For many, a clear and clean body of water is an invitation to relax and enjoy its beauty and the aquatic and land wildlife it supports. Pollution is the number one threat to this pleasurable experience. Pollutants like fertilizers and pesticides easily run off lawns and drain into wetlands and other bodies of water, including drinking water reservoirs. These pollutants can create algae blooms which negatively impact water quality for all living things. While it may be tempting to mow up to the water’s edge, this approach precludes the growth of beneficial vegetation which helps filter pollutants, makes for a less visually interesting shoreline, and contributes to the destabilization of the bank of the stream or shoreline. This section provides ideas for aesthetically pleasing practices.
Title: Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation Committee
Sponsoring organization: Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District
Description: The Soil and Water Conservation District works to protect Westchester County’s natural resources. This resource on their website describes completed restoration projects with before and after photos.
Title: Life at the Water’s Edge. Living in Harmony with your Backyard Stream
Sponsoring organization: Lower Hudson Coalition of Conservation Districts
Description: The purpose of this short colorful brochure is to provide the homeowner with inexpensive and simple techniques to become a good steward of the stream on their property and the intrinsic benefits that occur. This resource also includes important information about no mow zones.
Title: Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts
Sponsoring organization: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
Description: Website with lots of information on coastal landscaping, natural beauty enhancements, plant material and plant material sources.
Title: A Home-Owner’s Guide to Lake Friendly Living: 15 simple strategies for sustainable lakeshores & landscapes to protect Seneca Lake
Sponsoring organization: Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association
Description: 24 pages with photos. Clear easy-to-follow overview of methods to protect water quality and lakeshore property values. Concepts can also apply to properties abutting any watercourse.