HOW CAN YOU HELP NATURE LOCALLY? 

Dont’s:

DO NOT SPREAD INVASIVE SPECIES:
  1. CLEAN-DRAIN-DRY YOUR BOAT! Look for invasive stowaways in your prop, anchor, dock lines, trailer, hull, rollers, bunks, axle, live wells, bilge, motor, prop.  Empty, drain any debris at the lake parking lot as you are leaving. 
  2. If you have invasive species in or on your property, look to reduce them by responsibly removing them. Below we have added some information bout the removal processes of a few invasive species in or around the East Texas/NW Louisiana area, but click here for more: https://www.texasinvasives.org/
    *Nandina- https://www.texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=NADO
    Manually: It is difficult to remove manually because even the smallest piece of root will re-sprout. Grab your pick axe!
    Chemically: It can be effectively controlled using any of several readily available general use herbicides such as glyphosate or triclopyr. For tall plants, cut stems then apply herbicide. Collect and destroy fruit. Repeat applications may be necessary to reduce densities. Follow label and state requirements. Managers should evaluate the specific circumstances of each infestation, seek professional advice and guidance if necessary, and use the herbicide in a manner that is consistent with the product label and other state requirements
    *Chinese Tallow- https://www.texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=TRSE6
    Apply a triclopyr herbicide to basal bark in late summer or early fall (such as 20% Garlon 4 in oil) or, for large trees, apply directly to the stump after cutting down the tree (use Rodeo for trees growing in water). Pull up seedlings by hand. Large land areas can be managed by mowing and the careful use of controlled burns.
    *Emerald Ash Borer- https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/emerald-ash-borer
    This devastating insect invasive species HAS BEEN found in our region. Acquire wood locally. DO NOT transport firewood.

Do’s:

  • PLANT NATIVES – they use less water, are hardier and help local and migratory birds, pollinators more. Some examples of native plants/trees are: American Holly, Black Walnut, Sweet Gum, Tulip Tree, Cucumber Tree, Southern Magnolia
    Find more here: http://www.plantnative.org/rpl-arla.htm
  • LIMIT fertilizer and pesticide use
  • PROPERLY DISPOSE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL ITEMS SUCH AS:

OTC Medications, Prescriptions drugs, Hormones, Vitamins – DO NOT flush or put in any drain system, instead:

  1. Mix pills with non edible substance, i.e. used cat liter, diapers, etc.
  2. Then, place the mixture in a container such as a zip-lock or seal-able plastic bag, and throw the container away in your household trash.
  3. Remove the label and/or scratch off all personal information on the label when disposing of a prescription vial.
  4. Flush prescription medications down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so (i.e., for specific medications, such as prescription pain relievers that have a high potential to be abused; check the FDA’s list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing). Otherwise, medicines can be thrown away in the household trash.
  5. Take advantage of pharmacy “take-back” programs or solid waste programs to dispose of unused or expired medicines.

Batteries: (includes Alkaline, Mercury, Lithium, Silver and Zinc) – find a local recycling location here: https://www.energizer.com/responsibility/battery-recycling/where-to-recycle-batteries

Oil based paints and/or household chemicals etc. Here is a good resource for proper disposals of these items: https://earth911.com/

 

Consider:

DONATING LOCAL:  YOUR LOCAL GROUPS MAY BE MAKING A BIG IMPACT ON A SMALLER BUDGET

VOLUNTEERING: Usually the master naturalists in the area are active and extremely helpful. Sign up for annual clean-up events (http://www.redrivercleanup.com/) or local “take back” days.

CONSERVE: Use less WATER. Make a watering schedule for lawns, shorten showers, lessen the need for waste waters.

HELPING HEALTHY SOIL: Especially near creeks and drainage areas, leave soil intact and don’t cut trees within 50 feet of drainage’s or run offs. Use permeable surfaces instead of non-permeable when landscaping. https://easttexasgardening.tamu.edu/east-texas-home-gardening/water-conservation/