Large or small, your property has an impact on the environment. That’s because, collectively, yards account for a great deal of land in Lake County. So the actions taking place on them have significant consequences for our lakes, streams and native ecosystems. Here are two simple steps you can take to help.

• Reduce your use of fertilizer and other chemicals. Rainwater carries a surprising amount of lawn fertilizer through storm sewers into lakes and streams. There it can collect in such high amounts that algae blooms, oxygen loss and fish die-offs occur. Also, weed killers and pesticides can sometimes harm songbirds, frogs and other wildlife.

• Incorporate native species into your garden. Gardening with native plants reduces the introduction of species that can wreak havoc with native ecosystems. Also, it provides the gardener with beautiful plants that stand up well to droughts and hard winters, and attract butterflies and songbirds. Request information from the Lake-to-Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones at 847.548.1650.

If you’re an avid gardener or simply wish to further increase your land’s contribution to your neighborhood’s health, you might also want to consider the beauty and benefits of a small rain garden. Request information from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission at 847.377.2000.