Save The Bay’s Community Lawn Ambassador Program
This year, resolve to commit to a lawn care plan that is better for the Bay.
We take pride in living in Rhode Island and the splendor of living by Narragansett Bay. With that beauty comes a responsibility: to protect its watershed. At Save The Bay we are doing our part to crack down on polluters, support plastic reduction legislation, and champion for public access. We are calling on you to be a steward for the Bay on your own property, and to become a Community Lawn Ambassador.
What is a Community Lawn Ambassador?
We are looking for participants across the Narragansett Bay watershed to volunteer for a one-year pilot program. With our Bay-Friendly Living Guide as a manual, and guidance from our team, you will learn about and employ year-round methods to reduce or eliminate negative impacts to the environment.
What do I have to do?
LESS! The good news is that less is more when it comes to making choices that are better for the Bay.
- LESS synthetic fertilizer, or none at all, is the most effective change you can make to your lawn care program. Synthetic chemicals can result in runoff that carries toxic levels of chemicals or excessive nutrients into lakes, streams, groundwater, and ultimately to the Bay. Nitrogen is an important lawn nutrient, but it can be boosted naturally. Fertilize the right way with natural lawn clippings, leaves, and organic compost.
- LESS watering is a great way to save on water consumption but also lets your lawn experience natural cycles of browning while dormant. A healthy lawn is not always green!
- LESS mowing, and keeping your lawn at least 3″ high, will help to reduce runoff and soil evaporation.
- LESS time and less money spent is the benefit for YOU!
What information do you collect?
- Photos: Take photos (or allow us to take photos) throughout the summer that may be used in a public-facing campaign about reducing fertilizer use.
- Feedback: Provide quotes on the experience at the end of the summer which may also be used in said campaign.
- Track: Time and money saved in comparison to previous years.
Why should I participate?
We know that you care about your community, and want to do your part to protect your family and your neighbors. Making these small changes will have a huge impact on, not only our local waterways, the safety of your lawn for all who enjoy it, including your families and pets! Be a neighbor who cares: make your lawn a healthy haven for all!