Ecological Landscaping

When landscaping please consider switching…
. . . from lawns . . . Increased water, fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide use impacts local streams. (There are ways to minimize these uses and still have a lawn area.)	. . . to alternative landscaping Low maintenance, low water use plantings can be attractive and will result in less non-point-source pollution to our streams.
The Acton Water District recently organized a public presentation on Ecological Landscaping that included information on how to develop an environmentally sustainable yard. The Acton Water District, Acton Stream Teams and the Organization for the Assabet River were among the speakers. The Acton Stream Teams emphasized the connection between our yards and our local streams and ponds. (See 10 things you can do…) The Acton Water District has extensive resource material available for planning alternative landscaping, reducing your lawn area, planting grass with low water requirements, etc. Resource material is available at their office at 693 Massachusetts Ave. in Acton, MA. The Acton Water District website includes information on the following:
Water Wise Garden: Plant List of perennials, grasses, and trees & shrubs with low water needs Lawn Tips Outdoor Conservation: landscaping techniques that conserve water and protect the environment
The Organization for the Assabet River’s website (www.assabetriver.org) is also a great source for information about “stream-smart lawn care” and lots of other water related issues. Go to www.assabetriver.org/nutrient/lawn3.html to see the extensive list OAR has compiled of local garden centers and nurseries, ecological landscaping businesses, and relevant websites.