Large-sized Property Application Watershed-Friendly Property Application - Large-sized lot 12345 Property Owner InformationProperty Owner's Name* Applicant's Name (if different from Property Owner) Property Address:* Street Address City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code County*AdamsAlleghenyArmstrongBeaverBedfordBerksBlairBradfordBucksButlerCambriaCameronCarbonCentreChesterClarionClearfieldClintonColumbiaCrawfordCumberlandDauphinDelawareElkErieFayetteForestFranklinFultonGreeneHuntingdonIndianaJeffersonJuniataLackawannaLancasterLawrenceLebanonLehighLuzerneLycomingMcKeanMercerMifflinMonroeMontgomeryMontourNorthamptonNorthumberlandPerryPhiladelphiaPikePotterSchuylkillSnyderSomersetSullivanSusquehannaTiogaUnionVenangoWarrenWashingtonWayneWestmorelandWyomingYorkPhone Number*Your phone number will only be used if it's necessary to contact you regarding your application.Email Address* Type of PropertyWhat type of property do you wish to certify?*ResidenceFarmShared property (e.g. communal property, HOA)SchoolChurchBusinessState or Municipal PropertyHospital/CenterInstitutionOtherResidence* Single-family Attached (i.e., apartment, twin, townhouse) Farm size* Small hobby farm Large farm School* Public Private Business* Small business Apartment Complex Office Complex Large business Municipal* Library Municpal Offices Police department Community center Maintenance Firehouse Park or sport field Please specify:* Size of your property*15-25 acres25-50 acres50-100 acres100+ acresDoes your property have a pond/lake or stream/creek/river on or adjacent to it?* Yes No Do you have livestock animals on your property (chickens, ducks, sheep, cattle/cows, horses, etc)?* Yes No Is your property currently assessed a stormwater fee from the local municipality?* Yes No WatershedsIn what LARGE watershed is your property located?* (e.g.,Perkiomen Creek)In what MAJOR watershed is your property located?*DelawareErieGeneseeOhioPotomacSusquehannaIf you do not know your LARGE watershed, please visit (https://mywaterway.epa.gov) here • Under “Let’s Get Started,” type in the address of the property to be certified and click “Go” • The next screen will have a map of your watershed on the left and data on the right. At the top of the right-hand section is the property address. Directly underneath the address is the LARGE watershed. Reducing Stormwater RunoffStormwater runoff is when precipitation from rain and snowmelt flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground.It is very important to reduce the amount of rainwater and snowmelt (i.e., stormwater) that runs off your property. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and compacted soil do not absorb water. Because impervious surfaces are usually large, a lot of water builds up and moves quickly over them. This water typically runs into the storm drains on or near your property and then into the nearest stream, causing the stream to become overwhelmed. When a stream receives too much water, flash floods in addition to streambank and streambed erosion takes place, changing the landscape of the waterway and its surrounding area. Fast moving water and changing habitat makes it very difficult for fish, plants, and other organisms living in and around the stream to survive. In this category, land owners commit to ensuring their property and behaviors are designed to slow the flow of water and maximize water absorption. Indicate to what extent these best practices for reducing stormwater runoff are installed or practiced on your property. RUN OFF REDUCTION MEASURES: Permeable, no-mow plantings*Permeable, no-mow plantings (i.e., meadows, forest restoration, riparian buffers) instead of lawn All Most Some None Permeable, no-mow plantings*Downspouts/ rain chains empty into permeable surfaces (e.g. rain garden, bioswale, lawn) or on-site stormwater collection device(s) (e.g., rain barrels, cisterns) All Most Some None Permeable, no-mow plantings*Water discharge from sump pumps and/or rain barrels is released onto permeable surfaces such as beds, retention basins or lawns (as opposed to driveway/storm drains) All Most Some None Permeable, no-mow plantings*Impervious surfaces are minimized on the property (e.g., hardscaping, brick, tarmac, or concrete surfaces) excluding the house or main building and outbuilding roofs All Most Some None Stormwater retention basins have been naturalized to include native plants for water quality improvement*Stormwater retention basins have been naturalized to include native plants for water quality improvement All Most Some None Keep storm grates clear of debris*Keep storm grates clear of debris Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Stormwater basins are regularly inspected*Stormwater basins are regularly inspected Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Rain barrels or cisterns are drained between rain events*Rain barrels or cisterns are drained between rain events Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable You have installed on your property - Established property rain gardens, bioswales and/or infiltration zones*Established property rain gardens, bioswales and/or infiltration zones <100 sq ft 100-500 sq ft 500-1000 sq ft >1000 sq ft Not Applicable What is a Bioswale?Bioswales, sometimes also called vegetated swales, are contoured land areas or ditches covered in plants. They