Whether living, working or playing near the lake, we all love this local treasure- it is part of who we are. I Love Lake is about understanding that we each have an impact on the health of the lake. The lake we all love can have high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen – nutrients that cause algae blooms. No one wants to swim or boat in a lake full of green algae. The good news- algae blooms are pre
ventable. The influx of nutrients into the lake is primarily caused by yard chemicals, lawn clippings, pet waste, and failing septic systems. There are simple actions that you can take as a homeowner to make a difference. If you love Lake Stevens, please consider taking even just one of the following actions. By protecting the lake you will benefit personally by ensuring property values in Lake Stevens continue to increase in value, and you can be assured that boating and swimming is safe for you and your family.
* Practice ‘Grasscycling’- Leave your grass clippings on your lawn or compost them
Lawn clippings are a natural source of fertilizer that can provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to flourish and stay green. Leaving your clippings on the lawn is called ‘grasscycling’. Grasscycling makes your lawn healthier as the soil organisms recycle the clippings into free fertilizer, and you save the energy of bagging. Consider using a mulch mower so you can easily practice grasscycling. When grass clippings are collected and dumped into ditches, or over fences, they can wash into the lake and release nutrients that spur the growth of algae. Don’t want to grasscycle? Put the clippings into your yard waste bin.
* Plant native plants in your yard - https://theplantsale.org
Native plants bring variety and color to your yard that neighbors will be sure to marvel at. With hundreds of flowering varieties, you can be creative when selecting plants. Your yard will stand out amongst the crowd. The green color of your lawn will pop if you add native plants as accents. The berries, seeds, and flowers of native plants attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds that will turn your yard into an oasis. As an added bonus, native plants also protect Lake Stevens. They slow and soak up storm water, filter pollutants, and release the water slowly- preventing drainage issues and flooding in yards and neighborhoods. Contact Snohomish Conservation District about getting Native Plants at a discounted rate, and to learn more about workshops taught by top designers on how to create a yard that you will love, using native plants.
*Eliminate or reduce chemical fertilizer use
Fertilizer is one of the biggest contributors of algae in Lake Stevens. When rain falls on a lawn that’s been fertilized, it often carries some of the nutrients with it as it travels. The same nutrients used to feed a lawn can also cause the rapid growth of algae. If you must use chemical fertilizers, reduce application to once a year and obtain a free soil test from the Snohomish Conservation District to determine what nutrients your lawn needs.
* If you are on a septic system, get your system checked regularly and stay on top of maintenance. Septic system failures can cost you a lot of money in repairs.
* If you are a pet owner, please scoop, bag, and trash the poo so it doesn’t end up in the Lake.
* Go even further by learning about becoming a lake-friendly gardener and apply for the Cascade Award or nominate a neighbor. Learn more at http://ilovelake.org.
