We Plymouth residents care about our ponds and shorelines. But when it comes to caring for our own yards, do we think about how our choices affect the water nearby?
Many of our local ponds are experiencing ‘a monster of green’ – harmful cyanobacteria blooms. These are fueled in part by fertilizers and other nutrients that wash into the water from nearby properties. These blooms can make ponds unsafe for swimming, fishing, and other recreation, and they can pose health risks to people, pets, and wildlife.
The good news is that every homeowner can make a difference! A few simple changes to how you care for your yard can help protect our ponds while keeping your landscape beautiful and thriving. Learn how at a free public forum hosted by the Plymouth Stewardship Alliance on August 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Wildlands Trust’s Plymouth headquarters.
Local experts will share practical, easy-to-follow advice on creating an attractive yard that also protects nearby ponds. You'll learn how to choose plants that thrive in our area, care for them effectively, and use fertilizer wisely to eliminate runoff. You'll also learn how excess nutrients contribute to algae growth and harmful cyanobacteria blooms, hear from neighbors about the challenges these blooms have created in their communities, and discover how one Plymouth pond recovered after residents worked to reduce its nutrient load. Leave with practical ideas you can use to help keep our ponds healthy for everyone.
The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Come join us!
Registration closes on Friday, August 21 at 12 PM. Want to sign up after registration closes? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org
Parking:
Meet at Wildlands Trust’s Conservation Barn at Davis-Douglas Farm, 675 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA 02360.
Parking is available along the gravel road. Then walk up the gravel walkway to meet us inside the barn.
From Route 3: Take Exit 7 (old Exit 3) and head southwest on Clark Road. Turn left at the intersection onto Long Pond Road. Turn sharp right into Wildlands Trust’s headquarters at Davis-Douglas Farm.
What to Wear & Bring:
Dress in layers as we will be inside
You are welcome to bring an outside drink or food
What to Expect:
Discussion of fertilizers and water resources
A chance for informed community engagement
Restrictions:
All ages are welcome
Maximum 70 attendees
Programs are weather permitting. Cancellations and postponements due to weather will be announced online and registered attendees will be notified via email.
Questions? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org