Times and Tides - 2nd Quarter, 2007

times & tides

A Q UARTERLY P UBLICATION OF THE GREEN L AKE A SSOCIATION

Inside This Issue •

A Bittersweet Goodbye

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Navigating Big Green Lake

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Welcome Keith Harrington

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Green Lake Participates in National Survey

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Dates To Remember

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Declaring War on Buckthorn

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Supporting Environmental Education

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Redistricting Green Lake ~ How Does It Affect You? 5 GLA Protection Grant

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Vol.35 ~ No. 2 ~ 2nd Quarter 2007

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PLANNING~PRESERVATION~PARTICIPATION

CAESTECKER AWARD HONORS CHARLIE MARKS 3

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Statewide Phosphorus Fertilizer Ban

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Word of RSVP Continues to Spread

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GLA Urges Residents to Use Phosphorus Free Fertilizer

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RSVP Certified Businesses

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Making An Impact 8

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The 2007 GLA Annual Meeting included a very special event: the announcement of the Charles and Marie Caestecker Award winner, Charlie Marks. This prestigious honor is given only to an individual who, through his or her abilities, interests, and leadership, has exerted exceptional influence to benefit the Green Lake Community over a significant period of time. Tom Caestecker created the award in memory of his parents, who loved Green Lake and held great regard for the lake. A GLA Selection Committee reviews candidates periodically, but presents a candidate to the Board for approval only when a candidate meets all criteria. This highly-regarded recognition was last given to Tom Eddy in 1998.

Charlie Marks is the Green Lake Sanitary District Administrator and assumed this position in 1996. Working under the direction of the GLSD Board of Commissioners, an elected body, it is his job to implement District policies. Those who have had the privilege of working with Marks attest that Charlie's bottom line has always been “What is good for the lake?”

His ability to form partnerships with individuals, organizations, and government agencies who share his commitment and enthusiasm means that Green Lake will remain Wisconsin’s premier lake. “Thanks to Charlie, his colleagues, and work partners, Green Lake will always be the lake where generations of families continue to share memories of some of the best times of their lives,” Nancy Hill, GLA Executive Director stated. Congratulations, Charlie!

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The Green Lake Association's mission is to ensure that Green Lake remains one of the premier lakes in the Midwest by actively promoting the conservation of the area's natural scenic beauty and intrinsic character.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Steve Wood, President Sara Mueller, Vice President John Waggoner, Secretary Katie Baird, Treasurer Jane Chamberlain Kent DeLucenay Leo Duwe Kristin Hill Richard Mueller

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Nancy Hill

OFFICE MANAGER Jen Linse

EVENTS & PUBLICITY COORDINATOR Vicki Duhr

COMMITTEES

AQWEED Budget/Finance Conservation/Education Fishing Funding JACLUM Lake Use/Safety Legal Master Planning Membership Nominating Personnel Public Relations Sanitation/Pollution

times & tides Published quarterly by The Green Lake Association P O Box 364 506 Mill Street Green Lake, WI 54941 Editor, Nancy Hill & Jen Linse Picture Credits: Nancy Hill & Tom Eddy Phone/Fax: (920) 294-6480 info@greenlakeassociation.com www.greenlakeassociation.com

GLA OFFICE HOURS

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday —or— Call Exec. Director Nancy Hill (Cell) 920-229-2679 9 a.m.~6 p.m.

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FROM THE DESK OF FORMER GLA PRESIDENT STEVE WOOD...

A BITTERSWEET GOODBYE For the past 7½ years, it has been my privilege to serve as a Director of the Green Lake Association, including 3 years as President. It is with bittersweet reflections that I now approach the end of my tenure at the 2007 Annual Meeting.

When I first joined the Board, the Revitalization of Shoreland Vegetation Project was in its infancy. Since then it has become a mature and largely self-sufficient joint program of the GLA and the Green Lake Sanitary District. To date, over 74 individual projects covering more than 8260 feet of waterfront property have been restored to native vegetation. RSVP has become a prime example of how to promote shoreland restoration for the entire state.

