit from having more native trees and shrubs planted and cared for. Tree roots and ground cover help to keep water on the land and prevent polluted runoff from entering our waterways. Trees and shrubs also provide shade along creeks and rivers to keep water temperatures comfortable for fish. Insects that fall from branches and leaves that overhang the water’s edge provide valuable food for growing fish.

Viewer Tip: Learn how to plant the right tree or shrub in the right place at the right time by talking to local nurseries and County Master Gardeners about choices for native vegetation. Don’t have a yard? Consider volunteering for local restoration projects led by groups such as People For Puget Sound and EarthCorps. For more information on Puget Sound native plants, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/pugetsound/species/native.html.

This information is brought to you by People For Puget Sound part of Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.PugetSound.org.

The Skinny on Stormwater

espinoza — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:07:43 +0000

Did you know that a typical city block generates more than five times as much rainwater or snowmelt runoff as a forested area of the same size? This is because rooftops and pavement do not allow water to soak into the ground like forests, wetlands and grasslands do. Instead, rainwater and snowmelt runs off pavement into the nearest storm drain where it is transported to local streams and rivers. On its way to the storm drain, water picks up pollutants like oil, antifreeze, pet waste, road salts and yard care chemicals. In most places, storm water does not get treated, so all of those pollutants end up in local waters.

Viewer Tip: It is easy to prevent storm water pollution at home.

Have your vehicle checked for leaks and repair them promptly. If you change your own oil or antifreeze, recycle these materials at a local service station. Never dump them outside or in a storm drain.
Pick up after pets on walks and in your yard. Throw waste away in a trash can.
Check the local forecast – always wait for dry weather before applying yard care chemicals like fertilizer or pesticide.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff.” Available from http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatermonth.cfm)

San Juan Bay

espinoza — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:51:28 +0000

San Juan Bay provides a number of resources to Puerto Ricans, including commercial ports, beaches, recreation areas and historic areas. The Bay, which is partially enclosed by surrounding marshes, mangroves and land, has a limited ability to flush water out, making it particularly susceptible to accumulation of pollutants.

Viewer Tip: With so many water resources tied to San Juan Bay — the Martín Peña, Suárez, and San Antonio channels, the Condado, Los Corozos, San Jose, Torrecilla, and Piñnes lagoons, and the Puerto Nuevo River – it’s important to remember that what affects water quality upstream may also impact water quality miles away. One of the easiest ways to protect local water quality is to recycle or properly dispose of household wastes that contain chemicals, such as paints, pesticides, solvents, car fluids and other products. When these products are dumped in the trash, outdoors or in a storm drain, they can be carried directly to local streams and rivers when it rains. Proper disposal ensures that they stay out of our waters.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: U.S. EPA National Estuary Program. June 2007. “National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html;U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. “After the Storm.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html.)