It's Water-Wise Wednesdays with Frannie the Fish! {Video Learning Series: Groundwater Guardian Program}

Happy New Year, friends!

2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year full of new adventures and learning opportunities. Many of you already know are a lot of great resources and educational activities on the Groundwater Foundation's website, but did you know that there are several informational YouTube videos, too? In this series, Frannie will take a look at video learning opportunities offered and how you can use them!

Groundwater Guardian is growing in 2020, so Frannie's excited to kick off this series with a look at the new and improved program.

The Groundwater Guardian program offers support and recognition to motivated groups throughout the U.S. who conduct education, conservation, and protection efforts to protect local groundwater. Founded in 1994, Groundwater Guardian Teams applied each year by submitting a list of proposed activities to bring awareness to local groundwater concerns and reported on progress at the end of each program year.

Logo from 2017

In 2008, a grant from the Kellogg Foundation provided an opportunity to expand to include areas of managed land through a related, but separate, program called Groundwater Guardian Green Site. Land managers or caretakers applied for this program by answering questions about, and earning points for, groundwater friendly management practices. If their application received a 70% or above, they were awarded a Green Site designation.

Logo from 2017

In 2018, the Groundwater Foundation merged with the National Ground Water Association's Foundation for Education. The Foundation for Education's audience primarily included businesses and industry professionals and the Groundwater Foundation saw an opportunity to recognize them for innovative solutions and practices that protect and conserve groundwater. With a lot of brainstorming and collaboration, the Groundwater Foundation decided to bring together teams, managed lands, and businesses, making them all Groundwater Guardians.

On October 9, 2019, Frannie's friend and Groundwater Foundation Program Manager Sara Brock presented the first look of these programs at the Nebraska Water Conference in Norfolk, NE.

2020 is the inaugural year of the Groundwater Guardian for Teams, Groundwater Guardian for Turf, and Groundwater Guardian for Business programs. New logos are on the way. New activities are being developed. New communities are getting involved. It's even easier for you to become involved!

Find out more information on the Groundwater Guardian website or email guardian@groundwater.org.

BLOG: Our First Groundwater Week!

For the 22nd time, the National Ground Water Association’s Groundwater Week will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Scheduled for December 3-6, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Groundwater Week is the groundwater industry’s biggest show, featuring educational opportunities, a packed exhibit hall with the latest from the industry’s manufacturers and suppliers, and opportunities to meet and network with groundwater professionals from around the world.

The Groundwater Foundation merged with NGWA's Foundation over the summer, and we are really looking forward to participating in our first Groundwater Week - which is rapidly approaching.

Some highlights from Groundwater Week 2018 include:

• Early/New Career Meet Up 
• First Timer/New Member Orientation
• Master Groundwater Contractors Luncheon 
• NGWA Welcome Party 
• Keynote Presentation by actor, author, motivational speaker and retired U.S. Army soldier J.R. Martinez 
• Awards of Excellence 
• Exhibit Hall 
• 2018 NGWA Darcy Lecture Farewell Presentation 
• 2018 William A. McEllhiney Distinguished Lecture Series in Water Well Technology 
• Coffee with NGWA Directors and CEO 
• New Products Showcase 
• NGWA Bookstore 
• The Great Groundwater Foundation Scavenger Hunt 

Groundwater Week also offers a full slate of educational offerings. Workshops, panels and more will offer professional development opportunities about business management, drilling operations and well construction, safety and compliance, groundwater monitoring, sustainable and available groundwater, water quality, water systems, and well maintenance and rehabilitation. The Groundwater Foundation will be offering a workshop on Tuesday, December 4 about getting involved with its various programs and outreach efforts, including Groundwater Guardian and Groundwater Guardian Green Sites.

A reception with a live and silent auction will be held on Wednesday, December 5 to benefit the Groundwater Foundation’s programs. If you’re interested in donating to the auction or to see current auction items (there's some cool stuff available), go to www.groundwaterweek.com/foundation-auction. If you’d like to donate an auction item, such as autographed memorabilia, gift baskets, professional services, unique experiences, etc., please contact Groundwater Foundation Executive Director Jane Griffin at jgriffin@groundwater.org. To find out more about Groundwater Week, see a full schedule and description of events, or to register, visit www.groundwaterweek.com.

