Better Yards, Better Whitemarsh, Better Planet

Property Recognition Program

Presented by the Whitemarsh Township Environmental Advisory Board

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The planet is facing many environmental challenges. An important part of the solution is to act locally. Every property has the potential to contribute to improving the environment and ecological health of our Township and our planet. Each small, local habitat that is created and maintained contributes to the ecological health and biodiversity of the larger region. By caring for your own property’s habitat, you become part of the answer to today’s environmental challenges. We want to recognize those local property owners who have made the choice to manage their property in ways that contribute to this environmental improvement. 

Keep reading to learn more about the program!

The Grand Vision

A township where residents have become environmental stewards, having been empowered to take meaningful steps to clean the air and water, support native plants and animals, manage water, sequester and store carbon dioxide, create shade, increase biodiversity, and provide beauty. 

This program will help guide and encourage residents to:


  • Plant Native Species
  • Control Invasive Plants
  • Increase Native Habitat
  • Adopt Green Yard Care and Gardening Practices
  • Manage Water
The township will provide education and guidance to residents and property owners about how to achieve these goals. Residents and property owners can apply to be recognized for their actions and to serve as an inspiration to others.

Categories

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Plant Native Species

Native plants are adapted to local growing conditions. They have co-evolved with local wildlife to provide optimal food and habitat. They are the foundation of the food web and are the best choice to provide food and habitat for native animals, insects, and birds.

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Control Invasive Plants

Invasive plants out-compete native plants and take over habitats because they lack their natural predators and pathogens. This reduces the habitat for native plants and wildlife and disrupts the local ecosystem.

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Increase Native Habitats

Native species of plants, animals, insects, and birds are in decline. Properties with native habitats support native species and work together to create a vibrant, biodiverse, local ecosystem.

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Adopt Green Yard Care & Gardening Practices

Practicing sustainable methods in your lawn and gardens will (1) support natural processes; (2) reduce air, water, and soil pollution; (3) prevent the negative effects from gasoline powered equipment; and (4) reduce the negative effects of fertilizers and yard chemicals.

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 Manage Water

The absorption and use of rainwater on site supports plants and recharges groundwater, manages stormwater to minimize the negative effects on the community, local streams and rivers, and the environment, including flooding, erosion, and water pollution from nutrient, chemical, and sediment runoff.

How does the Program work?

Residents and property owners are invited to read the Helpful Documents at the bottom of this page and fill out the Application form. If your property meets or exceeds our sustainability criteria-- by marking 'yes' to at least 65% (28 of 42) of the items below and achieving at least two items in every category-- you are eligible to: receive a certificate, recieve a decorative yard sign, be recognized by the Whitemarsh Board of Supervisors in a public meeting, be highlighted on Whitemarsh Township's social media platforms, and/or have a photo of your property highlighted on the program webpage!

Benefits

Your actions will help: 
  • Clean the air we breathe
  • Clean the water we drink and play in 
  • Conserve water to make sure there is enough for all plants and animals
  • Increase the amount of water that goes into the earth instead of flowing over your property
  • Reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  • Reduce noise pollution
  • Increase the variety and volume of native wildlife that live around us
  • Beautify our community!

Whitemarsh Residents are invited to click here to apply!



Photos of our "Better Yards"!

  1. 1 Photo of Native Wildflowers (1)
  2. 2 Photo of Native Wildflowers (2)

Helpful Documents

If you're as excited as we are, but don't know where to start, or would just like to continue to learn, see below for resources on how to plant gardens, care for trees, and more!

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has a page where you can request help converting your Lawn to Habitat. CLICK HERE for the request form. 
  1. native sPECIES
  2. GREEN lawn care
  3. MANAGE WATER
  4. Habitats

We would love to hear your feedback! Please CLICK HERE to take a very short feedback survey.

If you have any questions, please contact szrillo@whitemarshtwp.org