Over the past 7½ years, other new GLA activities have included Lake Protection Grants for the purpose of initiating lake and watershed protection studies, grants to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Department for lake safety buoys, grants to the Princeton Fire and Rescue team to equip them with cold water diving gear, the initiation of the Natural History of Green Lake Lecture Series, the establishment of the GLA Environmental Scholarship which is awarded annually to a local high school senior who has been active in local environmental activities and who intends to pursue conservation education in college, and special grants to the Green Lake Conservancy Foundation which were used for the purchase of two environmentally important properties.

Other ongoing activities include the AQWEED weed harvesting program and the Junior Ice Fishing Clinic (weather permitting). In more recent months, the GLA has partnered with the Sanitary District and others to establish the Joint Advisory Committee on Land Use Matters and to assume responsibility for the County Fish Rearing Facility. JACLUM will focus on second and third tier development around the lake to assure that such development is consistent with the surrounding neighborhood and is environmentally sound. Continuing the operation of the Fish Rearing Facility will assure that healthy fish remain available for stocking in Big Green Lake (already underway for 2007).

However, the crowning event during my time on the Board came one year ago when the GLA was awarded the 2006 Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award by the University of Wisconsin – Extension Lakes Program, Wisconsin Association of Lakes and Wisconsin DNR for “unmatched dedication, vision and commitment to ensure that Wisconsin’s legacy of lakes will be safe and secure for generations to come.”

At the time of the 50th anniversary celebration of the GLA in 2001, we reflected on a “Proud Past [and] Promising Future.” That future is even more promising today than it was then. The GLA is a vibrant and active organization firmly focused on its mission to ensure that Green Lake remains one of the premier lakes in the Midwest by actively promoting the conservation of the area’s scenic beauty and intrinsic character.

My sincere thanks to all of my former and current colleagues on the Board whose participation and dedication to the GLA have made my experience so enjoyable and rewarding.

Thanks also to Nancy Hill who has served as Executive Director of the GLA for most of my tenure, and to Susan Sharkey who served in that position for a short period. But most of all, special thanks to you, the members of the GLA, for your generous support over the years which has made possible all that I have described above.

And now, as I prepare to join the distinguished roster of former GLA officers and directors, I want to extend to everyone associated with the GLA my best wishes as the GLA steadfastly continues on its remarkable journey to preserve and protect, and enhance Big Green Lake and its watershed.

Steve Wood

NAVIGATING THE WATERS OF BIG GREEN LAKE Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll and Chief Deputy Mark Putzke have outlined plans for the lake’s summer patrol. ∗ The channel marker buoys have been set for the summer. ∗ The county’s two patrol boats will be staffed by four limited term employees who are undergoing training specifically for this work. ∗ They will primarily patrol the lake during busy times with sporadic patrolling throughout the week and at night. ∗ The Departments plan to increase contact with the public through articles in the county-wide papers and will write articles for the Times and Tides. ∗ They are applying for a grant to complete a GIS layer of the lake, which will greatly assist their response time to calls from the public. The board agreed to provide the local cost-share portion if the grant is awarded. ∗ Culver’s Restaurant has given officers (and the DNR Conservation Warden, Nate Ackerman) custard coupons to reward youngsters they see wearing their personal flotation devices.

The Department’s predominant policy is to inform all lake-users of safer ways to enjoy their summer, but for the safety of all, they will not overlook ticketing boaters who flagrantly violate Wisconsin’s boating laws.

DNR Boating Safety Course—sign up...

Did you know that there is a new requirement for driving a motor boat on Wisconsin lakes? Anyone born after 1989 is required to take the DNR boating course to drive a boat. Although all adults are encouraged to attend, beginning this year all individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age must attend the DNR Boating Safety Course. The course is offered from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 2; Tuesday, July 3; Thursday, July 5; and Friday, July 6 at the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The registration fee is $10. Everyone who successfully completes the course receives a free personal flotation device from The Green Lake Association. To register or for more details, please call Norton’s Dry Dock, 920295-3462, or Rick Clewein, 920-295-3774.

