 It's Time to Redirect Your Downspouts
Spring is finally here, and with it comes rain. You have the power to manage all of this rainwater and even utilize it! Think of stormwater as a free irrigation system for your lawn, garden, or other plants. By taking steps to redirect your stormwater runoff, you will protect your home and also keep harmful pollutants out of the Mississippi River! Here are some simple steps you can take to redirect this valuable rainfall:
- Clean your gutters and seal any holes or leaky joints.
- Identify areas on your property that can absorb water, like grassy or vegetated spots. (Avoid spots next to your home’s foundation.)
- Redirect your gutter downspout by pointing it toward a grassy or vegetated area. This can be accomplished easily by adding a flexible downspout extension.
- Think about adding a rainbarrel to your drainage setup. This allows you to save and reuse stormwater that would otherwise run off your property.
 Plant a Tree to Help Protect Water Quality
Would you enjoy a lower energy bill, increased property value and cleaner air and water? Then consider planting a tree — one of the most environmentally conscious actions you can take!
May is Arbor Month, when we celebrate the many benefits of trees. Among them, trees help keep polluted stormwater runoff out of our rivers, lakes and wetlands. In Minneapolis, a single mature tree intercepts an average 1,685 gallons of rainwater each year! Trees divert potential pollutants like fertilizer, pet waste, and leaf litter from flowing into the stormsewer system and into the Mississippi River.
Learn more about selecting, planting and maintaining trees from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Understanding what trees grow best in your area, the intended purpose of the tree, and how to properly care for your tree are all important aspects for a successful planting.
 Master Water Stewards and HeightsNEXT volunteers: (from left) Connie Buesgens, Kathy Johannes, Jane Polley, John Holmberg, Donna Schmitt, Amada Simula, Joe Schluender and Michele Schluender.
This month we salute Master Water Stewards Donna Schmitt, Kathy Johannes, and Mary and John Holmberg, who led an effort to overhaul the Lions Gardens in Columbia Heights by fixing drainage issues, removing invasive species, and planting pollinator-friendly native plants. For their efforts, the Freshwater Society awarded the group a Clean Water Champion Award this month at their annual Ice Out/Loon In Gala.
Tag a Good Neighbor in Your Neighborhood!
We want to recognize those environmental stewards whose good deeds make an impact in protecting our water quality and habitat. We need your help! Show us how you, your friends and neighbors are helping to protect water quality and habitat in your community. It doesn't matter whether you're building a raingarden, picking up trash or adopting a stormdrain.
Just post a photo with the hashtag #MWMOgoodneighbor on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Or, email us at contacts@mwmo.org.
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