We're excited to be in Vegas this year to meet and network with fellow groundwater protectors. Won't you join us?

BLOG: 5 Ways Green Sites Protect Groundwater

By Jennifer Wemhoff, The Groundwater Foundation

Groundwater Guardian Green Sites is a program of the Groundwater Foundation that recognizes the groundwater stewardship of green spaces. Green Sites like golf courses, parks, educational and office campuses, nature centers, and more implement groundwater-friendly practices as part of their regular site maintenance. To participate, site managers fill out an application that documents their site’s practices related to water use, chemical use, potential contaminant management, and more, earning points for each practice. Here are 5 ways the protect groundwater:

1. Green Sites manage their site with groundwater in mind. The Green Site program prompts site managers to look internally at their practices and examine them through the lens of groundwater protection. The application makes them think and ask questions about how they operate, and look at ways they can improve their practices to protect groundwater and related natural resources. 

2. Green Sites look for ways to reduce their chemical use. Site managers earn points for finding ways to reduce their site’s chemical use – from implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to soil testing to determine nutrient needs. Green Sites have reduced fertilizer use by nearly 1 million pounds by analyzing the soil’s nutrient needs and using lower input plants, and reduced pesticide use by about 35% by using label recommended application rates and IPM.

3. Green Sites save water whenever they can. By utilizing precision watering and irrigation techniques, along with common sense practices, Green Sites use less water and still maintain healthy turf. In fact, participating Green Sites have saved nearly 500 million gallons of water by tracking their site’s water usage, modifying irrigation practices when necessary, and choosing plants and turf species that are adapted to the region’s climate. Some sites even use recycled wastewater for watering landscapes.

4. Green Sites are environmental stewards. Site managers that participate in the Green Site program actively look for ways to protect the environment beyond water resources. They implement recycling programs, install energy-efficient lighting, expand wildlife habitat, use native plants in landscaping, and more.

5. Green Sites educate site staff and the community. As an organization that focuses on education, it was imperative to the Groundwater Foundation to build continuing education into the Green Site program. Site managers document their internal education efforts for site staff, as well as public outreach efforts such as tours, work with students, and community events.

To find out more about the Green Site program and how you can get involved, visit www.groundwater.org/greensites, email guardian@groundwater.org, or call 402-434-2740.

BLOG: Laytonsville Golf Course, Gaithersburg, Maryland

This summer, the Groundwater Blog will be profiling participants of the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program. The program recognizes green spaces (golf courses, parks, nature areas, educational and office campuses, etc.) for using groundwater-friendly practices to maintain the site. Find out more.

Site: Laytonsville Golf Course, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Site Manager: Galen Evans, Golf Course Superintendent

Tell us a little about your site and its history. 
Located in almost the center of Montgomery County, a suburb of Washington DC, our golf course was built in 1971 and is an original course to the Montgomery County Revenue Authority. We have always been a public golf course and we are usually busy, as we typically have between 40,000 and 45,000 rounds played each year.

What’s the most unique feature of your site? 
The most unique feature on our property has to be that the spring near our 8th hole is listed as the original headwaters of Rock Creek. Rock Creek leaves our property and meanders all the way through Washington DC where it empties into the Potomac River and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay.

What groundwater-friendly practices are you most proud of? 
I'm most proud of the amount of native areas and stream buffers we've implemented around the course over the past several years. Native areas, or low-maintenance areas, are left to grow naturally and receive virtually no inputs other than being mowed down once a year. These areas of dense turf with deep, fibrous roots, help to filter sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants out of the runoff before it enters streams and leaves our property. These areas also help to filter runoff as it permeates the soil and moves down to our groundwater.

What would you tell another site manager about being a Green Site? 
I would tell anyone in charge of maintaining a property to consider becoming a Green Site. This program really helped me to validate that the practices we employ at our course are benefiting the local environment, especially our groundwater. During the application process, I was also given a better understanding of other ways wee can improve our environmental impact and groundwater protection.

What’s the best part about your job? 
The best part of my job is that I get to be outside every day. It feels great to be able to balance providing quality course conditions to our golfers and also protecting our natural resources and the environment.

