Office of Drain Commissioner

• Try to minimize lawn/turf areas and use native, low maintenance plantings.
• Smart native choices for Michigan Landscapes
• Butterfly gardens
• Riparian owner’s guidebook for watershed management
• Michigan Low Impact Development Guide
• Article on Green Infrastructure Water Management
• NOAA Article - Protecting Coastal Habitats
• Lawn Care problems and solutions
• Services - Michigan Natural Features Inventory (msu.edu)

WMU Water Resources

If you live close to a lake, wetland or any other body of water, establish a “no mow” zone around the edges like pictures above at Goldsworth Valley Pond on WMU’s campus.

Permeable concrete paving website

Use more porous materials for your driveway, paths etc. This will help reduce the rate of runoff and increase absorption. Consider using alternative driveway/sidewalk materials (grass pavers, mulch, gravel, swept sand pavers, uncemented brick, or pervious concrete) or simply reduce the surface area of your driveway or sidewalk. 

Composting at home can also help your yard become more nutrient dense and water friendly without using synthetic fertilizers!

Home composting information