Environmental Tip #58
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DID YOU KNOW that leaves can be a source of local water pollution?
In autumn, leaves make their way into our streams when rain washes them down the storm drains and ditches. Once they get into the water, the leaves release nutrients that contribute to the accelerated growth of algae. The result is a greenish foul smelling, dying algae that can kill fish and other aquatic critters and generally make water recreation an unpleasant experience.
So this autumn, follow simple guidelines and keep leaves out of the water by keeping them out of streets, gutters and ditches.
Compost – adding leaves to a compost pile creates a nutrient rich fertilizer for your vegetable and flower gardens.
Till – you can till leaves directly into a garden, contributing valuable organic matter.
Mulch – using a mulching mower you can chop the leaves into small particles that will decompose directly into your lawn.
Rake – rake leaves for curbside pickup.
Always remember that what we do on land affects the Corsica River and the Chesapeake Bay – www.corsicariver.com