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| Purple Coneflower |
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Don’t clog your creek. Don't place yard trimmings or debris into the creek.
Keep creek corridors free of trash, debris, pet waste, and excessive, impeding
vegetation.
However, don’t “clean” the stream. Natural vegetation provides
food and shelter for fish and aquatic organisms. Consider impacts on wildlife habitat, and possible erosion, before clearing
or pruning along your creek.
Plant or maintain native vegetation along the creek bank. Planting may be needed
if the bank is bare or shade-less. Bare banks invite invasive “weed” species, increase water temperature, and
decrease oxygen for aquatic life.
Avoid using pesticides, herbicides or
chemical fertilizers near a creek.
Plants provide food and habitat for wildlife and shade to keep the water cool -
an essential for creek life. They also prevent erosion during the rainy season.
Native plants are good choices for many reasons. They generally have deep roots
that minimize erosion, and provide the varied habitat needed by local birds, and other species. Once established, they require
little watering or pollution-causing chemicals.
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| Bloodroot |
WAYS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY...
Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizer.
Wash vehicles at a car wash. Repair and clean oil or other leaks promptly.
Plan remodeling projects for summer, when there is little rain.
Cover piles of material and do not let dirt, paint, concrete, or other construction
materials wash to the creek.
Report illegal dumping to the City.
Keep rainwater on your land. Direct water
from downspouts and sump pumps to a garden bed or the lawn. Redoing a driveway? Consider using alternatives to asphalt and
concrete, such as porous concrete or tile-like paving blocks.
Don’t pour ANYTHING into a storm drain or sewers - especially things like motor oil, anti-freeze, and old paint.
| Virginia Bluebells |
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Click here for a Native Plant List
Did you know........
building a rain garden in your yard is probably the easiest and most cost efficient
thing you can do to reduce your contribution to stormwater pollution?
http://www.raingardennetwork.com/
Consider using rain barrels!
Did you know....
A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer month?
Diverting water from storm drains also decreases the impact of runoff to
Mc Donald Creek!
Click here to find out more about rain barrels
MWRD's Rain Barrel Program is available once again! For a discounted $40.00 a barrel, each
household can receive up to two rain barrels. Click below for more information and to pick up your rain barrel today!
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