Public Forum Highlights Shared Responsibility in Protecting Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The Virginia Conservation Network and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. hosted a public forum in Northern Virginia focused on the critical role that organizations and individuals play in protecting and conserving the region's water resources, including the Chesapeake Bay and its headwaters.

The forum, held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., convened a cross-section of more than 90 community leaders, government officials, academics and environmentalists who share the common goal of improving the quality of the region's waterways and, as a result, protecting their diverse ecosystems.

"The forum demonstrated that each one of us can make a meaningful difference in protecting the environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Nathan Lott, executive director of the Virginia Conservation Network. "While some of the solutions to our water quality issues are expensive and long term, communities and homeowners can positively affect our waterways everyday by how they care for their property."

Much of the day's discussion focused on storm water management issues facing rapidly growing urban and suburban regions of Northern Virginia.

Solutions including stream restoration, vegetative swales, grass buffers and best practices in turf care were discussed as ways in which municipalities and homeowners can take action to mitigate storm water overflow.

Another key topic at the forum was the importance of public stewardship and responsible lawn care and landscaping practices in the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Several speakers underscored that healthy and properly maintained lawns and landscaping are highly effective in helping to absorb water and prevent storm water runoff.

"Healthy, sustainable lawns and landscaping are essential to protecting our rivers, estuaries, lakes and streams," said Chris Wible, director of Environmental Stewardship at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., and a speaker at the forum. "At Scotts Miracle-Gro, we are committed to doing our part to ensure our company and lawn care products advance water quality and conservation. We are also working to educate consumers that proper lawn care practices will help protect our precious water resources."

Wible recommended homeowners follow these simple best practices in caring for their lawns:
• Mow grass high;
• Mulch grass clippings;
• Clean up;
• Conserve water; and
• Create buffer.

Source: PR Newswire