Bay Friendly Yards Blog
Bay Friendly Yards: The Three Essential Elements
Long Island invented the suburban lawn. Fields of green with ornamental bushes brought in from all over the world. All manner of care was required -- watering, fertilizing, pesticides -- so that these exotics and plants from other climates could survive here. But...
Bay Friendly Yard Tip #7: Addition by Subtraction
Invasive plants are taking over Long Island. Not only do they not support local wildlife, but they also “choke out” our necessary native flora. As invasive species are allowed to spread, our biodiversity takes a toll. Climbing plants such as wisteria and English ivy...
How to Build a Better Rain Garden
It is common knowledge that nitrogen is public enemy #1 when it comes to the Great South Bay. Stormwater runoff is a source of nitrogen pollution. As part of Save The Great South Bay's Bay Friendly Yards initiative, we welcome guest blogger Rachel Perez who reveals...
Bay Friendly Yard Tip #3
Bay Friendly Yard Tip #3 Tree Type Matters Choose trees that are hosts to the largest number of native species. Here's our fave 5! "Not all trees are created equal," says Frank Piccininni, Director of Habitat Restoration at Save The...
Bay Friendly Yard Tip #2
Bay Friendly Yard Tip #2 is to plant trees in clusters. The roots graft making them more storm-resistant. Trees are also stronger in groups. Cluster planting helps limit canopy size making them less vulnerable to winds. "Like people, trees need friends", says Frank...
Bay Friendly Yard Tip #1
Having a Bay Friendly Yard is one way you can help save the Great South Bay. Start by "leaving the leaves", says Frank Piccininni, Director of Habitat Restoration at Save The Great South Bay. Here are a few reasons to leave your rake in the shed: Leaves benefit...
Bay Friendly Yards: Creating Wildlife Habitat
The typical suburban yard lacks the basic necessities of wildlife habitat, devoid of birds, butterflies and other delightful creatures. These creatures are not only an essential part of local ecosystems but also provide an amazing nature show! What does a butterfly...
Water Warriors {Yep, That’s Us}
Written by Tom Schlichter and as seen in Newsday, 04/29/21 Long Island outdoors lovers are often looking for environmental organizations to volunteer with come spring. Especially attractive are grassroots societies that endeavor to promote, protect and improve our...
Sustainable Development In Our Neighborhoods
The word is out. What so many of us love most about Long Island, from its recreational opportunities such as biking, fishing, kayaking and more, to its easy access to shopping and services, continues to attract people to the Island, making development unavoidable. No...
Help Save The Bay on GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday is a very simple idea - a day that encourages people to pause for a moment, reflect on what's important to them & simply do good. It is now a global movement and your chance to help the Great South Bay. Save The Great South Bay is a 501(c)3...
One Creek, One Tree at a Time
We all want to make a difference. It feels good when you do! We saved trees recently. Those trees are helping us save the Great South Bay. As Sayville Creek Defender, I helped lead Save the Great South's first wide-scale invasive removal. It was a pilot. Thanks to the...
Lindy Becomes LI’s First Bay Friendly Certified Library
Save The Great South Bay is thrilled to welcome Lindenhurst Memorial Library to our community of Bay Friendly Yards. Lindy Library has a long history of being green and jumped right on board. With their no-fertilizer, no-pesticide clover lawn, composting bin and...
Bay Friendly Yards: Rewilding LI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6K6g4kb56Q Fantastic discussion last night on incorporating sustainable landscaping to not only protect our waterways, but also to promote biodiversity and healthy regional ecosystems. From the purpose of native planting to the...
Creating a Rain Garden
Beyond providing nutrition and beautifying spaces, gardens can serve many purposes, such as supporting natural processes and pollinators. Rain gardens are a type of specialty garden that help protect our waterways by managing stormwater runoff. Below are some tips ...
Top 3 Elements of a Bay Friendly Yard
Long Island invented the suburban lawn. Fields of green with ornamental bushes brought in from all over the world requiring all manner of care -- watering, fertilizing, pesticides -- so that exotics and plants from other climates could survive here. But this search...