Join A Team Competing in the Natural Lawns for Healthy Soils Challenge are: Watershed Teams Winning watershed teams are those with the highest percentage of households pledging natural lawns, to not put quick release fertilizer or harsh chemicals on established lawns. Taunton River Watershed Team Neponset River Watershed Team Charles River Watershed Team Mystic River…
Finally, we have a president who cares about conservation. The Biden Administration has laid out a bold vision to conserve and restore 30% of our nation’s land and waters by 2030. Biden’s “America the Beautiful” plan sets the first-ever national conservation goal. And not a moment too soon. Our nation’s pollinators and critical ecosystems are…
We need bold legislation that reduces carbon emissions and increases the drawdown of carbon dioxide with photosynthesis. The Ocean Based Climate Solutions Act (HR.8632), a comprehensive bill from Rep. Grijalva that promotes ocean health and resiliency and greens our shorelines, is a good place to start.
Announcing a challenge to restore the ecological function of our grass lawns with healthy soils and a myriad of life in the rhizosphere beneath the turf. Winners are the teams with the highest percentage of households pledging not to spread quick-release fertilizer or harmful chemicals. Teams are scored by total number, by town and by…
The Jerry’s Pond Collaborative Visioning Project A Vision for Community-Building, Safe Public Access for a Renaturalized & Revitalized Pond with Improved Biodiversity for the Enjoyment, Education, and Inspiration of This and Future Generations. We have partnered with the Friends of Jerry’s Pond to launch an internship program. Together, we are speaking out for improvements and…
One of the most consequential impacts of fertilizers is the harm done to our waterways, and the ecosystems which rely on them. When we spread too much fertilizer, the excess enters our streams, lakes, and oceans through groundwater and runoff. The algae inside waterways feed on this excess nitrogen and phosphorus. It forms toxic algal…
Photo: Nutri-lawn Soil compaction is the compression of soil, resulting in reduced airflow and higher density. The mineral salts in fertilizers can cause a compaction layer in soil. A symptom of compaction is visible in ‘sun spills’ in lawns — areas where grass grows poorly due the soil being compacted, leaving the soil exposed to…
ORI has met with 54 MA Conservation Commissions. All agree that only one-half pound of 100% slow-release fertilizer in the fall or spring is the optional maximum for established lawns. Lawns capturing more carbon dioxide and building healthy soils should not need pesticides or herbicides. Spot weeds may be killed by a mixture of one-gallon…
