Thinking of Taking a Dip in the Bay?
Think Again...
Recent articles in The Capital and the Washington Post highlighted the risks of exposure when in contact with the Bay's waters to elevated bacteria levels and pollution, especially 48 hours after a rain storm.
Rain storms cause run-off which carry pollutants like bacteria (e.g., pet waste is a large source in our area), nitrogen/phosphorus (e.g., lawn and garden fertilizer are a large source in our neighborhoods) into the Bay.
So please think twice if you or your pets want to take a dip in the Bay, and its rivers and creeks to cool off this summer!
And please pick up your pet's waste and don't fertilize your lawn if you want to do your part to reduce pollution you generate from going into our Chesapeake Bay!
Think Spring! Do Something Good for the Environment!
Order your rainbarrel today!
Did you know…
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The first inch of run-off is the most toxic for the environment. Run-off is the rain water that runs off your roof and the pavement, which mixes with pollen, shingle particles, motor oil, debris, etc. This debris can be harmful when it reaches our creeks and the Bay because the water carries sediment and chemicals.
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One rain barrel can hold 55 gallons of run-off from your roof.
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You can attach one or multiple rain barrels to each downspout.
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You can use rain barrel water to water your lawn and garden as well as indoor plants!
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You can even use the water to wash your car!
Arundel on the Bay residents are invited to join in the Oyster Harbor rain barrel sale currently underway. Rain barrels sell for $60 per barrel (regularly $80) or $70 if you'd like a spigot attached. To order your rain barrels in time for Earth Day (April 22nd), contact Norm MacLeod at nhmacleod@verizon.net.
Please include your name and how many rain barrels you are ordering. Checks can be made payable to Arlington Echo. The order deadline is Friday, March 19. You will be contacted via e-mail when they arrive!
Rain Garden Planting in Oyster Harbor
Saturday, Dec. 19, was planting day, and well, there was so much snow, the plants just couldn't be found! The faithful crew did their best on Friday, Dec. 18, to get as much in the ground until o’dark thirty in the evening. They had a fun, even if a strenuous day. Work will resume when the weather gets more reasonable. Read more and see the photos.
Our neighbors need help to construct a major Bioretention Cell/Swale - Rain Garden system in the wetlands area that affects Fishing Creek. This is Phase 1 of multiple phases to restore a wetland area and mitigate storm water runoff issues destroying Fishing Creek.
The cell will infiltrate 1,495 cubic feet of runoff a day, and will deal with a 1.75-inch storm, giving an infiltration runoff volume reduction of over 38%.
Tasks include:
1. Move biosoil mix into excavated bioswale and biocell (didn't have enough money for contractor to do it). Lots of wheel-barrowing! 2.
Plantiung of 700 native trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns, grasses. 3.
Complete biocell diaphragm, intakes, and overflow systems.
Wear old clothes, boots, gloves, - it's messy. Bring tools, wheelbarrows, if you have them.
Directions: From Arundel-on-the-Bay Road heading east, turn right onto Harbor Road. Go one block and make a right onto Creek Drive. Go a block to the work site on the right at Boris home, 1262 Creek Drive.
For more info: Contact Kim 410 280-0434, Norm 410 268-7911, or Mel 410 271-5546.
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Help Plant the new Arundel-on-the-the-Bay Entrance Gardens
November 21 date postponed due to weather. The ground is too wet to plant. A new date will be announced soon.
We will need many hands to help plant the native flowers, small plants, and small shrubs that will make up our new entrance rain gardens.
It will be fun and a great way to get to know your neighbors.
In the process you will learn about native plants and how beneficial rain gardens are to filtering stormwater, thereby helping to keep pollution out of our creeks. Read more about rain gardens.
All adults and children living in AOTB are welcome to participate.
Bring garden gloves, shovels, hand spades, and plan to have some good fun with your neighbors!
Refreshments provided to all volunteers!
Information: Becky Morris at 410 626-1437 or becke33247@comcast.net.
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New Dog Waste Stations
Our community has a new amenity added during the month of July 2009. Six new pet waste stations, complete with bags to pick up waste and a receptacle to throw away the used bags, have been installed. Our neighbor, Julie Winters, created the pet waste stations as part of her Watershed Steward class. There are many benefits that come with the use of these new pet waste stations. Pet owners will be more able to pick up and toss waste from their dogs during walks around our scenic neighborhood as a courtesy to everyone. Also it is very important to Scoop The Poop For Better Water Quality! Read more.
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Mosquitoes 101:
What You Need to Know
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Rain Gardens
Do you have standing water on your property after heavy rainfall? Consider using Mother Nature to drain the water away in a manner that is friendly to our environment: build a rain garden!
A rain garden is an area in your garden that contains an indentation or dip to collect rain and melting snow allowing it to seep naturally into the ground. The garden collects not only the water but also any pollutants it carries such as oil from cars and lawnmowers and pesticides.
A well-designed rain garden will drain in a day, so mosquito larvae will not have a chance to hatch.
Native plants are the best choice for rain gardens and local nurseries can help you get started.
Here are some informative web links:
