Did you know that lawns take up almost 50 million acres of land in the United States, despite being “dead space” according to leading ecologists? Non-native turf grass is an inefficient medium for infiltrating stormwater and does very little to protect the Severn River.
But there is a better way! Many people in the watershed have converted traditional turf-grass landscapes into lush, verdant oases of native plants with deep roots that act like sponges for nutrient-laden stormwater, protecting the river and providing habitat for beneficial insects and other pollinators.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Show us how you have gone from green carpets of grass to native floral pizazz in our Native Landscaping Photo Contest. We are collecting photographs of your beautiful native landscapes until the end of the month, and handing out prizes to the best entries we receive. First prize winner will receive a SRA-branded canvas boat bag, and the second place winner will receive SRA hats. Anyone who enters gets an SRA bumper sticker for showing your love for the river beyond the boundaries of your yard.
What: Native Landscaping Photo Contest
When: Deadline 8/31
Where: email sarah@severnriver.org
Why: Because native plantings are earth friendly by creating habitat for helpful wildlife and assist with better water absorption.
Size isn't everything - even if you're in a townhouse, show us what you've done with your space.
Bonus points for capturing wildlife in your photos - pollinators, lizards, birds - these animals highlight a major reason for native planting - Habitat.
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