Rain barrels and cisterns trap water from your downspouts and store it for future uses like watering your garden. They can help to reduce the amount of stormwater entering storm drains headed for the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more from our Tips for Green Leaders Rain Barrel Fact Sheet. Check out this guide on rainwater harvesting or this video about rain barrels.
Replace 30 square feet or more of turf grass or other surface with conservation landscaping using native plants
Traditional grass lawns compete for space with native habitat, reduce rainwater absorption, contribute grass trimmings to landfills, and often require harmful chemicals, gas or electricity-consuming machines, and money to maintain. Over 50 million acres of land in the U.S. are covered by turf grass, and 30% of the water consumed on the east coast is used for watering lawns! Learn more about the environmental impacts of traditional lawns.
A section of your grass lawn can be converted to a lawn alternative, such as nitrogen-fixing plants, native plants, a food forest, moss, ground cover, clover, flower and shrub beds, or rain gardens. You can even attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds by planting native wildflowers. Learn more from our Tips for Green Leaders Lawn Maintenance Fact Sheet.
Neighborhood Green is a Frederick County program that provides local homeowners with educational tools, such as workshops and expert advice, to help them convert their lawns into native plant and wildlife havens. For more information, contact the Community Restoration Coordinator at 301.600.1741. Check out our Tips for Green Leaders Neighborhood Green Fact Sheet.
Every tree that you plant removes about 48 pounds of carbon from the atmosphere each year upon reaching maturity, in addition to providing shade, habitat for wildlife, soil stabilization, and water filtration. Native trees and plants require less water and maintenance because they are adapted to the region’s climate, and they provide better food and habitat for native wildlife. Learn more from our Tips for Green Leaders Native Plants Fact Sheet.
Neighborhood Green is a Frederick County program that provides local homeowners with educational tools, such as workshops and expert advice, to help them convert their lawns into native plant and wildlife havens. For more information, contact the Community Restoration Coordinator at 301.600.1741. Check out our Tips for Green Leaders Neighborhood Green Fact Sheet.
Redirect your rooftop runoff with a downspout disconnect to a splash block
“Rooftop Disconnection” simply means redirecting the water that flows from your roof’s gutters to your lawn or other pervious surface. This will allow the stormwater to soak into the ground rather than being carried directly to surface waters.
When stormwater flows directly from your roof to impervious surfaces such as your driveway, sidewalk, or street, it enters stormwater drains and eventually streams and rivers. During large storm events, the influx of polluted water from impervious surfaces to natural waterways can harm aquatic ecosystems.
A green roof consists of a layer of soil and plants on a roof that filter and absorb rain water, rather than allowing it to run off of an impervious surface and contribute to storm water run-off. In addition to reducing impervious surface, green roofs also act as insulation for the home, keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Buildings must fit certain requirements to be appropriate for a green roof. Learn more about green roofs.
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