________

Galen Evans has been the Course Superintendent at Laytonsville Golf Course for six years. Find out more about Laytonsville Golf Course at www.mcggolf.com/Courses/Laytonsville.aspx or gevans@mcggolf.com.

BLOG: Lords Valley Country Club, Lords Valley, Pennsylvania

This summer, the Groundwater Blog will be profiling participants of the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program. The program recognizes green spaces (golf courses, parks, nature areas, educational and office campuses, etc.) for using groundwater-friendly practices to maintain the site. Find out more.

Site: Lords Valley Country Club, Lords Valley, Pennsylvania

Site Manager: Christopher Passenti, Golf Course Superintendent

Tell us a little about your site and its history. 

Lords Valley Country Club is an 18-hole private club in Lords Valley, Pennsylvania. The golf course was established as a private country club in the early 1970s, and has been Audubon certified since 1996.

What’s the most unique feature of your site? 

The golf course features a lake that surrounds several holes.

What groundwater-friendly practices are you most proud of?

Lords Valley has worked to protect water resources by reducing water and chemical usage throughout the course.

What would you tell another site manager about being a Green Site? 

Being a Green Site has helped Lords Valley focus its efforts on using less water and reducing the amount of chemicals on the golf course.

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part about my job is seeing the great results of the staff's hard work.

________


Christopher Pasenti has been the Course Superintendent at Lords Valley Country Club for 15 years, and a Golf Course Superintendent for 25. Find out more about LOrds Valley Country Club at www.lordsvalleycountryclub.com. 

BLOG: Beavercreek Golf Club, Beavercreek, Ohio

This summer, the Groundwater Blog will be profiling participants of the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program. The program recognizes green spaces (golf courses, parks, nature areas, educational and office campuses, etc.) for using groundwater-friendly practices to maintain the site. Find out more.

Site: City of Beavercreek, Beavercreek Golf Club

Site Manager: Zach Wike, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Tell us a little about your site and its history. 

Beavercreek Golf Club is owned and operated by the City of Beavercreek. It opened for play in 1996. Environmental stewardship is a top priority, and we have been a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2014. 

What’s the most unique feature of your site? 

The 180 acre golf course is set amongst rolling hills and is comprised of many different ecosystems. The golf course is responsible for handling a lot of storm water from surrounding properties during rain events. Through pond and stream bank naturalization, we are able to filter much of the water before it leaves the property and flows into nearby wetlands. 

What groundwater-friendly practices are you most proud of?

We have greatly reduced the fertilization totals on property over the last few years. Providing enough fertility for a healthy stand of turf is essential for creating a natural filter, however, we utilize soil and tissue testing to apply fertilizer precisely as its needed as to eliminate or reduce any runoff or leaching.  

What would you tell another site manager about being a Green Site? 

Being a Green Site is valuable as it ensures proper practices are in place to protect groundwater. Many of the practices that site managers have in place are already beneficial to groundwater. This program ensures that site managers take into account all practices that impact groundwater and make the necessary changes to protect against groundwater pollution. It is also a great certification to show off to all stakeholders.

What’s the best part about your job?

The best part about my job is being able to see the sunrise every morning. It is certainly a view that never gets old. That coupled with working with nature is a very rewarding experience.

________


Zach Wike has been the Assistant Course Superintendent at Beavercreek Golf Club for eight years. Find out more about Beavercreek Golf Club by visiting www.beavercreekgolfclub.com or wike@beavercreekohio.gov.  Follow him on Twitter at @zachwike.

BLOG: Lake Tahoe Golf Course, California

This summer, the Groundwater Blog will be profiling participants of the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program. The program recognizes green spaces (golf courses, parks, nature areas, educational and office campuses, etc.) for using groundwater-friendly practices to maintain the site. Find out more.

Site: Lake Tahoe Golf Course, South Lake Tahoe, California

Site Manager: Bobby Jaeger, Golf Course Superintendent

Tell us a little about your site and its history. 
Our golf course was built in 1959. The land the Golf Course is on was purchased by California State Parks in the 1980’s, from there California State Parks hired American Golf Corporation to manage the property and has since been a huge success, attracting golfers from all over the world.

What’s the most unique feature of your site? 
The Upper Truckee River runs through the Golf Course. It is the largest tributary into Lake Tahoe. It makes the course challenging to play, provides habitat for wildlife, and makes for a scenic golf outing.

