Homeowner Stewardship
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Individual actions we take, and the choices we make have an impact on the environment. Collectively, our daily behaviors can contribute to improving the quality of life for all living things—in the Puget Sound region, our community and in our own backyards! That’s why aligning our goals and our behaviors is a core value for Friends of Miller Bay. In this issue we explore the benefits and impacts of Homeowner Stewardship.
Climate change can seem hopeless and overwhelming at times, but it’s important to realize that we have the power and potential to make positive impacts. Ryland Englehart, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Kiss the Ground, believes that “Nature’s living technology is amazing” and offers us a simple solution of balance. That is— incorporating regenerative practices to help return the balance to carbon cycling. Simple steps like adding a layer of compost, planting cover crops, or planting trees helps the regeneration or our soil and reduces carbon in the air and sea.
More actions you can take in your own backyard to help the environment:
Garden- Turn dirt into healthy soil which contributes to a healthy planet. Simply- Grow diverse plants: Ornamentals, natives, vegetables-strive for variety! Keep soil covered with either living plants, or organic matter.
Plant Natives- Native species are typically more drought-tolerant once established, requiring far less water than traditional lawns and non-native ornamental plants. They offer environmental protection by naturally filtering run-off, and they reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides. Native plants’ deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health. They also provide essential food and habitat for wildlife. https://green2.kingcounty.gov/gonative/index.aspx
Irradicate Invasives- Be sure to use proper removal techniques and safely dispose of noxious weeds- You don’t want to spread invasives! Kitsap County Noxious Weed Disposal reopens April 17, 2026. For more info go to : help@kitsap1.com You can also sign up to receive updates from Kitsap County. The updated noxious weed list is available here: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Noxious-Weed-List.aspx For good substitutes for more invasive plants, use this guide:
Store food Properly – Eliminate food waste before it happens! For a handy guide, go to:
Composting is one solution to climate problems- Reduce food waste and add to the quality of your soil! Better soil means more carbon storage. For lots of great info and several classes, check out:
Consider Pollinators- Support Bees and other pollinators with plant choices, mow less often- every 2 weeks (less aggressive lawn weed flowers like clovers can provide pollen and nectar for bees!)
Weed Management- Remove before they seed, use manual or mechanical removal methods, add nutrients to help desired plantings while making it less desirable for weeds. Use mulch or sheet mulching techniques (layering cardboard and woodchips) to smother weeds.
Consider Green Stormwater solutions- When you capture or reduce the flow of run-off, you protect water quality and wildlife. Stormwater run-off is the single biggest threat to Puget Sound! Read more:
By Sheri Flynn
