Bay Friendly Yards: The Three Essential Elements
Bay Friendly Yards are not only ecologically
benefi cial but also visually appealing, off ering 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. Th eir 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:
1. 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.
PAVING
• 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
stormwater 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: Th ese 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.•
To 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!•
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Long Island was instrumental in popularizing
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 stormwater,
and create habitats essential for local wildlife.
Th ese yards support pollinators such as bees and
butterfl ies while also providing food and shelter
for birds and other species.
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