Summer’s finally here! As it starts to heat up outside, remember, volunteering is always cool ?Ÿ˜?.
Check out ways to volunteer on your own or with friends.

Let’s make June count!

This month, we would like to highlight Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve for all the hard work their staff and participants put into marking storm drains around Mint Hill! Alejandra F. has done an amazing job highlighting the Storm Drain Marking Program at Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve, resulting in over 100 drains being marked in the area. Storm Drain Marking helps us educate people that our storm drains lead directly to creeks. Any litter or debris that enters a storm drain will impact a nearby waterway.  Thanks for being the solution to pollution, Steven’s Creek Nature Preserve!

You can really have a green lawn by practicing “green” yard care. Extra fertilizers and chemicals in your yard not only waste money but can pollute streams and contribute to algal blooms in lakes and ponds. Here are a few easy ways to practice green yard care at home:
 

• Test your soil every couple of years! Find out how much fertilizer your yard really needs. Check out SoilTesting locations in Mecklenburg County to pick up a free kit.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn for a natural fertilizer.
• Sweep up fertilizer that spills on to the driveway or sidewalks.
• Avoid applying fertilizer on the lawn before heavy rainfall.

For more tips on how to prevent storm water pollution, check out Storm Water’s Educational Resources.

If you plan to go out and enjoy some of the beautiful lakes around Mecklenburg County, it’s important to know that the waters are safe for contact. Orange water could indicate excess sediment, gray water could indicate sewage contamination, and green water could indicate a harmful algal bloom. If you come across any discolored water, please report it to 311. Always remember to wait 72 hours after a rain event to engage in water recreation in our coves. If you would like to be notified of any swim advisories in our area, text MECKNOSWIM to 888-777 to get them sent straight to your phone. We will also be posting updates all summer long on our social media pages (@StormWaterCM).

Visit StormWater.CharMeck.org for more information about stormwater pollution prevention, projects, volunteer programs, and much more!

Notice of Accommodations

Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte are committed to ensuring that our programs, services, and activities are accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternative formats, language access and other reasonable modifications will be provided. To make a request, please contact Taylor Mebane at stormwater@mecknc.gov or 980-402-4206.

Follow us on social media and tag us in your volunteer photos ! @StormWaterCM
 

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