Reduce Watershed Pollutants is something that we can all do.  Proper disposal of pet waste and best practices when it comes to fertilizer use are just two of the easiest steps we can all take to keep our harbor waters clean and healthy.

Storm-Water Run-Off is contributes to pollution of not only our drinking water supplies, but also of our harbors. Nitrogen rich pet waste and fertilizers provide an over abundance of nutrition for unwanted algaes and other invasive species.  Pesticides negatively impact insects, birds & other species that make Barnstable Harbor home

Review the list below to learn what you can do to protect Barnstable Harbor.  Every step that we take to reduce Rain-Water Run-Off will help ensure the health of our harbor, and all of its flora & fauna.

Visit our Native Plants & Landscaping page for information and links on native species, lawn care ideas & gardening ideas.

Help to Protect Barnstable Harbor with these “Best Practices”

• • Pick up after your pet when walking on beaches, near marshes or other watershed areas

• • Practice Organic Gardening

• • Eliminate Use of Pesticides, Herbicides & Fertilizers

• • Establish “No Mow” Buffer Zones around Wetlands and Waterbodies

• • Minimize Lawn/Turf areas and use Native, Low-Maintenance Plantings

• • Cut Lawns No Shorter than 3” to Establish Deep Roots

• • Rain Barrels Irrigate Gardens while Capturing Pollutants that wash off roofs

• • Use Mulch instead of Impervious Plastic Coverings to Increase Absorption in Bare Areas

• • Plant Terraced or Sloped Rain Gardens to directly Capture Roof Runoff

• • Plant Vegetated Swales to Capture and Treat Stormwater Along Curbs and Roads

• • Reduce Use of Household Chemicals

• • Properly Dispose of Household Chemicals & Pet Waste
    

• • Properly Store, Use and Dispose of Hazardous Chemicals

Bring your Unused Prescription Medications to Barnstable Police Dept’s Take-Back Drug Program Drop-Off Box

One of the most interesting things about the satellite maps that are available through Google Earth and other mapping websites, is how easy it is to see all of the creeks and tributaries that feed Barnstable Harbor.  Water Run-off from properties located both north and south of Route 6A makes it way to the harbor.  Next time you have the opportunity, take a look at a satellite image map, or even an old Barnstable Harbor Navigational chart, and locate your home relative to the creeks that feed that harbor.

Here’s a link to that satellite image

Reduce Watershed Pollutants