DATES TO REMEMBER ∗

June 9th ~ GLA Annual Meeting, Presentation of Thomas & Marie Caestecker Award

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June 20th ~ GLA Directors sell popcorn at Concert in the Park July 19th & August 16th ~ Lecture Series at Thrasher Opera House, 7:30pm

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July 4th & September 29th ~ Cheer for the GLA in the July 4th and Harvest Day Parades

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September 22nd ~ Tour the Fish Rearing Facility December 28th, Junior Ice Fishing Clinic, 10:00am -12 noon The GLA Board usually meets the third Saturday of each month at 8:00 am at the Caestecker Public Library. Please check with the GLA office to confirm time and location.

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GREEN LAKE: ONE OF 900 LAKES TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL SURVEY BY

VICKI DUHR

Big Green Lake will be part of a nation-wide survey beginning this June. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is working with states, tribes, lake organizations, and others to assess approximately 900 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs throughout the nation, according to Executive Director Nancy Hill.

The survey is designed to compare water bodies that share similar ecological features and are located in similar geographical regions.

All survey participants will be using the same testing and analytical procedures to further guarantee that conclusions can be compared nationwide and more importantly, that results will be useful for groups who want to collaborate.

“Green Lake has been studied numerous times and is part of ongoing monitoring, but this is the first time it’s been part of a survey with national scope,” Hill said.

“Results from this study will provide information very useful for individual municipalities or organizations. They will be able to compare similar lakes— apples to apples if you will—and learn what others are doing right and then legislate and educate for improvement accordingly.”

For more information, please contact Hill at 920.229.2679 info@greenlakeassociation.com or visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/ lakes/lakessurvey/

MEET KEITH HARRINGTON-NEW GLA BOARD MEMBER Green Lake Association is excited to announce its new board member, Keith Harrington. His educational background includes a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a History Minor from the University of Illinois-Chicago, 1982 and a law degree from J.D. John Marshall School of Law, 1985. Keith is a partner at Dranias Harrington & Wilson where he concentrates in transactional matters and litigation. The transactional practice encompasses corporate, condominium and home owner’s association documentation, construction and commercial loans, assignments, condominium instruments, subscription and construction agreements, mortgages, buy-sell agreements, leases, trusts and related estate planning instruments. The litigation practice involves business related litigation matters, construction and real estate issues, as well as personal injury and work related matters. Keith is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and is licensed to practice law in Illinois, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Keith and his wife, Catherine, have one daughter, and he spends his free time fishing, golfing, sailing and swimming. “I have a deep respect for Green Lake and the surrounding natural resources. Serving on the Board will be a good opportunity to take part in maintaining and preserving those natural resources,” stated Keith. He will be a valuable addition to the board!

NEIGHBOR DECLARES WAR ON BUCKTHORN BY DON HENNING What a surprise it was to arrive at my Green Lake home a couple of years ago to see a huge pile of brush taking shape across the road. At first I didn’t fully realize what was happening. But as the summer went along the pile got larger and larger and the undergrowth around the former Radtke home on the west end of Green Lake was disappearing.

Mostly buckthorn, the pile grew to a sizable 25 feet by 90 feet and probably eight feet high. It represented an incredible amount of work.

Sally Kolian, the present owner and Herman and Ruth Radtke’s daughter, was cleaning house…actually, around the house. And I appreciated it, because the only good buckthorn is a dead buckthorn.

I had waged a personal battle with buckthorn when we built our house in 1991. It was everywhere and taking it out was very hard work and time-consuming. If you don’t know about buckthorn, it is an introduced plant. It was brought over from Europe in the mid-1800’s and became popular hedging material. After its introduction, it was found to be very invasive in natural areas. A prolific seed-producer, it was spread by bird and soon became established in yards and woodlands of the upper Midwest.

The nursery industry stopped selling it in the 1930’s but by then the damage was done. It is now a significant problem around the lake and in the woodlands throughout Green Lake County. Buckthorn out competes native plants for nutrients, light, and moisture. It thrives in the shade, part sun or full sun.

The work that Sally and her crew accomplished deserves a hat’s off salute. Virtually thousands of seed-producing buckthorn have been eliminated. The good news is that the work continues. They are now clearing buckthorn undergrowth out of the wooded areas as well. Thanks for the effort. This neighbor deserves our gratitude.

Since 2003, Green Lake Association Environmental Education Scholarship has awarded an annual, nonrenewable $2000 scholarship to help fund a student pursuing environmental studies in college. Criteria for the scholarship places particular emphasis on a student’s environmental studies of or work related to Green Lake.