are designed to collect stormwater runoff and move it away from areas where it can't soak into the ground, such as a road, parking lot, or rooftop. Some look like straight channels, and others like meandering natural streams. Vegetated swales are typically planted with native plants, but sometimes they are covered in only turfgrass. They are often constructed with specialized soils that can naturally treat stormwater runoff. Sometimes barriers called check dams are constructed across the swale to slow water movement into pools and increase infiltration during larger storm events. Bioswales are aesthetically pleasing and can be installed instead of underground storm sewers or as part of a larger stormwater system. A green roof*A green roof of 100 square feet or larger Yes No Your property has water on it or adjacent to it: A variety of native and non-invasive grasses*A variety of native and non-invasive grasses, deep-rooted plants, and trees are planted in the riparian buffer zone along the water (also supports wildlife and pollinators.) All Most Some None Not applicable The water edge is covered*The water edge is covered by no-mow and forested riparian buffer zone (also supports wildlife and pollinators). All Most Some None Not applicable Reducing Water PollutionWhen fertilizers and pesticides are used outdoors (ie., applied to lawns and yard areas), it is important to remember that these chemicals have the potential to be mobilized by rainfall. Stormwater runoff can mobilize soil particles, debris, and chemicals (ie., fertilizers and residual pesticides) from the ground’s surface to nearby streams. In some cases, excess nutrients such as nitrates from fertilizers can filter down through the soil to groundwater, thus potentially impacting the quality of the groundwater as well as nearby surface water. The addition of these chemicals to groundwater and surface water may be harmful to human health and the environment, therefore it is important to protect these water resources. Applicants can make a positive contribution in this category by using best practices to ensure that water resources are not being potentially impacted. These may include: • Minimizing the use of herbicides and pesticides; and if they are used, carefully reading the instructions on the label• Properly disposing of unused chemicals and maintaining good housekeeping practices on your property.Indicate to what extent you practice the following behaviors for reducing water pollution from your property. WATER POLLUTION REDUCING BEHAVIORS: Minimize or eliminate use of pesticides and herbicides*Minimize or eliminate use of pesticides and herbicides Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Test soil before applying any amendments (e.g., fertilizer, lime, etc.)*Test soil before applying any amendments (e.g., fertilizer, lime, etc.) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Sweep soil amendments (e.g., fertilizer, lime, etc.) and grass clippings off of impervious areas (i.e., sidewalks, driveways, street, etc.)*Sweep soil amendments (e.g., fertilizer, lime, etc.) and grass clippings off of impervious areas (i.e., sidewalks, driveways, street, etc.) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Minimize/Eliminate use of salt/ice-melt products*Minimize/Eliminate use of salt/ice-melt products Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Maintain a property that is hazardous-waste free (e.g., no old cars, motors, batteries, chemicals, paint, etc.)*Maintain a property that is hazardous-waste free (e.g., no old cars, motors, batteries, chemicals, paint, etc.) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Wash cars or equipment on grass with non-toxic soap or use commercial car washes*Wash cars or equipment on grass with non-toxic soap or use commercial car washes Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Pick up and properly dispose/recycle any litter in yards, on sidewalks, and on streets*Pick up and properly dispose/recycle any litter in yards, on sidewalks, and on streets Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Mulch and/or compost plant materials*Mulch and/or compost plant materials Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Native trees or meadow installation(s) are added to the property: Lawn-to-tree or Lawn-to-meadow installations:* < 1 acre 1-5 acres 5-10 acres 10-15 acres > 15 acres Estimated percentage of coverage of whole property (trees or meadow):* 10% 25% 50% 75% 100% Septic systems or Advanced on-site wastewater treatment systems on the property are regularly maintained* True False Not Applicable You have livestock animals on your property: Keep pets /livestock animals away from streams, rivers or dammed ponds on or adjacent to the property* Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Appropriate use of herbicides or pesticides on or near water or riparian area (excluding defined invasive species control programs)* True False Not Applicable There is stream restoration on the property (Cross vanes, flood plain reconnection, stream bank restoration)* True False Not Applicable There are pond/lake pollution reduction practices such as floating islands on the property* True False Not Applicable Construction activities have proper erosion & sedimentation controls in place* True False Not Applicable Dirt and gravel roads on the property are properly maintained* True