R&S Landscaping shares water-wise practices

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. – R&S Landscaping recently took part in a successful free event designed to teach local residents water conservation techniques and stress the importance of watershed stewardship.

“Greening Your Home and Yard with Water-Saving Tools & Techniques,” was presented by Bergen SWAN, the nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Hackensack River watershed, and Pascack Sustainability Group, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the Pascack Valley. The educational program was geared toward local residents interested in learning about the best practices for creating a healthy, green and water-wise residence.

Among the presenters was R&S Landscaping Landscape Designer/Project Manager Mark Gonzales, who focused specifically on the benefits of green roofs. The event also addressed watershed-friendly yard care, minimizing stormwater runoff, conserving resources, saving money and preserving biodiversity. Rain gardens and rain barrels and how they can help prevent pollution were key topics of discussion as well.

An overview on watershed stewardship, stormwater controls and conserving water was presented by Bergen SWAN Co-Directors Lori Charkey and Mark Becker. After viewing the short video, “Rain Gardens: Beautiful Solutions to Water Pollution,” Master Gardener Chris Shankar of Gardens by Chris in Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., explained the techniques involved in rain gardens.

A rain barrel demonstration by Becker followed a video presentation of  “Rain Barrels: Preventing Pollution Starts at Home.” The event concluded with the showing of “Earth Aid: Water Conservation,” a film hosted by actor/environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. and introduced by Louise Sharrer of the Pascack Sustainability Group.

“There are so many things the average homeowner can do to help the environment and this program specifically addressed a number of critical ways we can protect our water,” said Robert Schucker, president of R&S Landscaping and a board member of Bergen SWAN. “This event provided valuable tips and techniques that will enable residents to become more learned stewards of the earth. I’m hopeful they will put some of these methods to use in their homes and backyards.”

Free water conservation products were donated by United Water New Jersey; free literature and reference materials were provided; and a colorful, recently updated rain garden manual was offered for sale.