The city selected the topic “Natural Yard Care” to educate residents about the value of natural yard care techniques that protect our water quality as part of their 2019-2024 NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit process. They then narrowed their scope to managing weeds naturally. They began by developing and promoting the “Manage Weeds Naturally” website. Collaborating with Whatcom County and WSU Extension, they created a Gardening Green: Sustainable Landscaping workshop series. They have since created and updated beneficial materials available to the public, including the informational booklets listed below (also available from the WHS Links page). Having reached the end of the permit cycle, they are seeking to review the impact and discuss the effectiveness of their efforts, hoping for valuable feedback from the public regarding additional varieties of materials that may be preferred. If you’re curious, there’s a regional webpage for Natural Yard Care here: Natural Yard Care Neighborhoods.
Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZVH28KP until September 30, 2024. Your feedback is vital in helping us create a vibrant, healthier Bellingham and keeping our waterways clean!
