On Sep 10th, at noon take the first step in joining the growing movement known as the New Jersey Landscape Makeover Program. Learn how planting a small garden on your property can do wonders for local water quality, provide habitat for native pollinators, and turn the ecological desert, often referred to as “lawn,” into your very own miniature nature preserve.
Dr. Christopher Obropta from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Water Resources Program will virtually present Rain Garden 101. In the session, you will learn about the problems created when humans add impervious surfaces (buildings, concrete, asphalt, etc.) to the landscape which in turn leads to a greater volume of pollutant-ridden stormwater runoff. More importantly, you will learn how planting a rain garden on your property can help reduce these negative impacts while maximizing your property’s potential for you and the environment. Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for a rebate of up to $675 (based on square footage). Following the webinar, all participants (regardless of rebate eligibility) will be able to schedule individual design sessions with Rutgers' landscape architects and environmental engineers.*
Grass lawns are no longer the necessary grazing pastures or the fashionable status symbols of aristocracy brought over from Europe. They are an ecological stain begging to be replaced by stunning native perennials, shrubs, and trees. Start taking a more intentional approach to your land on September 10th because, in the end, we all live downstream.
*Rebate eligible participants will be prioritized.