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 Municipality*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 and the health of our waterways have become serious concerns 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. These may include: Decreasing the amount of impervious surface on the property. Increasing the amount of vegetated areas with deep-rooted native plants. Including stormwater best management practices, such as rain gardens, in landscaping decisions. Decreasing the amount of mowed lawn that is not required by regulations or regularly used by the applicant. Approximate amounts of land usage may be determined using Google Earth calculation tools, municipal GIS maps, or other resources. Indicate to what extent these best practices for reducing stormwater runoff are installed or practiced on your property. RUN OFF REDUCTION MEASURES: Property is free of impervious surfaces*Property minimizes impervious surfaces (eg hardscaping, brick, tarmac or concrete surfaces) excluding the house, outbuilding roofs, and zoning-required pavement such as sidewalks. Completely true Somewhat true Somewhat untrue Not at all true Property is free of impervious surfaces*Permeable sidewalks, gravel pathways, or hardy non-invasive vegetation are installed for pathways and gathering places (eg patios) instead of impervious surfaces. Completely true Somewhat true Somewhat untrue Not at all true Property is free of impervious surfaces*Approximate amount of mowed lawn that is not required for HOA or municipal requirements, frequent recreation, food cultivation, and other frequent-use activities. 0-15% 16-30% 31-50% 51-75% 76-100% Permeable, no-mow plantings*Aside from frequently used or required mowed areas, remaining vegetated areas of property are permeable, no-mow plantings (i.e., meadow, flower beds, container gardens) instead of mowed lawn. All Most Some None Your property has water on it or adjacent to it: 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 Reducing Water PollutionWater that runs off your property is part of your watershed. What we do and add to our land can be carried to local streams with stormwater runoff. When 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.• Managing lawn and turf grass areas responsibly to avoid excessive application of fertilizers and other lawn amendments. Did you know there is a Pennsylvania Fertilizer Law to help avoid over-application of nutrients? 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, especially near water outlet areas and storm drains.*Minimize or eliminate use of pesticides, especially near water outlet areas and storm drains. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Check all that are true.*Check all that are true. Minimize/eliminate use of salt/ice-melt products. Salt/ice-melt products are safely stored in waterproof locations. Fertilizer is not used as a snow or ice melt. 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 Is fertilizer applied to parts or all of the property?*Is fertilizer applied to parts or all of the property? Yes No 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 Fertilizer is applied using a properly calibrated device designed for fertilizer.*Fertilizer is applied using a properly calibrated device designed for fertilizer. Yes No Not Applicable Fertilizer is only applied during the growing season, preferably in split season application.*Fertilizer is only applied during the growing season, preferably in split season application. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Phosphorus-based fertilizer is only applied to the lawn when repairing or establishing a new lawn, or a phosphorus deficit is indicated by a soil test result within the past three years.*Phosphorus-based fertilizer is only applied to the lawn when repairing or establishing a new lawn, or a phosphorus deficit is indicated by a soil test result within the past three years. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Fertilizer that lands on impervious surfaces is swept back to vegetated surfaces.*Fertilizer that lands on impervious surfaces is swept back to vegetated surfaces. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Fertilizer is stored in a closed, waterproof container that is not subject to leaching or runoff.*Fertilizer is stored in a closed, waterproof container that is not subject to leaching or runoff. Yes No Not Applicable Check all that are true: Fertilizer with Nitrogen (N) is applied to your lawn based on…*Check all that are true: Fertilizer with Nitrogen (N) is applied to your lawn based on… split applications during the growing season. soil test recommendations. Fertilizer Law application rates of <0.9 lbs of total N per 1000 square feet. 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 Your property has water on or adjacent to it: Maintain taller, more dense native grasses and perennial vegetation to discourage goose access to water.*Maintain taller, more dense native grasses and perennial vegetation to discourage goose access to water. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Do not use pesticides on, or near, water/riparian area (excluding defined invasive species control programs).*Do not use pesticides on, or near, water/riparian area (excluding defined invasive species control programs). Yes No Fertilizers are not applied within 15 feet of the banks of waterways (e.g. streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.), riparian areas, storm drains, or drainage ditches.*Fertilizers are not applied within 15 feet of the banks of waterways (e.g. streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.), riparian areas, storm drains, or drainage ditches. 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: Do not plant or purposely tend non-native invasive plants. Link to DCNR Invasive Species list: www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/conservation/wild-plants/invasive-plants.html*Do not plant or purposely tend non-native invasive plants. Link to DCNR Invasive Species list: www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/conservation/wild-plants/invasive-plants.html Always Most of the time Some of the time Never Not Applicable Monitor and attempt to control non-native invasive plants using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and research-based ecologically friendly methods.*Monitor and attempt to control non-native invasive plants using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and research-based ecologically friendly methods. Always Most of the time Some of the time Never 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 Check all that are true:*Check all that are true: Leaves remain undisturbed in at least one area of the property. Garden perennials and grasses remains uncut until late spring. Pollinator larval host plants are included in gardens and/or property. Native plants are blooming on the property or nearby from early spring to late fall. Check all that are true: Property includes…*Check all that are true: Property includes… Native trees Native shrubs Native flowering perennials Native grasses Vegetation - including trees, shrubs, and lawn – at the property is native.*Vegetation - including trees, shrubs, and lawn – at the property is native. 70-100% 50-69% 25-49% 0-24% 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.FileDescriptionEmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.