1. Green Yards and a Blue Casco Bay
Friends of Casco Bay
South Portland, Maine

2. Our lawn care practices are changing the ocean in our lifetime

3. Since 2001, Friends of Casco Bay has been testing for pesticides and fertilizers in stormwater runoff in coastal communities

4. Are pesticides getting into Casco Bay?
Friends of Casco Bay has found pesticides
in stormwater runoff at 13 sites.
Some pesticide levels exceeded what EPA
has determined as “safe for aquatic life.”
Synthetic pyrethroids – used for lawn insect, tick, and mosquito control, have been found in sediments along the Bay.
These chemicals have been shown to affect shell formation in small aquatic animals.

6. Are fertilizers getting into Casco Bay?
Friends of Casco Bay has tested for nitrogen
at 60 sites around the Bay.
Nitrogen and phosphorus were found
everywhere we sampled
with the highest concentrations where
stormwater runs off and at river mouths
Samples collected by volunteers and by staff scientists all around the Bay

7. Marine life needs nitrogen
Nitrogen is the limiting factor for plant growth in salt water. Plants form the basis of the ocean food web. Like on land, N fertilizes plants, both microscopic phytoplankton and microalgae

8. Just not too much… The ocean is overdosing on nitrogen.
Nitrogen pollution leads to

9. Here in Maine we are experiencing…
Low dissolved oxygen
Loss of eelgrass
Green slime
Fish kills
Red tides
Marine mammal deaths
More jellyfish
Ocean acidification

10. What is ocean acidification?
Offshore: Excess carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels dissolves in ocean
Nearshore:
Excess nitrogen
promotes algae
blooms and die-offs
The world’s oceans already absorb about half the carbon dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels.
Carbon dioxide + water = carbonic acid.
Ocean acidification has been called the “other CO2 problem” because In many areas, it is changing the pH of the ocean, which makes it harder for shell-bearing animals to build their shells.

11. Why is this happening?
When carbon dioxide mixes with water, it forms carbonic acid. This makes sea water more acidic. More acidic conditions make it harder for marine life to build their shells.

12. “Death by Dissolution”
As a result, Shells of baby clams dissolve or are pitted Clam spat won’t burrow into mud -- get eaten Stunted growth in adults Similar effects in mussels, oysters, scallops

13. Ocean acidification makes it harder for shellfish to survive!
Excess nitrogen in Casco Bay mud is affecting shell production in juvenile clams.

14. Where does nitrogen pollution come from?

15. Excess nitrogen comes from runoff from streets and yards

16. That ends up in the ocean
Mussel Cove, Falmouth, where excess nitrogen from a newly landscaped property created a vase expanse of green algae

17. How is Friends of Casco Bay approaching the problem?
Monitoring nitrogen levels in Casco Bay since 2001
Developed a model to track nitrogen levels in the Bay over time
Established protocols for other researchers to sample elsewhere in coastal Maine
Lobbied State to require DEP to set a limit on nitrogen discharges into coastal waters
Work to increase awareness of Nitrogen pollution
FOCB is involved in the first three “to do’s.” You are involved in the last one.

18. BayScaping was started to create a cultural shift among homeowners
BayScaping started in Casco Bay and has grown into a statewide effort called Yardscaping, led by Gary Fish of MBPC
In collaboration with Maine Board of Pesticides Control

19. “Weed’n’Feed isn’t fish food”
In 1998, Maine Bd of Pesticides Control teamed up with Friends of Casco Bay on this newspaper ad.
It was part of a campaign to persuade homeowners to reduce their use of lawn chemicals

20. What is BayScaping?
Landscaping that recognizes the connection between your backyard and Casco Bay
A six-step lawn care plan to minimize reliance on pesticides and fertilizers

21. The Elements of BayScaping
Water quality monitoring demonstrates that pesticides and fertilizers are entering Casco Bay
Education promotes low-impact horticulture, especially lawn care
Recognition rewards residents, businesses, and municipalities that adopt BayScaping practices

22. BayScaping’s Six Steps
Lay the groundwork
Water deeply
Mow high
Control thatch & compaction
Fertilize frugally
Use common-sense pest control
Scan 6-step book at FOCB exhibit
Give to your customers 22

23. 1. Lay the groundwork
Think about how you use the yard. How much lawn do you need?
Plant shrubs and trees to buffer runoff
Don’t try to grow grass where it won’t flourish. Plant a rain garden, bushes, patio instead

24. Lush lawns At least 3-6 inches of top soil
At least six hours of sun a day, best in AM
Good drainage
A good mix
There are no native Maine grasses
Choose fescues & rye grass
Add clover
Avoid grass in high traffic areas

25. 2. Water deeply Water infrequently Apply 1 inch of water a week
Water times a week
Water early in the morning between 6 & 10 AM
Apply 1 inch of water a week
Add enough water to soak into the ground 6 to 8 inches
Use a rain gauge
Allow grass to go dormant in the summer
Apply 1/4 - 1/2 inch water every 3 weeks

26. 3. Mow high Mow lightly and often
Remove no more than a third of the leaf blade at a time
Mow grass to 3 to 3.5 inches high
Vary your mowing pattern
Keep mower blades sharp

27. reflection of blade length
Root length is a
reflection of blade length
Cutting too low makes the grass put more energy into growing the leaf blade, and takes away from its roots

28. 4. Loosen up! Rake, de-thatch, or aerate in spring or fall
Keep thatch, that decaying layer of dead grass, under 1/2 inch thick

29. 5. Fertilize frugally
Test the soil to see what—and IF—you need to add amendments
Best time to apply is August/September
Maine soil rarely needs phosphorus
Maine soil usually needs lime to reach pH
Apply after a rain, not before
Use slow-release organic fertilizers
Sweep up fertilizer from driveways and sidewalks

30. 6. Common sense pest control
Accept a few weeds or insects
Identify the pest
Pull it out or mow it off
Encourage biological controls

31. How can you help? at home and around the Bay

33. You—and your neighbors— ARE making a difference.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

34. For more information
Friends of Casco Bay