The recipient must have high academic standing, participate in other projects or activities related to natural resources, show a commitment to conservation, and submit an essay highlighting his/her interest in environmental work.

Eric Evensen of Ripon High School, who will be attending UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources, was the 2007 scholarship recipient. Not only has Eric’s environmental studies focused on Green Lake, but he has also participated in numerous conservation activities across Wisconsin. His lifelong commitment to the environment is truly admirable.

“When I experience nature’s beauty it inspires me to learn all I can. It motivates me to better understand how I can personally impact the future of conservation. I know that I am only one person, but I know I have the power to influence others,” stated Eric.

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Pictured below is Brian Hamming, 2007 GLA Lake Protection Grant recipient.. Brian, who was also the 2006 award recipient, will continue to expand his work with the Sanitary District on Aquatic Invasive Species. Already hard at work this spring, Brian is working on the new carp barrier near the bridge on County Highway A. Ambitious goals set for Brian with the GLSD include:

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Working with Aquatic Invasive Species grant reimbursement for the DNR Setting out zebra mussel samplers with Tom Eddy; checking samplers in late summer; (sampling is now in its sixth year) Creating a detailed history of the purple loosestrife beetle program and providing a step-by-step manual for individuals to use in the future, including other Wisconsin lake organizations Planning a mobile purple loosestrife beetle nursery and creating a 3-5 year plan for its use Writing a history of the zebra mussel program on Green Lake (sampling of the infant stage of the mussels will no longer take place since the mussel infestation is already in the lake) Researching Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) and its possible spread to and effect on Green Lake Writing a history of carp control in Green Lake, including removal by commercial fishermen, construction of a number of carp barriers, including the new air barrier, and project future developments Obtaining the 2006 Silver Creek plant survey from the DNR and planning a 3 year follow-up study Performing a plant survey in the County K estuary with the DNR ∗ Summarizing 2007 activities and results at the GLA’s Lecture, August 16th, 2007

County’s Redistricting Affects Green Lake

Redistricting of Green Lake County has created the need for a new supervisor to represent Area #5 of the county. Current Supervisor Sue McConnell’s property is no longer in this district. The boundary encompasses the Town of Green Lake, but most important to Green Lake residents is its northern boundary. The northern boundary encompasses almost all of Green Lake’s south shore, from just west of the bridge on County Highway K east to County A and beyond.

On December 1, 2007, potential candidates may begin circulating their papers for candidacy. These papers then must be submitted by the second Tuesday in January at the Green Lake County Clerk’s office at the courthouse. Elections are the first Tuesday in April of 2008. Contact the Green Lake County Clerk for details, 920-294-4005.

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Statewide Phosphorus-free Lawn Fertilizer Ban Bill

(LRB-1926/1-2674/1) Circulating for Co-sponsorship If you agree with RSVP that zero-phosphorous fertilizer can help protect Green Lake, then ask your legislator if he/she is planning to co-sponsor the bill. Your legislator’s contact information can be found at http://waml.legis.state.wi.us

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Advantages of the Proposed Bill

∗ Consumers can use phosphorus lawn fertilizer if a soil

test demonstrates phosphorus is needed, or if a new lawn is being established. ∗ The bill requires retailers to display phosphorus free fertilizer signs informing consumers that phosphorus fertilizer is available and that consumers can request phosphorus for permitted uses only. This ensures that the default fertilizer choice for consumers will be phosphorus free. ∗ The bill allows time for retailers to sell their existing inventory of phosphorus fertilizer. ∗ Implementation of Minnesota’s state law and Dane County’s phosphorus lawn fertilizer ordinance has been smooth. ∗ A 2007 evaluation of Minnesota’s state law found that phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer was readily available; phosphorus free fertilizer use has increased by 82%; fertilizer manufacturers and retailers have adapted to the law; the law has not increased consumer cost; consumers are supportive of the law; and no violation of the law has been reported.

Provisions Within the Current Bill Draft The bill generally prohibits application of lawn fertilizer that contains phosphorus to lawns, golf courses, and other mowed grassy areas (turf).

