Press Releases

February 26, 1999
How to Create Bay Friendly Landscapes

Contact:
Jane Finalborgo
Virginia Bennett
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081

On Wednesday, March 10, Save the Peconic Bay's BayKeeper Program and Southampton College of Long Island University are sponsoring an introductory evening on "Bayscaping: How to Create Bay-Friendly Landsapes" from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Southampton College's Duke Lecture Hall. This evening will introduce the new Peconic Yards & Neighborhoods Program developed by Save the Peconic Bay's BayKeeper Program.

The evenings knowledgeable presenters are members of the Peconic Yards & Neighborhoods Leadership Committee, a multi-partner group from the public and private sector who are committed to enlisting homeowners' help in saving the bays through the planning and management of sustainable landscaping. The Peconic Yards & Neighborhoods Program addresses the increasingly serious impacts the nonpoint source pollution is having on the natural resources of the Peconic Estuary. As the population of the East End continues to grow, the subsequent environmental pressures to the fragile ecosystem increase as well. There are thousands of homes within the watershed region that potentially contribute nonpoint source pollution (i.e. stormwater runoff) to the Peconic Estuary. Although each home may contribute a relatively small amount of pollutants, the cumulative effects of stormwater runnoff laden with nutrients, pesticides, pathogens, petroleum products and sediments from upland properties can pose serious threats to the health of the bays.

Save the Bays' BayKeeper, Kevin McAllister will lead off the evening with an introduction to the new comprehensive program. Jim Grimes, Fort Pond Native Plants, will discuss soils and plant selection. Robert Kent from NY Sea Grant will explore irrigation and fertilizer followed by Betsy Perrier's (of Meadows and Woods) consideration of product design. Christopher Pickerell, Wetlands Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, will delve into wetland transitional areas. Jeff Frank, (The Lyceum), will investigate plant health care, while Bio-Dynamic earth care is examined by Steve Storch (Bio-Dynamic Earth Care). Karen Blumer of Reinventing Eden will explain native plant rescue and recycling practices, and Ellen Talmage of Talmage Farms takes a look at the importance of industry marketing. A Question and Answer period and a wine and cheese reception will follow this extensive program with Baymen's Harvest wine donated by Osprey's Dominion Winery.

To register please call Save the Peconic Bay's main office at 765-1766. There is no fee for the evening but seating is limited so reservations are necessary. For more information on Peconic Yards & Neighborhoods Program and how you can create a bay-friendly landscape, call Save the Bays' BayKeeper directly at 765-4145.