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Plant a Native tree on your property

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.

To learn more about the native trees and plants suitable for your property, check out the Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping guide, the Marylanders Plant Trees guide, or the Wildflower Center guide. Use this $25 coupon toward a native tree.

For discounted native plants, check out an Audubon Society of Central Maryland Native Plant Sale or a Maryland Native Plant Society Native Plant Sale.

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.

Install a rain garden on your property

Rain gardens are plots of land containing amended soil and native plants that collect water flowing from impervious surfaces and allow it to slowly percolate into the ground. Rain gardens help to filter out pollutants, regenerate ground water, and lessen the load of pollutant-filled water on streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay. Learn more from our Tips for Green Leaders Rain Gardens Fact Sheet. For more information on rain gardens, check out the Rain Gardens Across Maryland guide, Ecoscaping guide, RainScaping.org, Low Impact Development Center guide, or this rain garden video.

Install a green roof

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.

Replace impermeable surfaces with permeable pavement

In the U.S. alone, an estimated quarter of a million acres are covered by impervious surfaces such as roads and sidewalks. Impervious surfaces contribute to stormwater run-off, which pollutes local waterways and prevents the regeneration of ground water. Permeable alternatives to traditional pavement include porous concrete, porous asphalt, plastic grid systems, reinforced turf, and block pavers. Learn more about permeable pavement options.

Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat or Backyard Buffer on your property

The National Wildlife Federation’s program for creating wildlife habitats in residential backyards, schools, campuses, commercial properties, and communities has resulted in the creation of almost 140,000 Certified Wildlife Habitat sites in the country. The requirements for a Certified Wildlife Habitat are the provision of food, water, cover, and a place for wildlife to raise young. Learn more about the Certified Wildlife Habitat program.

Residents who have a stream, lake, pond, or other waterway on or adjacent to their property are eligible for participation in the Department of Natural Resource’s Backyard Buffers program. By signing up, you can receive 25 free native trees and shrubs. The removal of natural riparian buffers has been a large contributor to nutrient and sediment pollution in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Riparian buffers are ecosystems lining waterways that help to hold together soil and remove nutrients and other pollutants from stormwater. Learn more about the Backyard Buffers program.