Downtown Development Authority
OAKLAND COUNTY - MICHIGAN

Environment

2008 Clinton River Watershed & Environmental Events

The Lake Orion area is important to our regional water systems.  There are many things you can do to help maintain our clean water.

• Tip #1 – Stormwater
• Tip #2 – Household Hazardous Waste
• Tip #3 – Fertilizer
• Tip #4 – Native Landscaping
• Tip #5 – Lawn Care
• Tip #6 – Pet Care
• Tip #7 – Car Care

Clinton River Watershed Map

Current Events in Your Watershed

OCDC 24-hour Hotline – 248-858-0931

The Oakland County Drain Commissioner has partnered with the Oakland County Department of
Public Safety to offer a 24-hour hotline for the reporting of potential storm sewer problems. 
Please call this number if you witness any of the following: 

• Leaky septic systems
• Suspicious dumping
• Dead or stressed fish or animals
• An unusual or suspicious discharge in a catch basin or waterway
• Dumping of animal wastes
• Runoff from storage piles

There are many ways you can help stop pollution from entering our waterways through the local storm sewers, by:

1. Becoming more aware of what may be causing storm water pollution in your area, through
   City newsletters, City and local websites and getting involved in the community.
2. Reporting to your municipal officials:
   • Any dumping of inappropriate materials (i.e. oil or antifreeze) into storm water drains
   • Construction sites that do not have erosion or sediment controls
   • Suspicious looking materials or discoloration from storm sewers or in local streams, lakes or rivers.
     
     
3. Using good housekeeping practices with lawn care chemicals, oil, gasoline, pet wastes, etc.
4. Helping to start or participating in programs to recycle and safely dispose of used oil and
   household hazardous wastes and containers.
5. Telling others about pollution from storm water runoff and what they can do to help. 

2008 Environmental & Clinton River Watershed Council Events

May 12 - Protecting Water Quality Workshop
Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Meeting Room
4393 Collins Rd., Rochester
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

June 7 - River Day – All Across the Watershed;
National Trails Day in Lake Orion at Children's Park

River Day 2008 - Saturday, June 7

Moose Tree Preserve,
Lake Orion Schools adjacent to Webber School

Venture out into our swamps to explore many microorganisms that call our Clinton River Watershed home. 

 To register: call or email Jen Klein, 248-391-3649, jklein@lakeorion.k12.mi.us

September 13 - Clinton Clean-Up – All Across the Watershed

“Grass Roots Approach” to a Healthy Lawn

Roots take up nutrients and water from the soil and carry these materials to the grass blades where the “food” for the plant is made.  Roots store carbohydrates which “fuel” the growth of the grass plant throughout the year.

Follow these steps to promote healthy root development:

1. Mow Regularly – Mulch Your Grass Clippings
Mulch your grass clippings for a green, earth-friendly lawn. Cut high, leaving 3 inches on the grass blade.  Tall grass promotes root growth and shades out weeds. Let the short clippings fall back into the lawn.  Clippings are a source of nitrogen, so fertilizer can be reduced by 25% or more.  

2. Check the Organic Matter in Your Soil
The organic matter component of the soil should be 5% or greater, providing a natural reservoir of nutrients and water to support healthy root development.  To build organic
matter, rake compost or mow dry leaves into the lawn.

3. Water the Lawn to Minimize Stress
A green lawn in Michigan needs .5 to 1.5 inches of water per week.  
Light, frequent watering which reaches the roots of the grass is
recommended by MSU researchers.

4. Select Earth-Friendly Fertilizers
Earth-friendly fertilizers are products which meet specific criteria.
• 50% or more of the nitrogen in slow-release form
• Low or no phosphorus
• Pesticide free (no weed-and-feed)

This Spring Go Native!

This spring, consider installing native plants to create diversity in your home landscape.  Native plants, by definition, are plants that existed in the Great Lakes region prior to the arrival of European settlers. They contribute to the rich and productive relationships among plants, animals, insects and microorganisms in natural ecosystems such as woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.

Native shrubs contribute to the natural environment in important ways:

• Natural vigor: When properly planted, native shrubs adapt well to the variable weather conditions of Southeast Michigan.
• Resistance to pests and diseases: Once established, native shrubs are often resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.
• Filtering air pollutants: Wildflowers and tall grasses trap pollutants on their leaves and stems.  Wildflowers which may grow 2 or 3 feet tall are more efficient at trapping pollutants than turfgrass.  Once pollutants are trapped by vegetation, they are less likely to run off into streams and rivers.
• Water quality enhancement through soil stabilization: Some native plants and shrubs colonize disturbed habitats, holding soil in place and protecting soil from excessive drying.  Natives absorb nutrients which might otherwise run off into waterways and provide suitable conditions for other plants – including the next generation of trees.
• Reduction in fertilizer use: When soils are enriched with compost or other types of organic matter, additional fertilizer may not be needed. Rather than guessing, test your soil for nutrients.  Call Oakland County MSU Extension at: 248-858-0902 for more information. 
• Habitat for birds, insects, and other beneficial wildlife: Native plant communities provide food, shelter and hiding places for birds, butterflies, insects and other beneficial wildlife.

Every Drop Counts: Water Saving Tips At Home
Did you know that we use about 77 gallons of water each day per person?  A few simple changes can make a big difference. 

• Repair leaks – Dripping faucets and leaky toilets can waste over 2,000 gallons of water each year. 
• Replace old showerheads – Low flow showerheads can save 3 gallons per minute. 
• Run full loads – Running laundry machines and dishwashers when full instead of multiple smaller loads. 
• Consider water efficiency – When purchasing new laundry machines or dishwashers, consider water efficient models.  They use up to 40% less water per year. 
• Turn off water – When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn the water off in the sink.