Plant More Plants campaign takes root

More than two dozen landscapers and nearly a dozen nurseries in the Chesapeake Bay area are taking part in a new initiative called Plant More Plants.

The environmental awareness campaign has taken root in the Richmond, Baltimore, Washington and Hampton Roads regions. Plant More Plants, led by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), with a number of other Chesapeake Bay Program partners in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, aims to encourage homeowners to “plant more plants” as a way to mitigate stormwater runoff and erosion and ultimately help improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

The message to homeowners is simple and encourages behavior they are already predisposed to do; by planting more plants, they not only improve their lawns, they also help protect an important resource – the Chesapeake Bay. The largest estuary in the United States, the Bay is a complex ecosystem that, along with its connecting waterways, provides habitat, food and protection for diverse groups of animals and plants. However, water quality in the Bay is poor, and the delicate ecosystems that exist within it are at risk.

“The real message behind this campaign is that we all take actions that impact the health of our local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. So why not take actions that are fun and improve our yards and homes as well as local streams and the Bay? Plant More Plants helps show you how,” said Gary Waugh, coordinator of the Plant More Plants campaign and public relations manager at the Virginia DCR.

By planting native trees, shrubs and perennials, homeowners can help filter stormwater and prevent runoff. Plant More Plants aims to put a spotlight on this issue, partner with industry organizations and advocates, educate consumers on ways they can help and provide Bay-friendly solutions and resources for homeowners as they seek to enhance their curb appeal.

Local landscaping companies and nurseries are assisting homeowners looking for professional help while participating in the campaign.

For more information on the campagin and to find ways you can get involved, go to www.plantmoreplants.com.