Wednesday, Apr. 6, 2005

Lawn care workshop coming to S. Fulton

Having a lawn that is both green and “green” is not hard if you follow a few simple practices. To help residents of South Fulton have a beautiful lawn and one that is friendly to nearby streams and creeks, the Clean Water Campaign and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service in Fulton County will conduct a free workshop on “common sense lawn care” practices April 26 at 7 p.m. in College Park.

The overuse of fertilizers and pesticides is a large source of water pollution. Rain and irrigation water wash over the lawns, picking up nutrients and chemicals and carrying them into storm drains or directly into waterways. This is a critical problem for metro Atlanta, as we rely on a finite supply of surface water sources for most of our drinking water supplies.

The workshop, presented by Lynwood Blackmon (Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service agent), will teach participants how to control weeds and insects and how to reduce the cost of maintenance by using fertilizers and pesticides properly. Participants will learn how to identify yard pests and how to control them without polluting the environment. The program will also include tips on composting, the management of yard clippings in general and the use of fertilizers.

According to a survey conducted by Data Research Services in September 2002, half of Atlanta-area residents who have lawns to maintain do the work themselves. Most do not know that using excessive amounts of fertilizer and pesticides wastes money, does little to improve the appearance of the yard, threatens fish and other aquatic life and endangers the health of rivers, lakes and streams. Nutrients from fertilizers — usually phosphates — enter rivers, lakes and streams and stimulate the growth of algae. Excessive algae growth consumes oxygen in lakes and ponds, killing fish and other aquatic life.

The upcoming lawn and landscaping workshop will be held on April 26 at 7 p.m. at the South Fulton Annex located at 5600 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park.  The workshop is free, but registration for the event is required.  Register online at www.cleanwatercampaign.com or call 404.463.3259.

The Clean Water Campaign is a cooperative, multi-agency public education initiative spearheaded by local governments in metro Atlanta, supported by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission.  Its mission is to build awareness of water quality problems and solutions in the 16-county District.  For more information about the Clean Water Campaign, contact Kelley O'Brien at 404-463-3259.