The Lagoon Monitor
Water Clarity Goes from Good... to Bad... to Good Again
Indian River County - Summer Rain Runoff Crashes Salinity
What Can You Do To Help The Lagoon?
|
- Using ground covers such as composted leaves and wood chips on areas with exposed soil keeps the soil from washing into the lagoon. Sediment that is washed into the lagoon decreases the clarity of the water damaging seagrasses. Areas susceptible to sediment erosion are drip lines under roof eaves and downspouts. To prevent erosion place gravel or plant hardy vegetation under roof eaves and add downspout attachments to slow and spread out the draining water.
- Don’t blow grass clippings into the street or dump them down the storm drains. Once clippings and leaves reach the lagoon, they can cause algae blooms, which decrease the amount of light and oxygen in the water, resulting in fish and seagrass kills. Leave the grass clippings on your lawn after mowing, the nutrients in the clippings makes the best and cheapest fertilizers.
- Use environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers as noted in the Florida Yardstick Workbook. Call the University of Florida Extension Service to obtain your free copy. Do not over use pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers! The chemicals in these can be toxic and release nutrients into the water that can cause algae blooms and kill wildlife.
- When fertilizing choose a fertilizer that has nitrogen in a slow-release insoluble form. Fertilize during the dry months (usually October to May) and use the least amount of fertilizer necessary. Do not apply fertilizer within 50 feet of a water body. Whenever possible choose plants that require little or no fertilizer. Wash your car on your lawn and let the nutrient rich, soapy water fertilize your grass at the same time.
Welcome Aboard to our new monitors - Bob Arnold, Gordon Byers, Jude Deauville, Nicole Miglis, Anne Putman, Sherry Shipley and Katherine Wegel
|
Next Article: Indian River Lagoon Region 1880’s, A Country of Pineapple Plantations
|