What groundwater-friendly practices are you most proud of? 
Our very limited use of fertilizers. We never fertilize the rough or native areas. Our tees and fairways get half the text-book recommended amounts of NPK  per growing season, and our greens are primarily fed from liquid foliar applications. Thus greatly reducing any chance of run off or leaching into ground or surface waters.

What would you tell another site manager about being a Green Site? 
It helps educate people in your community about what you do at your property and lets them know about your efforts in environmental stewardship.

What’s the best part about your job? 
The best part of my job is not only working outside in Lake Tahoe and providing great golf conditions for locals and visitors from all over the world, but knowing that my environmental stewardship efforts help in ensuring Lake Tahoe is clear and blue for many generations to come.

________

Bobby Jaeger has been the Course Superintendent at Lake Tahoe Golf Course for five years. Find out more about Lake Tahoe Golf Course at www.laketahogc.com or super@laketahoegc.com. 

BLOG: BMPs - An Industry's Response

by William Bieck, Heritage Hills Golf Course

“When disagreement or conflict is imminent, it’s better to be proactive than reactive.” 

This is an often used statement that recognizes it is better to correct problems before they exacerbate into a more difficult dilemma. It is easy for Golf Course Superintendents in the turf industry to discuss, debate, and share stories of new regulatory policies and the difficulties and costs to achieve compliance. But, when we “speak to the choir” amongst ourselves, we are not communicating to those who really decide our fate. Superintendents and the golf industry do not legislate...the government does.

This fact alone should compel those dependent on the golf industry or other industry that is under heightened scrutiny to share their strategies and positive environmental stories to those outside their circle of influence. I have been a golf superintendent for over 42 years and consider myself a strong advocate for environmental stewardship. As an industry, I have seen the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA) support its members with unlimited access to educational resources pertaining to environmental protection, conservation, and research. The golf industry has responded very positively to water issues. Over the past several decades, turfgrasses have been developed that can tolerate drought or poor-quality water. Technology advancements in irrigation equipment have greatly improved irrigation efficiency and uniformity resulting in less water use. Still, even with all these efforts to protect and sustain our environment, the golf course industry is commonly perceived to be a significant source of pollution and bad for the environment. These comments are simply not true and this perception needs to change in order to improve golf’s image.

In response, the GCSAA is increasing their emphasis not only to educate its members to the importance of responsible and sustainable stewardship, but to also share golf’s positive environmental stories with everyone, including detractors. 

BMPs, Best Management Practices, are the adoption of science-based agronomic practices that support proactive environmental stewardship. BMPs are a tool that will demonstrate to legislators, regulators and consumers the environmental policies that will augment trust and credibility into our management programs. BMP programs help superintendents manage golf facilities in an efficient manner while providing quality playing surfaces and protecting the environment. They also enable the golf course facility to operate where regulatory pressures exist, and they offer the industry a significant platform for advocacy, education, recognition, and demonstration of professional land management.

GCSAA has also recently launched an aggressive initiative of offering a BMP Planning Guide and Template to its state chapters to help develop and customize fundamental BMPs according to each state’s needs and requirements. It is the goal of the GCSAA to establish BMPs in all 50 states by 2020, a lofty goal that illustrates a sincere commitment to environmental improvement.

Credit: GCSAA

BMPs will address the many facets of golf course management. They are the method or techniques found to be the most effective and practical means of achieving an objective, such as preventing water pollution or reducing pesticide usage. Topics will include wellhead protection, irrigation efficiency, wetland protection, nutrient management, pesticide management, and surface and groundwater monitoring, conservation and protection.

Credit: GCSAA

Why use BMPs as a format to persuade golf’s detractors, environmental activists, and policy makers?  BMPs are the shared language recognized by regulators, conservationists, engineers and others as a means to driving improvements. It is important to note that BMPs are recognized in federal and state TMDL (total maximum daily load) policy as a major component of water quality improvement plans.

Credit: GCSAA

By implementing these practices, each facility will demonstrate to state regulatory agencies that their management practices are science-based and environmentally sound. By allowing governmental regulatory and compliance agencies to be involved in drafting these BMPs the industry has encouraged an open dialogue leading to positive changes that can have a significant impact on TMDLs and other measurable components. The end result of a successful BMP will be a healthy golf facility and a management plan that supports environmental improvement.

