Nutrient pollution from fertilizers in lawns and gardens as well as agricultural/livestock production is a problem with dramatic effects on our waterways and oceans. What actions can you take to reduce harmful runoff in our streams and rivers?
Check out some of the media links below to learn about this problem in our waterways and some ways to combat it.
- Introduction to Eutrophication– a one minute video explaining the basics from NOAA.
- Nutrient Pollution– a short video from the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Dealing with Dead Zones: Hypoxia in the Oceans– NOAA scientist explains in this podcast about nutrient loading, why dead zones form, how the problem of hypoxia is growing, and what can be done to stop it.
- Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In– an overview of techniques for homes and businesses to help improve the quality of our nation’s waters.
- Ohio Farmers Demonstrate Ways to Improve Water Quality– Meet three farm families that are working with NRCS and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation to demonstrate the ways on-farm conservation practices can prevent sediment and nutrient runoff from washing into Lake Erie and its tributary streams.
Here are some links to articles you can read with more in depth information about problems and solutions.
- Hypoxia 101– Information from the Environmental Protection Agency
- Managing Run-off to Reduce the Dead Zone– A lesson developed for students to learn about the issue.
- How to Fertilize Your Lawn Responsibly– Learn tips and techniques developed by the University of Maryland under their lawn fertilizer law designed to protect waterways from nutrient pollution.
- Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration and Landscaping– Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation resources about native plants.
- Riparian Buffers- The Very Best Protection– Learn about what riparian buffers are and how they help reduce nutrient pollution.
Take one of the actions below or come up with your own activity in celebration of World Oceans Day and share it with us at friends@fnfsr.org to enter in our World Oceans Day Challenge!
- Create a responsible fertilizer plan for your lawn and send us the details.
- Plot a section of your yard for a native plant garden and send us your plans or photos of your plantings.
- If you live along a river or stream, survey your existing riparian buffers and make a plan to improve them.
- Install a rain barrel, rain garden or other runoff reducing techniques in your yard or send us photos of techniques you currently use.
- Create an art piece related to nutrient pollution to express your perspective or raise awareness. Draw, paint, sculpt, write, record!
- Come up with your own project or activity that addresses nutrient pollution and share it with us!