Resolutions

It’s that time of year when everyone is making New Year’s resolutions. Just look at the gyms. You may be one of those people. You may be one of the people who already broke their resolution. That’s okay.

I have a resolution that I worth keeping – because it’s outside of ourselves. The stakes are higher when someone else is counting on you. Or thousands of tiny little feet are counting on you.

I think we should start the year celebrating our accomplishments in the world of preserving our critical natural resources. If you came to the dinner last May, you will recall that John Turner was our speaker, wearing his Pine Barrens hat. As John shared the battle to preserve open space, it is exciting to know that more than 100,000 acres of Pine Barrens have been preserved!! – thanks to Long Island residents.

This past November, The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act finally made the ballot. It proposed a 1/8^th cent increase on taxes dedicated to water quality infrastructure. Over 71% of Suffolk County voters voted yes so that we can begin to tackle the nitrogen pollution in our drinking and surface waters. Exciting news!! Thank you to organizations like Seatuck Foundation and the Audubons of Suffolk County for informing the voters.

So, what can you resolve to do that you won’t go back on? You can make sure your gutter downspouts flow onto your lawn or into your garden. You can create a rain garden with that flow. You can wash your car on the lawn instead of the driveway. The soap will be like a natural insecticidal soap.

This the best – eliminate fertilizers on your lawn. Better yet – eliminate your lawn. Create larger, native plant gardens. That’s a win for everyone and everything. If you need ideas, we have our own Master Gardener at Great South Bay Audubon, Karen Andres. She will be more than happy to share ideas, designs and visions with you.

Oh – one last idea. Take a local trip with your family to visit the Pine Barrens and see the wonder that we hold as Long Islanders, as Suffolk County residents. Thank you for supporting Great South Bay Audubon Society. Consider supporting the Pine Barrens Society as well.