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Tips for Autumn
Steve Tonn, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension in Douglas/Sarpy Counties Educator

As autumn approaches, many activities take place that can impact the water quality of the Omaha lakes and streams. Individual actions by each one of us can make a difference in improving and protecting these water resources.

Keep leaves, grass clippings, litter, and debris out of the street, gutter and storm drains. Storm drains go directly into lakes and streams. This means that the water is untreated. Whatever is in the gutters washes directly into the lakes and streams and is a source of pollution. You’ve heard it before—grass clippings contain valuable nutrients and can provide up to 25 percent of your lawn’s fertilizer needs. Leave them on the lawn, not in the gutter. When making fall applications of fertilizer to lawns, avoid getting it on the sidewalk, driveway or in the street where it can wash directly into the storm sewers. Sweep the product back onto the lawn where it can be of benefit. Omaha metro area lakes and streams don’t need any more nutrients! The fall months bring fall landscaping, construction projects and rain. Bare soil that is exposed to the erosive forces and can run off into ditches and gutters, and ultimately into lakes and streams. Strategies to consider are to minimize the time the soil is exposed, plant a fall cover crop such as rye or put up a silt fence that allows water—but not soil particles—to pass. Silt fence is not just of use on large construction projects. It can be purchased in home and garden stores for homeowner use. If autumn is garage cleaning season for you, take care to properly dispose of any materials you no longer need. Do not dump into storm drains. Take paints, solvents, cleaners and pesticides to the Douglas/Sarpy Counties Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (call 444-7465 for an appointment) or find a friend or neighbor who can make proper use of the material.

Finally get involved and let your opinion be known. Join a lake watershed council. Established lake watershed councils exist for Standing Bear Lake, Zorinsky Lake, Cunningham Lake, Carter Lake, Walnut Creek and Lake Candlewood. Contact Steve Tonn, at the Douglas/Sarpy Counties Extension Office at 444-4237 or email Steve Tonn for more information.

Protecting local lakes and streams requires local interest and involvement. Autumn is a great time to be outdoors- take time to observe your local lakes and streams and see what you can do to protect them.

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