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What You Can Do

10 Things You Can Do for Coastal Wetlands

  • Participate in programs that help protect and restore wetlands. Contact your local, state or federal agencies, community groups, environmental organizations or a non-government organization.
  • Report illegal activity such as filling, clearing, or dumping in wetlands to government authorities, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Army Corps of Engineers.
  • Pick up all litter and dispose in appropriate trash containers. Keep surface areas that wash into storm drains clean of pet feces, toxic chemicals, fertilizers, and motor oil, which eventually reach and impair our wetlands.
  • Plant only native species of trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
  • Use “living shoreline” techniques that make use of plant roots to stabilize soil if you own waterfront property and your shoreline or riverbank needs to be stabilized.
  • Avoid wetlands if you are expanding your home or installing a shed.
  • Use phosphate-free laundry and dishwasher detergents. Phosphates encourage algae growth, which can suffocate aquatic life.
  • Use paper and recycled products made from unbleached paper. Bleached paper contains toxic chemicals that can contaminate water.
  • Use non-toxic products for household cleaning, lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn or garden chemicals on a windy or rainy day, as they will wash into the waterways.
  • Reduce, reuse and recycle household items and waste.