Bay Friendly Yards: The Three Essential Elements
Long Island is the birthplace of the suburban
lawn—a landscape of lush green
grass and ornamental bushes sourced
from around the world. Maintaining these artifi
cial landscapes requires constant watering,
fertilizing, and pesticide application to keep
non-native species thriving in an environment
where they don’t naturally belong.
However, this pursuit of a perfect lawn has
come at a signifi cant cost. Runoff from
chemically treated lawns has contributed to
the degradation of local waters, pushing the
Great South Bay toward ecological collapse.
Meanwhile, populations of pollinators, birds,
fi sh, amphibians, and other vital wildlife have
plummeted. It’s time to shift from outdated
lawn practices of the 1950s to a sustainable
future that protects our environment, our bays,
and our communities.
What is a Bay Friendly Yard?
A Bay Friendly Yard is a landscape—whether
a full lawn or just sections of your property—
composed of native trees, shrubs, and grasses
that help fi lter nitrogen, manage storm-water,
and create habitats essential for local wildlife.
These yards support pollinators such as bees
and butterfl ies while also providing food and
shelter for birds and other species.
Bay Friendly Yards are not only ecologically
benefi cial but also visually appealing, offering
a rich, colorful aesthetic that can be designed
to be either meadow-like or more structured.
Best of all, because native plants are adapted
to the local environment, they require minimal
watering, no pesticides, and little maintenance.
Their deep, interwoven root systems
improve soil health and water retention, reducing
harmful runoff and helping to restore
the bay.
How to Create a Bay Friendly Yard
A Bay Friendly Yard incorporates three essential
elements:
3. Habitat Restoration:
Every yard, no matter how small, can contribute
to restoring local ecosystems. Whether
opting for a natural, wild look or a more manicured
approach, habitat restoration includes:
• Replacing Invasive Species: Identify and
remove non-native plants that disrupt local
biodiversity.
• Planting Native Species: Select plants
suited to your soil type—drier soils inland and
wetter soils closer to the coast.
• Reducing Lawn Area: Convert portions
of your lawn into native plant gardens to improve
habitat quality and water retention.
2. Stormwater Management:
Stormwater runoff carries harmful chemicals
and nutrients into the bay, contributing to water
quality decline. A Bay Friendly Yard helps
to retain storm-water and prevent pollution
through:
• Rain Gardens: Strategically placed depressions
fi lled with native plants that absorb and
fi lter runoff.
• Rain Barrels: Collecting rainwater for irrigation
reduces demand on municipal water
supplies.
• Permeable Pavers: These allow water to
soak into the ground rather than running off
into storm drains.
• Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Native
plants require little to no additional irrigation,
minimizing water waste.
3. Local Stewardship: Stewardship goes
beyond basic yard maintenance—it's about
making mindful choices that support a healthier
environment. Key practices include:
• Eliminating Chemical Use: Avoid fertilizers
and pesticides that contribute to water
pollution.
• Mulching Leaves: Instead of bagging
leaves, mulch them into your lawn to enrich
the soil naturally.
• Mowing Less Often: Mow every two weeks
using a mulching blade to promote healthier
grass and reduce emissions.
• Removing Invasives Regularly: Stay
vigilant in identifying and removing invasive
plants that threaten local ecosystems.
Learn More About Bay Friendly Yards
Visit www.savethegreatsouthbay.org for
additional tips and resources. If you already
have a Bay Friendly Yard, apply for certifi cation
on our website and display your sign with
pride!
About Save The Great South Bay
Save The Great South Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t dedicated to protecting
and restoring the Great South Bay through real, science-based solutions.
Our initiatives include the Creek Defender Program, which cleans
up local waterways; the Great South Bay Oyster Project, which helps
restore oyster populations to improve water quality; Water Quality Monitoring
to create a letter-grade Report Card on the health of the Bay; and
numerous Habitat Restoration efforts. We are a volunteer-driven organization
committed to preserving our bay, our heritage, and our legacy for
future generations. Join us in this mission—because it’s up to all of us to
protect what we love. To learn more, visit www.savethegreatsouthbay.org
and follow us on social media.
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