Prohibition does not apply to land used for agricultural production.

Phosphorus lawn fertilizer can be applied to establish grass during the first growing season.

Phosphorus lawn fertilizer can be applied to areas if a soil test shows that the soil in an area is deficient in phosphorus.

The bill prohibits the retail sale of phosphorus lawn fertilizer unless it is sold for one of the permitted uses.

The bill prohibits a retailer from displaying phosphorus lawn fertilizers.

Retailers can place signage indicating that phosphorus fertilizer is available for permitted uses.

There is a 12 month delayed effective date to permit retailers to sell their existing inventory of phosphorus lawn fertilizer.

The bill prohibits application of fertilizer on frozen ground and impervious surfaces.

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Statewide Policy Needed Phasing out phosphorus in lawn fertilizer is one step to help address Wisconsin’s number one water quality problem, polluted runoff.

Many lake groups, local governments, counties and citizens are calling for a statewide phosphorus lawn fertilizer ban.

A statewide policy would save local governments the duplicative costs of developing independent ordinances and ensure consistency across the state for consumers, retailers, and suppliers.

Word of Green Lake’s Revitalization of Shoreland Vegetation Project Continues to Spread Over the past several years, GLA Executive Director Nancy Hill has given presentations to lake organizations around the state about Green Lake’s Revitalization of Shoreland Vegetation Project. Most recently, she presented to a crowd of more than 70 in Adams County about Green Lake’s program to increase and preserve native vegetation on shorelands and in waters. Adams County has 27 named lakes, mostly shallow-water lakes, not including Castle Rock Lake (13,000 acres) and Petenwell Lake (23,000 acres) which are situated between Adams and Juneau County. Those lakes are "flowages" created by dams on the Wisconsin River. Some of these lakes need to protect existing vegetation, some need to rehabilitate degraded vegetation, both in the waters and on the shores.

Since 1999, RSVP has dealt with many of the issues facing these lakes, and attendees were particularly interested in the genesis of the program, its progression, costs, benefits, its successes, problems, expansion and continuation. Also attracting attention were Hill’s examples of projects created in shallow water areas, both on the land and in the waters along the channels of the Green Lake’s Mill Pond and the Hattie Sherwood Project. Several Adams County lake residents have since visited Green Lake to see RSVP projects. An extensive RSVP tour, which is open to the public, is planned for August 18, 2007 in Green Lake.

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REVITALIZATION OF SHORELAND VEGETATION PROJECT (RSVP) URGES USE OF PHOSPHOROUS –FREE FERTILIZER Since its inception in 1999, RSVP has encouraged property owners to use phosphorus-free fertilizers. In fact, Safe Green, a zerophosphorous fertilizer formulated especially for RSVP, was available for sale at the Princeton Cooperative for a number of years. Now, other retailers offer fertilizers without phosphorus , and RSVP urges you to purchase these. Why?

PHOSPHORUS AND WATER QUALITY

Phosphorus is the main nutrient that drives eutrophication, the over-fertilization of lakes with fertilizers, especially phosphorus, in most lakes. Excess phosphorus in lakes causes algae blooms and decreased water quality.

DO YOU KNOW?

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One pound of phosphorus can produce 500 pounds of algae.

Runoff washes phosphorus off lawns, streets, and fields into lakes.

Polluted runoff impairs or threatens an estimated 90% of inland lakes.

It takes 20 parts per million (ppm) of soil phosphorus to grow healthy turf; 25 parts per billion (a quantity 1000 times smaller) can promote excessive algae growth in lakes.

PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION IN WISCONSIN SOILS DO YOU KNOW?

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Plants cannot absorb more phosphorus than they are able to use.

Agricultural soils in every Wisconsin county have sufficient soil phosphorus (at least 20 ppm) to support a healthy lawn.

Green Earth Tree Service N7521 15th Dr. Neshkoro, WI 54960 920-229-4523 Jahn’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc 526 E Fond du Lac St. Ripon, WI 54971 920-748-5013 Lakeview Property Management, LLP N4229 Lakeview Dr. Markesan, WI 920-295-4543

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The average soil phosphorus concentration in agricultural soils is 53 ppm; some counties have significantly higher concentrations.

