Protecting the Bay
starts in your own backyard

Protecting the Chesapeake Bay starts in the backyard of homeowners throughout the region. This key message is being communicated through a new educational campaign unveiled in April that encourages homeowners to do their part in protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Titled “Healthy Lawns, Clean Water,” the campaign will include advertisements in major media outlets in the Bay area as well as public service announcements, public speaking opportunities and other homeowner outreach.

The effort, which is supported by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Mid-Atlantic Land Grant Universities Water Quality Consortium and the Chesapeake Bay Program Office, promotes seven simple lawn care techniques that can help protect the Bay and improve the environment.

Other actions that you can
take to save the Environment

The Water Use it Wisely Campaign

Clean Air Partners

Go Recycle

Energy Conservation

Communter Connections

Print Ad for the Healthy Lawns,
Clean Waters Campaign


Click here for a larger version

7 Tips on
Lawn Care Stewardship

1. If you apply fertilizer in the spring, do so after your grass is actively growing.
2. Apply fertilizer at the spreader setting shown on the bag
3. Sweep fertilizer off hard surfaces to prevent it from entering storm sewers.
4. Keep grass clippings, tree leaves and pet waste off hard surfaces to prevent them from entering the storm sewer
5. Mow at the highest setting of your lawn mower.
6. Leave grass clippings on your lawn to improve its health and quality.
7. Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn, for quickly improved vigor and a healthier, greener lawn next spring.

Additional Resources

The University of Maryland Home and Garden Center

The Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners

The Chesapeake Bay Program

Home Practices to Promote Water Quality

Scotts Fertilizer