To see how you can help protect your own water, woods and wildlife while maintaining the beauty of your land follow the graphics below.

Cleared, manicured lot - lacks shade and privacy; loss of native plants leads to more erosion, runoff...and work for you! Runoff - flows over solid surfaces accelerating erosion; pollutants and excess silt degrade habitat for aquatic life. hemical fertilizers and pesticides - degrade water quality, are hazardous to your health, can be deadly for fish and other wildlife. Lawn to the water's edge - lacks deep roots required to stabilize bank. Hardened shoreline - can deflect erosion downstream, eliminates "natural filtering" of pollutants and sediment, degrades habitat. Artificial beach - requires ongoing sand replacement, reduces water quality, degrades aquatic habitat. Old 2-stroke engine - dumps 25-40% of fuel, un-combusted into water and air. Solid crib dock - destroys aquatic habitat, alters currents, can deflect erosion downstream. Malfunctioning septic system - allows phosphorous and bacteria to leach into adjacent waterways. Harmful household chemicals and cleaners - damage septic system and degrade water quality.

Prune trees rather than removing them; plant low maintenance native trees and shrubs to reduce erosion and absorb runoff. Replace solid surfaces with porous materials where possible; redirect runoff into settling areas, away from the water's edge. "Mow it high and let it lie" - leave grass 8 cm (3") high to retain moisture, mulch clippings for fertilizer. Start a buffer - leave some grass uncut along the water's edge; restore with deep rooting native plants. "Soften" your shoreline - improve erosion protection with native trees, shrubs, grasses and aquatic plants. Create a "dry land" beach above the high water mark; let imported sand erode away naturally and native plants grow back. Use a well maintained electric motor, or a 4 or 2-stroke engine that meets or exceeds EPA 2007 guidelines. Remove solid dock - try a pipe, cantilever or floating dock, avoid treated wood; use public access where possible. Replace and properly maintain your septic system - consult an expert. Use environment - friendly products, or alternatives like baking soda and vinegar.

Images and text provided by The Living by Water Project.