Suburban/Rural Mid-sized Property Application Properties between .25 acres – 15 acres Watershed-Friendly Property Application - Mid-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?*ResidenceSmall (hobby) farmShared property (e.g. communal property, HOA)SchoolChurchSmall businessMunicipal buildingsOtherResidence 1* Single-family Attached (i.e., apartment, twin, townhouse) Residence 2* Public Private Residence 3* Library Municipal offices Police Department Community center Municipal maintenance Firehouse Park or sport field Size of your property*≤ 0.25 acres0.26 - 0.5 acres0.6 - 1 acres1.1 -5 acres5.1 - 10 acres10.1 - 15 acres≥ 15 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 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. Reduce Stormwater RunoffStormwater runoff is when precipitation from rain and snowmelt flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground.Following major rainfall events, flooding has become a serious concern for many homeowners and communities. If rainwater falls on impervious surfaces (i.e., driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and compacted soil), the water cannot be absorbed by the land where it can be stored and/or released slowly to surface water. This underground water, called groundwater, and the slow flow to surface water bodies is beneficial to humans and the environment. Instead, impervious surfaces cause water to flow to storm drains on or near your property and then into the nearest stream, causing the stream to flood. Too much rainfall in a short period of time can cause flash floods which often result in hazardous conditions which may disrupt our daily lives. Flood events also have the potential to impact the environment. Fast-moving water can change the landscape by eroding the stream banks and change the adjacent ecological habitats. Applicants can make a positive contribution in this category by using best practices to maximize the amount of water absorption on their property and slowing the flow of stormwater from their property. 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, flower beds, container gardens) instead of lawn All Most Some None Property is free of impervious surfaces*Property is free of impervious surfaces (eg hardscaping, brick, tarmac or concrete surfaces) excluding the house and outbuilding roofs. Completely true Somewhat true Somewhat untrue Not at all true Keep storm grates clear of debris*Keep on-property or adjacent storm grates clear of debris Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Rain barrels are drained*Rain barrels are drained between rain events Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Water discharge*Water discharge from sump pumps and/or rain barrels is released onto permeable surfaces such as flower beds or lawns (as opposed to driveway/storm drains) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Downspouts/ rain chains empty into permeable surfaces*Downspouts/ rain chains empty into permeable surfaces (e.g. rain garden) or stormwater collection device (e.g. rain barrels, or downspout planter boxes) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable You have installed on your property - One or more rain garden(s)*One or more rain garden(s) Yes No Vegetated swale(s) or bioswale(s)*One or more vegetated swale(s) or bioswale(s) that are planted with diverse, dense, and native vegetation. Yes No A green roof*A green roof of 100 square feet or larger Yes No The water edge is coveredThe water edge is covered by no-mow and forested riparian buffer zone (also supports wildlife and pollinators). All Most Some None Not applicable A variety of native and non-invasive grassesA variety of native and non-invasive grasses, deep-rooted plants, and trees in the riparian buffer zone along the water (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 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*Maintain good housekeeping practices on the property to eliminate potentially hazardous conditions (e.g.no old cars, motors, batteries, chemicals, paint, etc.) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Dispose/recycle any litter*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 Test soil before applying any amendments*Test soil before applying any amendments (e.g. fertilizer, etc.) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Pick up pet waste immediately*Pick up pet waste immediately and dispose of it properly (eg contain in a compostable bag and directed to a municipal/commercial waste management) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Mulch and/or compost grass clippings*Mulch and/or compost grass clippings; includes leaving clippings on lawn Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Wash cars on grass*Wash cars on grass with non-toxic soap or use commercial car washes Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Manure management program*Maintain and follow a manure management program Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Keep livestock animals away from streams*Keep livestock animals away from streams, rivers or dammed ponds on, or adjacent, to your property Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable Minimize/Eliminate excess nutrients from entering waterbody*Minimize/Eliminate excess nutrients from entering waterbody (e.g. grass clippings, goose excrement, goose access to waterbody, fertilizer) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Do not use herbicides or pesticides on, or near, water*Do not use herbicides or pesticides on, or near, water/riparian area (excluding defined invasive species control programs) Yes No Conserving WaterClean water is essential for every living organism. Whether your water is provided by the local water company or it is pumped from the aquifer under your property, it is not an endless supply. Water shortage concerns are most recognized during drought conditions. Droughts result from the lack of precipitation over extended periods of time. The lack of sufficient rainfall can result in less water reaching the groundwater aquifers, thus lowering the water table and your water supply. Similarly, water levels in surface water bodies such as streams and lakes can also go down, resulting in less habitat for wildlife. During these times, excessive water usage, especially for non-essential use, can further deplete the water resources. Therefore, it is critical to conserve water and allow the natural systems to recharge so that there is always a steady supply. Conserving water should be considered daily, even if there are not drought conditions.Applicants can make a positive contribution in this category by using best practices to conserve water within their household and on their property. 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*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*Monitor and attempt to control invasive plants using ecologically friendly methods Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Minimize/eliminate exposed soil*Minimize/eliminate exposed soil using dense plantings in flower beds/gardens or maintain 3”-4” of mulch to retain moisture and lessen soil loss Always Most of the time Some of the time Never impervious surfaces ( e.g. sweeping)*If impervious surfaces (i.e., driveways, walkways, patio, deck, etc.) required cleaning, non-water options ( e.g. sweeping) are used (Do not use water to regularly clean) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Use a rain gauge*Use a rain gauge to determine when to and how much to water vegetables, flowers and newly planted trees Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable ensure water is not landing on impervious surfaces*When watering vegetable or flower gardens or newly planted trees, ensure water is not landing on impervious surfaces Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable utilize water saving methods*When watering vegetable or flower gardens or newly installed plants, utilize water saving methods (i.e. soaker hoses, drip irrigation systems, targeted watering, early morning or evening watering) Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Utilize captured rainwater*Utilize captured rainwater or gray water to water plants and gardens or clean equipment Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Automatic shut-off systems*Use an automatic shut off systems or self-controlled bucket and hose system to prevent over-watering Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Supporting Wildlife and PollinatorsAs land within a watershed is developed, there becomes less habitat for wildlife, and the balance within ecosystems is disrupted. In an ecosystem, every living organism plays a vital role and interacts with each other as well as with their physical environment. For example, some native birds (i.e., bluebird) eat and feed insects to their young. If a landowner uses non-native plants and insecticides on their property, the likelihood of having a native bird population is lessened. The same is true for many types of wildlife. Some insects (i.e., butterflies) require a specific native host plant to complete their lifecycle. Vegetation (i.e., trees, shrubs, grasses) is also essential to provide shelter and food for wildlife. The importance of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles, and bats, is undeniable. Considering that one-third of the food we eat is dependent on pollinators, it is important to provide a suitable habitat and food supply for them. 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 you and your household follow these best practices for supporting wildlife and pollinators on your property. SUPPORT WILDLIFE AND POLLINATORS: Eradication of invasive insects*Actively participate in the eradication of invasive insects (e.g., Spotted Laternfly) using IPM methods 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 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 on your property Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not applicable You/your family engage in freshwater sports (e.g., boating, fishing, freshwater swimming, tubing, etc.) - Inspect and clean water gear*Inspect and clean water gear (i.e., boots, boats, trailers, swimming equipment, etc.) for invasive species before and after use (e.g., insects and vegetation 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.FileDescriptionCommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.