Recent data estimates phosphorus levels in residential Wisconsin lawns have, on average, twice the amount of phosphorus (105 ppm) than the average farm field; that’s 5 times more phosphorus than a healthy lawn needs.

Healthy lawns can be maintained using phosphorus-free fertilizers.

Research finds using phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer is a common sense, simple, and cost effective way to reduce the amount of nutrients entering our waterways.

A SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE SOIL TEST (UW-EXTENSION 920-294-4032) WILL DETERMINE IF YOUR LAWN HAS A HEALTHY AMOUNTY OF PHOSPHOROUS

CERTIFIED NURSERIES

CERTIFIED LANDSCAPERS Bloch’s Farm W1604 Hwy 23 Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-6000

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Lakeway Property Management W1702 North St. Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-9920 LJ Reas Environmental Consulting PO Box 383 Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-3116 or (cell) 920-291-7787 Melissa Netzer Design N7538 Sandy Beach Rd. Fond du Lac, WI 54935 920-960-9555 Outdoor Impacts Landscaping N5499 Cty T Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-6162

Bloch’s Farm W1604 Hwy 23 Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-6000

Oak Prairie Farm W4642 Hwy 33 Pardeeville, WI 53954 920-894-3884

J & J Transplant Aquatic Nursery, LLC 600 Division Wild Rose, WI 54984 920-622-3552

Prairie Nursery PO Box 306 Westfield, WI 53964 920-476-9453

LJ Reas Environmental Consulting PO Box 383 Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-3116 or (cell) 920-291-7787 Marshland Transplant & Aquatic Nursery 104 E Huron St. Berlin, WI 54923 920-361-4200

CERTIFIED LAWN CARE Jahn’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc 526 E Fond du Lac St. Ripon, WI 54971 920-748-5013 Lakeway Property Management W1702 North St Green Lake, WI 54941 920-294-9920

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREEN LAKE, WI PERMIT # 16

PLANNING~PRESERVATION~PARTICIPATION Green Lake Association 506 Mill Street (lower level, south side) Post Office Box 364 Green Lake, WI 54941

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

(920) 294-6480 (920) 229-2679 info@greenlakeassociation.com www.greenlakeassociation.com The GLA has tax exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service

MAKING AN IMPACT

Simple Ways to Help Protect Green Lake

Your property is part of a watershed, an area of land from which all the surface water and ground water flows from higher elevations downhill to a common body of water. No matter how far you live from a body of water, your property is part of a watershed.

How you care for your yard affects both water quality and water supply. It’s hard to imagine that a green, flourishing lawn could pose a threat to the environment. However, the fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides you apply to your lawn are potential pollutants. If you improperly or excessively apply these chemicals, they can wash off your property into ponds, bays, reservoirs, and other waters. Excess nitrogen and phosphorous, two key ingredients in fertilizer, may cause these waters to become overgrown with unsightly and foul-smelling algae and weeds. This nuisance overgrowth may result in fish kills, the pollution of swimming beaches, and reducing your waterfront property value and recreational use. In addition, pesticides and nitrogen, which can dissolve in water, have the potential to contaminate groundwater – your source of drinking water.

FERTILIZING YOUR LAWN Try replacing your traditional fertilizers with grass clippings which contain higher amounts of nitrogen, a key ingredient in fertilizer. It may be all the fertilizer you need, and it will save you time and money. Clippings are approximately 85 percent water, so they usually decompose within a week and will not smother your lawn. The easiest and most common way to spread clippings is mulching; mulching mowers cut the grass into smaller pieces and then blow them back onto your lawn. If your soil test and the plants you have chosen demand that you apply fertilizer in addition to your clippings:

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Use organic or slow-release fertilizers; these types are less likely to wash off your lawn than inorganic or fast release fertilizers.

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Fertilize in the fall, but be aware of weather patterns. Although some rainfall is helpful in distributing fertilizer, a heavy downpour will wash the fertilizer off your lawn and into nearby waters. Do not to apply more than the recommended amount of fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can burn the grass, damage the soil, and attract pests.

Having a healthy, safe – and attractive – yard and protecting water quality and supply at the same time is easy and can save you money.

How you want the future to be IS in your hands.

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