BMPs are the response of the golf industry to achieve a greater legitimacy and credibility. Many facilities will implement BMP approaches not just in reaction to mandated regulations, but as a proactive environmental stewardship business policy, that is, the best operations strategy for sustainability of the environment and the golf business.

William K. Bieck, CGCS, is the Course Operations Manager for Heritage Hills Golf Course in McCook, Nebraska. Heritage Hills was one of the pilot sites participating in the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program, and has been designated every year since. Reach Bill at maint1@heritagehillsgolf.net.

BLOG: It's The Right Thing To Do

by Tammy Rogers, Sustainability Task Force Chair, Assurity

The Assurity Center in Lincoln, Nebraska displays its
Groundwater Guardian Green Site sign.

“It’s the right thing to do.” This is the long-time mantra of our president, Tom Henning, when it comes to business and sustainability. Following that mantra has led to a "green culture" at Assurity, not only in practicing green habits throughout our building, but also in the way we do business.

Assurity has been practicing sustainability in some form or another for almost 30 years. The building of our LEED Gold certified Assurity Center corporate office has given us many more opportunities to expand upon that culture. Additionally, becoming a certified B corporation in 2015 was another way to show our commitment to "doing good." 

We are firm in our belief that it is our responsibility to protect the environment and leave a small footprint.  One of the areas in which we have done that is groundwater conservation and protection.

Our efforts towards that end have earned us a Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation that we are proud to hold. There are many features of our corporate campus that qualified us for that honor:

Stormwater collection
During the building of the Assurity Center, an abandoned public storm water pipe was discovered running along the east and northern edges of the property.  This pipe was capped and is now an 180,000 gallon cistern that we use to reclaim and reuse storm water to irrigate our indigenous sustainable landscaping.

Our campus includes a rain garden, bioswales and pervious paving which reduce runoff and allow absorption of rainwater into the subsoil. 

The reuse of large quantities of storm water runoff reduces heat island effects as well as impacts to downstream receiving waters.

Stormwater management for the Assurity Center.

Landscape water use reduction
In addition to the reclaimed cistern, water for the campus landscape is pulled from wells in the area instead of using public water for irrigation.  Additionally, plants were selected that are native or specifically adaptive to Lincoln’s climatic conditions, reducing reliance on additional water use while creating habitat within the city.

Green (living) roofs
We have 3 green roofs totaling 8,000 square feet.  These roofs benefit stormwater quality and reduce the quantity of runoff.

Low-flow, water-conserving plumbing
We receive up to a 33% water use savings over the typical office building by using dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets and showers.

Energy recovery ventilators
In addition to reducing energy costs, these units also employ dehumidification as a part of the process, conserving water as well.

Education
Building a sustainable culture began with Assurity’s top company leaders and has continued to grow with educational lunch ‘n learns, displays and an internal ‘Greenspace’ website that communicates related community events, activities and volunteer opportunities.  Our education efforts are led by our Sustainability Task Force.

The desire to do good for the environment will continue to be at the forefront of Assurity's business. It’s the right thing to do.


____________________

Tammy Rogers is the Chair of the Sustainability Task Force and a Senior Business Analyst at Assurity Life Insurance Company in Lincoln, Nebraska. Reach her at trogers@assurity.com.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the view of The Groundwater Foundation, its board of directors, or individual members.

BLOG: Business Responsibility to Groundwater

by Jennifer Wemhoff, The Groundwater Foundation

Here at The Groundwater Foundation, we've been fortunate to work with a wide variety of businesses and corporations over the years. From big to small, these companies are working to protect and preserve groundwater in their own way - from construction and community development, to managing their sites in a groundwater-friendly way, to providing support for The Groundwater Foundation's mission.

One of the Foundation's central beliefs is that everyone benefits from clean, sustainable groundwater. Because of this, we believe everyone has a place at the table in protecting it - every person, every business, every industry; good actor, bad actor. It's up to all of us!

The next few blog posts will highlight businesses that take their responsibility to groundwater seriously, and it's evident in how they conduct their business every day.

