Step 1 - Know the Destination of Rainfall that Lands in Your Yard

The water in Gills Creek comes from a number of sources, including runoff from properties, roads, and smaller streams.. 

So it is important to know, where is the water in your yard going?

• Does it absorb into your soil, or does it run off into neighboring yards where it can be absorbed into the soil?

• Does it flow towards a nearby body of water where it will have a direct effect on its quality? 

• Does it flow into a nearby storm drain where it will be channeled to a local body of water without any decontaminating treatment? 

Step 2 - Improve or Sustain Quality of Water Running Over and Through Your Yard

As water runs off your yard, it eventually finds its way down to a creek, lake, or river, and it can carry with it debris and pollutants it picks up along the way. 

How can you reduce the contaminants leaving your yard?

• Reduce contaminants applied to your yard (herbicides, pesticides, excess fertilizers, dog waste, and so on).

• Slow down runoff from your yard, giving it a chance to absorb into the soil (minimizing hard surfaces for example).

• Remove trash and litter as they appear.

• Put in specific structures to retain and use rainwater, such as rain barrels or rain gardens.

Step 3 - Enrich the Ecosystem

Native plants play a role in providing food and habitat for local birds and other animals. They also improve soil health, helping to break down contaminants in runoff before they can reach our waterways!

When it comes to protecting our watershed, supporting biodiversity is important.

• Do you support native plants within your yard and garden?

• Do you have a water source for native animals such as a bird bath?

• Do you retain some plant biomass (such as leaves) to serve as natural mulch?

• Do you share information with your family and community on how they can protect their local watershed and environment?

READY TO APPLY? CLICK BELOW!

Watershed Champion Certification Application