Plant at least three pollinator-friendly habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects and wildlife. Native trees, plants, and shrubs can improve drainage and control erosion. *

CHOOSE NATIVE PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS

Runoff from chemical fertilizers causes great harm to our ponds, streams and Long Island Sound. Native plants shrubs and trees indigenous to this region don’t need fertilizers. *

DON’T USE CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS

Aim to switch to electric or battery-powered yard equipment. Request electric blowers. Most commercial landscapers have them. It’s cleaner, less polluting, quieter, and better for your health and the planet’s. *

PLAN TO GO ELECTRIC

Save the natural ecology of the soil and the quality of our drinking water by using only natural amendments. For the safest protection against ticks, use tick-bait boxes and check yourself. Insecticides that kill mosquitoes are also highly toxic to native insects such as bees and butterflies, fish and other aquatic organisms. Empty standing water and use per- sonal repellents with DEET, eucalyptus oil, or Picaridin. *

DON’T USE PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES

Familiarize yourself with the invasive plants in your area and remove them from your property.

REMOVE INVASIVES

Lawns provide very few benefits to the ecosystem. For a more sustainable yard, reduce the size of the lawn and add beds for native plants.

REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE LAWN

Mowing grass to about 4” helps shade out weeds and encour- ages roots to grow longer: this helps the lawn tolerate heat better and require less watering.

MOW HIGH AND WATER LESS

Leaf blowers damage our yards and our health. Leave grass clippings on the lawn and attach a leaf mulching blade to your existing mower in the fall to mulch leaves into the lawn.

MULCH GRASS AND LEAVES

Try to plant densely to decrease the need for water and weed- ing. Compost and fallen leaves improve the soil structure and add nutrients for your plants.

COVER AND AMEND THE SOIL NATURALLY

If you place light fixtures in your landscape make sure they direct downwards, so they don’t distract wildlife. Use yellow outdoor lights to avoid attracting nocturnal insects.

KEEP IT DARK

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