What businesses do you know of that are good stewards of groundwater? They could be a good fit for our Groundwater Guardian Green Site program. What are they doing to protect and conserve groundwater?

BLOG: From Festivals to Pharmaceuticals...

by Cathy Lotzer, Marshfield Utilities, Marshfield, Wisconsin

Groundwater Guardians for the Marshfield Area earned their first designation as a Groundwater Guardian Community in 1997.  Fast forward 20 years later and volunteers are still active in their community.

Why did we get involved?

Getting involved with The Groundwater Foundation (and Groundwater Guardian program) has proved to be very successful for our group.  For a very small annual fee to participate, a wealth of information and resources were made available to us.  In addition, we were able to make contact with other communities facing similar groundwater issues.  Rather than reinvent the wheel in our community, we learned what others were doing and mirrored their efforts.  Now, 20 years later, we are paying it forward, sharing our successes with others who are looking to get started in their communities.

The group first became active in our area because Marshfield’s water supply was very vulnerable, sitting on a sole source aquifer with shallow wells (50-90 feet deep).  With no viable options for new supply, protection of the current groundwater source was critical.

What have we done? 

In the early years, our team hosted many Water Festivals at area elementary schools.  Age specific activities were led to teach the concepts of groundwater protection, conservation, and overall water education aimed at teaching students about the value of our precious resource.

In 2001, one of our Water Festivals was filmed for a television production called
 Into The Outdoors which aired on statewide TV.

Our group also led the constructed of two Rain Gardens in our community.

In 2006 we began our most successful project, our Rx Round-Up Pharmaceutical Take Back Program.  Marshfield was the first in the state of Wisconsin to collect pharmaceutical products (both controlled and non-controlled substances). For two years our group held multiple one-day collections, until we were able to open a permanent collection site at our local Police Department in February of 2008.  Since 2006 we have collected nearly 10,000 pounds of meds for proper destruction.  

Our group also worked with our local utility to become the first Groundwater Guardian Green Site in Wisconsin.  Marshfield Utilities has continued to earn this award each year since 2008.

Our group has also hosted several community day-long learning events for area youth and adults. Interactive workshops were held that targeted water education.

In 2014, our group hosted our first Girl Scout Let's Keep It Clean event.  Over 90 Girl Scouts attended, all earning their first patch “Ask Me About Groundwater”.

This past summer, we held a second Girl Scout event, with over 50 girls earning their first patch.

Why do we stay involved?

Our water supply hasn’t changed, neither has the need to protect it and sustain it for future generations.  The Groundwater Guardian program is the perfect fit for us!

_______________

Cathy Lotzer is the Technical Services Manager for Marshfield Utilities in Marshfield, Wisconsin, and has been the chair of the Marshfield Area Groundwater Guardian team since it was formed in 1997. She also serves as Chair of The Groundwater Foundation's board of directors. She can be reached at cathy.lotzer@marshfieldutilities.org.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the view of The Groundwater Foundation, its board of directors, or individual members.

Thinking Globally and Acting Locally

by Anthony Lowndes, The Groundwater Foundation
 

The City of York, Nebraska recently earned Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation for the York City Parks and ballfields. The program recognizes managers of green spaces, such as college campuses, golf courses and parks, for their environmental stewardship. But York used the program as more than just recognition. Managers of the City’s green spaces took the application process as an opportunity to evaluate their maintenance practices and realized more could be done to further conserve and protect water resources for their community. The Green Site designation is a part of ensuring the City is dedicated to protecting the community’s water resource as the  Wellhead Protection planning process continues. 

 

The steps Green Sites take to protect and conserve groundwater are crucial to the future use of the resource. There is no substitute for dedication, which is why we are pleased to acknowledge the efforts of         all Groundwater Guardian Green Sites. You don’t have to be a green space manager to follow the basics of groundwater protection and conservation! Try implementing these practices at home:

1.      Water in the early part of the day to reduce evaporation.

2.      Follow the label recommendations for fertilizer and pesticide applications and be sure to clean excess off sidewalks and driveways so it does not get washed into surface waters.

3.      Choose native or drought tolerant plants when replacing landscaping.

4.      Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty and control weed the old fashioned way by pulling them. I always find it to be more satisfying too.

5.      Check out The Groundwater Foundation website for more tips and tools to conserve and protect water resources.