Bay-Wise

with the Maryland Master Gardeners

Help save our Chesapeake Bay while saving big on your property taxes with eight easy yard habits that earn you Stormwater Remediation Fee Credits!

The Maryland Bay-Wise Program is a homeowner education program conducted by Maryland Master Gardeners.

The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a vital part of the state of Maryland. Yet, the Bay is in trouble due to population pressures from pollution and sediment runoff which affect its watershed. Most Maryland residents live within a half-mile of a drainage ditch, storm drain, stream or river. Most of those waterways eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay. What we do to maintain our own landscapes can affect the health of our local waterways, the Chesapeake Bay and our environment.

The overuse and misuse of pesticides and fertilizers, soil erosion and poor plant selection have all damaged Maryland’s streams, rivers and the Bay. Environmentally sound gardens and yards combined with sustainable gardening practices can help improve water quality and conserve our natural resources for future generations.

The MD Bay-Wise Program focuses on water quality. It comprises a comprehensive set of environmental topics that affect the quality and quantity of water here in Maryland. Most of these topics relate to landscape management, however, a few, like hydrology, wells and septic systems, hazardous household products and water conservation, address household issues.

We all need to do our part to take care of our waterways and environment. By changing a few simple landscape practices, you and your family can help keep Maryland communities healthy.

This is a drop-in program. If you have any questions, please contact us at westref@ccplonline.org or call (301) 645-1395.

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