Partner Organizations:

Transcription

1 Partner Organizations: CERTIFICATION BASED ON A SET OF STANDARDS THAT GUIDE PARTICIPANTS THROUGH SELF-AWARENESS, BEHAVIOR CHANGE, AND VOLUNTARY ACTION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): - Group of individuals of differing backgrounds/organizations - Meet 2x a year ntroductions and certifications

2 RIVER-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION: WHERE? Currently focused in the Raritan Basin 6 counties: Hunterdon, Morris, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth & Somerset 4 Watershed Management Areas: Upper Raritan Lower Raritan Stony Brook-Millstone Central Delaware

3 RIVER-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION: WHO? Residents: survey of at-home actions & behaviors Schools: levels of certification based on water/wildlife lessons & projects Business/Golf Course: set of baseline standards plus site-specific actions

4 THINKING DIFFERENTLY Traditional River-Friendly

5 RIVER-FRIENDLY STEPS FOR HOMEOWNERS 1. Water quality management 2. Lawn & garden care 3. Water conservation 4. Wildlife habitat enhancement 5. Education & outreach 6. Septic maintenance

6 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT Goal: Manage stormwater on property to reduce polluted runoff. 1. Install a rain barrel 2. Plant a rain garden 3. Use mulch or groundcovers to cover exposed soil 4. Do not wash your car on the driveway 5. Dispose of chemicals and prescriptions properly! Contact us for a rain barrel workshop or garden evaluation!

7 LAWN & GARDEN CARE Goal: Improve soil health and reduce chemical use. 1. Keep grass at 2-3 inches 2. Limit use of chemicals 3. Leave grass clippings 4. Compost! 5. Convert a portion of your lawn to garden or no mow Non-chemical weed solutions can include: - Vinegar sprays - Boiling water - Hand pulling - Covering - Improve soil health

8 WATER CONSERVATION Goal: Change behaviors that waste water inside and outside. 1. Low flow appliances (EPA WaterSense) 2. Low flow modifications 3. Spray/shut off nozzles on hoses 4. Fix leaks immediately 5. Run dish and clothes washers on full load 6. Shut water off while brushing teeth or shaving Easy low flow modifications include faucet aerators and toilet tank additions such as the Toilet Tummy

9 WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT Goal: Add natural areas with native plants that attract pollinators. 1. Plant native species of plants 2. Remove invasive or non-native plants 3. Install bird houses, bird feeders, and/or bat houses 4. Provide a food source for wildlife, especially pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds! Native Plant Society:

10 EDUCATION & OUTREACH Goal: Educate yourself & spread the River-Friendly message! Share your at-home efforts with friends, family and neighbors Volunteer with local environmental groups Attend cleanups, workshops, classes Show off your sign!!!

11 RESIDENT CERTIFICATION CRITERIA

12 COMPETITIONS Municipal Competition Based on # of certified residents Town will be awarded at the Watershed Annual Meeting as the most River-Friendly municipality Future: expanding to all of central NJ

13 COMPETITIONS Resident of the Year Highlights resident that goes above and beyond in their at-home actions -Certified resident in the watershed -Submit essay -Summary of environmental stewardship -Site visit with Coordinator -Implement at lease one new project focused on one of these categories: stormwater management, lawn & garden care, water conservation or wildlife habitat enhancement. 13

14 REPLICABILITY New program website and materials will bring consistency to the River-Friendly brand Coordinators available to provide technical support and advice We can coordinate any organization that is interested in developing their own programs Cross-Promotion Example Sustainable Jersey is nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs Cross Promotion

15 CURRENT PARTICIPANTS Schools: Bridgewater Raritan High School, Far Hills Country Day School, Holland Brook School, Rutgers Prep, Van Derveer Elementary School, Three Bridges School, Whitehouse School, Princeton Day School, Princeton Junior School, Princeton Friends School, Montgomery High School, The Pennington School, & Chapin School Businesses: Sanofi-Aventis, Raritan Headwaters Association, Raritan Valley Community College, Duke Farms, Johnson & Johnson Information Technology, NJWSA Administration Building, Janssen, Ethicon, New Jersey American Water Raritan-Millstone Treatment Plant, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, Meadow Lakes, Hightstown Housing Authority, Shiseido, Janssen- Titusville, Johnson & Johnson- Skillman, Lawrence Nature Center, & HomeCare Veterinary Clinic. September 29, 2016 Golf Courses: Neshanic Valley, Heron Glen, Warrenbrook, Spookybrook, Quail Brook, Green Knoll & Jasna Polana GARDEN CLUB CONSERVATION CHAIR MEETING 15

16 RIVER-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION: WHY? -Protects natural resources and preserves New Jersey's native landscapes -Reduces costs by decreasing use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides -Lowers operating costs due to decreased use of equipment in no-mow zones and no-spray zones -Creates healthier landscaping -Maintains aesthetics and creates a positive working/school/home environment -Decreases water use -Increases natural habitat and attracts beneficial wildlife -Reduces exposure to pesticides and other chemicals -Promotes a positive relationship between the community and the participant September GARDEN CLUB CONSERVATION CHAIR MEETING 16

17 RIVER-FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION: HOW? Interested participants apply through application found online (thewatershed.org). After application has been submitted, Coordinator will meet with participant at their site. Application From this meeting, Coordinator will introduce baseline standards and review timeline. Certification (TAC) Meeting Participant begins documentation process and selects sitespecific projects. After all baseline standards and site-specific projects are completed, the Technical Advisory Committee will review and either agree to certify or ask for more. Documentation & Projects Standards Review September 29, 2016 GARDEN CLUB CONSERVATION CHAIR MEETING 17