MRAction
As a result of the
Magothy Watershed
Conference held in
January, 2009, several
committees were formed
including one whose
primary focus is
education and action.
Individual land based
actions are the key to
preventing pollution
before it reaches the
River.
As Franklin said, "An
ounce of prevention
equals a pound of cure."  
Please don't forget this
and don't fail to take
"MRAction".
Magothy
River   
Action
We have met the enemy and he is us.

Things we can do to
help the Magothy River.
The Magothy River
Association
To the MRA Home Page
Magothy River Action Item
Proper Fertilizer Use
Many homeowners give their lawn more fertilizer than it can use.  The
University of Maryland's Cooperative Extension Service says, "About one-half
of excessive or mis-applied nitrogen fertilizer enters surface water fairly
quickly as runoff from hard surfaces, lawns and gardens. The other half travels
for at least 10 years through soil and underground water before it eventually
enters the Chesapeake Bay.  So mistakes in measuring and applying fertilizers
today can contribute to nutrient pollution problems many years in the future".   
 
In the Magothy Watershed, the great majority of fertilizer runoff is from
residential lawns.  Just as nitrogen feeds your lawn, the runoff feeds algae in
the River, causing cloudiness that prevents sunlight from reaching
underwater grasses.  As grasses die, key habitats for fish and crabs are lost.  
As algae dies, huge numbers of microorganisms use up oxygen while feeding
on the algae.  Lack of oxygen equals a bad day if you're a fish.  Swimming in a
high algae, low oxygen environment isn't so great for humans either.
Other links to helpful sites.
Having your soil tested and applying the right amount of fertilizer at the proper times can have a
major impact on the health of our River. You can collect your own soil sample and send it out for
testing for about $15 or less. This is recommended every 3 to 4 years. The links immediately
below provide full details on how to do this and give a selection of testing labs.  




If you decide not to test your soil, consider using less fertilizer than before and switch to slow
release products.  At the very least, spend a few  minutes reviewing some of the links provided
here.  You may find that your lawn, and the Magothy River, is better served by less back
breaking work on your part.  You don't have to live on waterfront property either, to make a real
difference.  Most of us living in the Magothy River area are only a few minutes away, on foot,
from a Magothy stream or gully.   The storm drains in your neighborhood most certainly send
water straight into the Magothy.  Really particular about your lawn?  Just can't bear changing
your lawn habits.  Do only what you are comfortable doing, but watch for future monthly tips and
start helping in other ways.
The Magothy River Association - Protecting and Preserving the Magothy River - Since 1946
Get Your Soil Tested
Proper Fertilizer Use
T h e    P r o b l e m    i n    a    N u t s h e l l
T h e    S o l u t i o n    -    a t    l e a s t    i n    p a r t
Ask a neighbor
to join you in
MRAction  
of some kind.  
Tell them and
others about
this webpage
and build some
momentum
toward a cleaner
River.

Thank you.