False Not Applicable Conserving WaterWater usage impacts the entire water system. Choosing property and location appropriate native vegetation means less water is needed for adequate vegetative growth, and then more water is available to slowly recharge groundwater systems and streams, which ultimately ensures an adequate supply of water to support stream wildlife. Using less treated potable water for irrigation creates less demand on water supplies, allowing more water to remain in its original natural state. In this category, land owners commit to ensuring their property and behaviors are designed to conserve water. Indicate to what extent you follow these best practices for conserving water on your property. WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES: Allow lawns to be watered only by rain*Allow lawns to be watered only by rain (Do not water lawn) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Plant variety of native plants*Primarily plant a variety of native plants in gardens which require less water once established; Do not plant invasive plants (also supports wildlife and pollinators) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Monitor/control invasive plants*Remove invasive plants (also supports wildlife and pollinators) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Minimize/eliminate exposed soil*If impervious surfaces (i.e., driveways, walkways, patio, deck, etc.) required cleaning, non-water options (e.g. sweeping) are used Always Most of the time Some of the time Never impervious surfaces ( e.g. sweeping)*Utilize soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems in gardens Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Use a rain gauge*Utilize captured rainwater to water plants and gardens Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable ensure water is not landing on impervious surfaces*Use an automatic shut off systems to prevent over-watering Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Supporting Wildlife and PollinatorsInsects, animals, plants, and trees are important components of the local ecosystem. One-third of the food we eat depends upon a pollinator. Animals of all types eat insects, use vegetation to live in and avoid predators, and eat the bounty many plants and trees produce. As more land is developed, there is less habitat for insects, pollinators, wildlife, and native plants. Direct sunlight on waterways can raise the stream water temperature beyond appropriate levels for optimal growth of aquatic life. In this category, land owners commit to ensuring their property and behaviors are designed to support the local ecosystem including insects, pollinators, wildlife, in addition to native plants and trees. Applicants can make a positive contribution in this category by providing/creating habitat on their property to support and benefit wildlife and pollinators. Indicate to what extent your property is managed to support wildlife and pollinators. SUPPORT WILDLIFE AND POLLINATORS: Eradication of invasive insects*Actively participate in the eradication of invasive insects (e.g., Spotted Laternfly) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Let leaves sit* Let leaves sit and vegetation stand through winter months to provide food and shelter Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Brush pile*Maintain a brush pile or dead wood (provides shelter) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Provide a water source*Provide a water source such as a bird bath or small fountain if there is no water on or near your property. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable If your property has water on it or adjacent to it:- Shaded areas*Maintain and/or increase shaded areas by bodies of water Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Remove invasives*Remove invasive plants from water, streambanks, and in the riparian buffer zone Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Inspect and clean water gear*Recreational equipment cleaning required for boats and equipment before launching Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Inspect and clean water gear*Cleaning stations are available to remove and dispose of plant and animal materials before leaving the waterbody Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable How did you hear about the Watershed-Friendly Property program and application?*Did you make any changes to your property and practices in order to qualify for this certification?* Yes No Please attach 1 to 3 photos of the watershed-friendly features on your property. Please limit uploads to files no greater than 500kb. By submitting a photo(s), you grant Nurture Nature Center and the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program permission to use or reproduce the photographs in publications intended for educational use and outreach related to the Watershed-Friendly program and other general programming and outreach (including but not limited to printed publications, web pages and web-based publications, outreach materials and displays). PhotosPhoto 1Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.FileDescriptionPhotosPhoto 2Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.FileDescriptionPhotosPhoto 3Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.FileDescriptionEmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.