MCMG Bay-Wise Program
Better Water Quality Through Smarter Gardening
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Bay-Wise Program is now in Montgomery County! Conducted by Maryland Master Gardeners, this homeowner education program exists in several counties in the State. Bay-Wise addresses environmental topics that affect the quality and quantity of water here in Maryland. Most of these topics relate to landscape management. Click the video to the right to learn more!
Better Water Quality Through Smarter Gardening
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Bay-Wise Program is now in Montgomery County! Conducted by Maryland Master Gardeners, this homeowner education program exists in several counties in the State. Bay-Wise addresses environmental topics that affect the quality and quantity of water here in Maryland. Most of these topics relate to landscape management. Click the video to the right to learn more!
About the MCMG Bay-Wise Program
Most Maryland residents live within a half-mile of a storm drain, stream, or river. Most of those waterways eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay. What we do to maintain our own landscapes can affect the health of our local waterways (drainage ditches, streams, and rivers), the Chesapeake Bay, and our environment.
By changing a few simple landscape practices, you and your family can keep Maryland communities healthy. Click the video above and review the program brochure to learn more.
Montgomery County Master Gardeners who have taken 12 hours of advanced training in Bay-Wise Landscape Management have formed a committee to plan Bay-Wise activities in and around our county. Our committee members are trained to advise on storm water management, erosion control, lawn care, Integrated Pest Management, composting, creating wildlife habitat and inclusion of native plants in the landscape. They:
perform site visits to certify county landscapes as Bay-Wise
provide advice and recommendations to county residents who want to learn more about making their landscapes more Bay-Wise healthy
give talks to community groups about making their landscapes more Bay-Wise healthy
staff information booths at community events and answer questions
Contact the Montgomery County Master Gardeners Bay-Wise committee at mgmont@umd.edu for more information.
Apply for a Bay-Wise Certification
Want to have your landscape Bay-Wise certified?
Simply evaluate your landscape using the Bay-Wise Maryland Yardstick. If your score is 36 “inches” or more, follow the directions below. A Montgomery County Master Gardener will contact you to schedule a certification visit.
Even if you fall a little short of 36 inches on the Yardstick challenge, we can still suggest improvements to make your yard more Bay-wise, and get you ready for a future certification visit.
Apply by Emailing the Fillable Yardstick and Application
The fillable e-Yardstick and Application will track your score as you check the boxes. But it must be downloaded and saved to your computer or iPad before you fill it out.
Or
Apply by Mailing Printed Forms
Mail both the Yardstick and Application, along with a message requesting a site visit so your property can be certified. Send to:
Attn: MCMG Bay-Wise Program
University of Maryland Extension
18410 Muncaster Rd.
Derwood, MD 20855
The Montgomery County Master Gardeners' Bay-Wise committee will review your application and get in touch with next steps.
Additional Resources
University of Maryland Extension Links
Montgomery County Links
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection: RainScapes Program overview and video
Montgomery County Pesticide Law
Regional Native Plant Links