Much of the fertilizer we put on our lawns ends up in our local lakes and rivers during a rain storm or from watering the lawn. If you live in town, nutrient-rich runoff flows through a series of stormwater drains and ditches, eventually emptying into your local lake or river. The runoff flows directly into the water if you have a shoreline property.  

In Scugog and the Kawarthas, this is contributing to the excessive growth of aquatic plants. It takes only 1 kilogram of fertilizer to promote the growth of 500 kilograms of aquatic plants!

Here are some ways to keep your lawn healthy without using fertilizer this spring:

1. Thatching - Remove dead grass from your lawn. Thatching is a great way to help aerate your lawn and can easily be done using a standard leaf rake.

2. Aeration - Aerating every couple of years is a great way to loosen soil to allow for more water and nutrients to enter the earth. This involves the use of an aerator that removes small plugs of earth from the topsoil layer.

3. Apply compost to your lawn - A thin layer of compost (or a top-dresser containing compost) will contribute to a healthy lawn by nourishing the grass and increasing the organic matter in your soil. Be sure to prevent any compost from getting into the storm drain by keeping it off of the road, driveway and sidewalk, or from washing into the ditch. Compost can also add nutrients to water. 

4. Over seeding - Over seeding will help create a thick and lush lawn and will also help choke out weeds. The thicker the grass, the less chance the weeds have to survive. Over seeding can also be done mid to late August.

Have your soil tested for nutrients if you feel that you must fertilize your lawn. You can get a soil test for less than $30, and it will determine how much, and if, fertilizer is required. Contact Shalin Abbott by email or call 705.328.2271 ext. 223 for more information.  

If you decide to use fertilizer, be sure to apply it accurately. Fertilizer particles on roads, sidewalks and driveways end up in the lake through the storm sewers. Along a shoreline, keep fertilizer particles out of the water. Grass clippings also contain nutrients and should be kept out of the water and off the road, sidewalk and driveway. 

For more information on green lawn care, including environmentally friendly weed and pest control, download the fact sheet Green Lawns, The Green Way.

For more about keeping nutrients out of lakes and rivers, visit kawarthaconservation.com/livingintown 

Howler's Corners!  

The off-leash dog park being created in Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay has a new name, "Howler's Corners"!

The name was announced during the Friends of Kawartha Conservation annual general meeting on April 6. It was determined through a contest held at schools in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Lily McAulay-Hunter, in grade 5 at Bobcaygeon Public School, came up with the top name and won a $50 prize.

In her submission, she explained why she chose the name: "Because it's fun to say and it sounds like a fun place to take your dog."

Board members for 2011 were elected, including Kathleen Cooper, President; Noreen Goodliff, Vice-President; Pat Wilson, Treasurer; Peter Franzen; Trudie Kroon; Bob Pool; and Robbin Savage. Kawartha Conservation Chair Donna Villemaire and Vice-Chair Pat Warren also participate on the Friends of Kawartha Conservation board.

President Cooper announced that the Friends of Kawartha Conservation had raised over $1,500 in donations toward the park, and that they will be increasing their fundraising efforts to reach their $9,000 goal by the beginning of summer.

City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Ric McGee, at the meeting, provided words of encouragement and suggested potential grants that could assist with the project.

Chair Villemaire and Kawartha Conservation Director Jim Chaplin, on behalf of the Kawartha Conservation board, thanked the Friends for their outstanding work on the off-leash park and acknowledged their efforts to reinvigorate the organization.

For more information and to donate to Howler's Corners, visit kawarthaconservation.com/friends