Bay Friendly Yard Certification Program

Habitat restoration means different things in different places. There is no tract of land too small to make a difference, and it can have either a natural or more manicured look. Examples of habitat restoration include: Identification and removal of invasive species, planting of native plant species, creating a water feature, and removing or reducing lawn area.

Stormwater runoff, and the damaging nutrients and chemicals that it contains, continue to degrade the Great South Bay. A Bay Friendly Yard is one that endeavors to maintain stormwater onsite. Techniques include the use of rain barrels, rain gardens, the use permeable pavers and pavement, and planting native plants that require little to no additional irrigation.

We prefer the term stewardship to yard maintenance. An obvious step one can take is to eliminate the wasteful and damaging practice of the application of pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, try mulching your leaves in the fall and allowing them to fertilize your yard over the winter. Mow less often and use a mulching blade where you can—every two weeks is fine, and your lawn won’t grow out of control. Continuous monitoring and removal of invasive plants also constitutes good stewardship.