Check out our video for ideas on how to keep our water clean. (Requires QuickTime)

Here are some tips to improve our waterways:

Go native: Select plants native to Michigan. They are able to tolerate the climate and require less fertilizer and water. Examples of native plants are Black-eyed Susan, Coral bells, Purple coneflower, and Columbine; blueberry and raspberry bushes; Christmas, Lady, and Maidenhair ferns; Black walnut, Hickory, Douglas fir, and White pine trees. All can be found in local nurseries and greenhouses.

• Water wisely: Lawns need about one inch of water per week. Use a rain gauge and water only when necessary.

• Use mulch: Place about four inches of mulch around trees and plants to retain water, reduce weeds, and minimize the need for pesticides.

• Mow high: Make your lawn cheaper and easier to maintain by mowing high — three inches is the rule. Tall grass promotes root growth and shades out the weeds.

Additional ways to get the message out

• Keep the Ours to Protect season calendar handy so the entire region is sending a consistent message.
• Place a link to the "Ours to Protect" program on your Web site.
• Place our choose earth friendly landscaping ad in your newspaper.
• Promote native plants at farmers' markets and plant exchanges.
• Check out the Ours to Protect calendar of events.

Visit www.semcog.org for additional information.

For questions about the "Our Water. Our Future. Ours to Protect." program contact Iris Steinberg at steinberg@semcog.org or 313-961-4266.

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
535 Griswold Street, Suite 300 Detroit, MI 48226-3602
313-961-4266 - Fax 313-961-4869
www.semcog.org