Sometimes, it's not that we don't care, but that we are not educated and by caring for our homes and yards, without realizing it, we are polluting our watersheds.  It is our responsibility to continue to protect the waters we love so much!

Car Washing
Wash your car on your lawn using a no-phosphorous soap.  This keeps soapy water out of the storm drain, and can double as a drink for your lawn!  If that's not an option, take it to a commercial car wash where water is treated before it re-enters local waterways.

Chemicals
When working with chemicals, be sure to clean up spills and dispose of used oil, paint or other chemicals at your local household hazardous waste collection sites.  Try using natural options for any pesticide or herbicide needs.  Effective January 1, 2004 fertilizers containing phosphorus cannot be used on lawns in the Twin Cities metro area, which includes Hennepin County.

Create a Rainwater Garden
A rainwater garden is a depression in the soil filled with water-loving plants.  The depression is designed to collect water.  Check with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District for ideas and models.

Garden
Try planting native plants; these often require less water, fertilizer and pesticides.  Plant flowers that attract butterflies or hummingbirds or plants that will provide habitat for birds or wildlife.  A great resource for ideas is the Minnesota DNR at www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens.

Lawn Clippings & Leaves
You can always leave your clippings on your yard, but leaves and lawn clippings left on the sidewalk or driveway are easily swept away by water and provide excess nutrients to the nearest lake, stream or river.  Try using them for compost; check out our web page on composting.

Pet Waste
Always carry a bag and use it.  At home you can flush the waste, or double bag it and put it in the trash.

Re-Direct Downspouts
Make sure downspouts from your roof are not only directed away from your foundation, but onto your lawn and not your driveway or sidewalk.  You can collect the water from your downspouts in rain barrels to be reused around your yard.

Soil Testing
Have your soil tested; you may need less fertilizer than you think!  Less fertilizer means less run-off.  A great resource is University Yard & Garden Line at (612) 624-4771.

Sand & Salt
After the snow piles have melted, sweep up extra sand and salt.  Excess sand can fill in lakes and streams, cover up habitat for aquatic life and carry pollution.  Salt is a major contributor of chlorides to our waterways.