Be a Watershed Steward: In the city
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Web Editor
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last modified
Jan 05, 2026 01:21 PM
Be a Watershed Steward: In the City
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, student or public official, there are many ways you can help take care of the natural resources in your urban watershed:
- Plant trees wisely. Well-located trees can cool streets and buildings in the summer and still allow winter sun to warm them.
- Protect water quality. Don’t dump anything into storm drains. Pick up after your pets!
- In your yard, use fertilizers or pesticides sparingly. Use compost and natural bug repellants whenever possible. And use all products only according to the directions on the label.
- Design landscaping to gather runoff for use by plants instead of sending it down the drain.
- Encourage local officials to install “green infrastructure” to conserve and protect your water supplies.
- Support projects that preserve or improve open space, especially the buffer zones along waterways and between developed areas and wildlands.
Buy “green” to conserve water and protect water quality:
- Choose locally-produced food and products.
- Use non-toxic alternatives to chemical cleansers.
- Install low-flow showerheads and toilets.
- Choose high-efficiency models when replacing old appliances.
