KWEF  ECO TIPS

For all the Seasons

 

SPRING

 

Spring has Arrived! As the snow melts debris and litter appear with the spring flowers! Natural debris is best left where it is, if possible.  It acts as shelter and decomposes to feed plants. Instead of hauling fallen branches away pile them in a spot on your property.  Birds small mammals and reptiles will use them for shelter and as homes.

 

Do remove human-made garbage.  Besides being ugly,  it can harm wildlife and sometimes interferes with the recreational use of your property.  Participate in a roadside cleanup if your municipality has one.

 

Migratory birds are returning searching for nesting sites.  Building nesting boxes is a good way to encourage them to nest near you.  You will have the benefit if watching the family throughout the summer and of listening to their songs.

 

It is wise to conserve the amount of water going into your leaching bed in the Spring.  High water tables at this time of year may reduce the effectiveness of your system.  Note: If you suspect that the water table is higher than your septic leaching bed, you may be contaminating your surface water: Contact a septic inspector.

 

Avoid using a muddy driveway, rake out ruts before they dry and harden. 

 

SUMMER

 

Loon babies usually hatch out near the July 1^st weekend.  The nests are on a flat place very close to the water.  Be aware!  Wake from motor boats can swamp the nest.  Baby loons do not have waterproofing like their parents and can so easily get hypothermia and cannot dive at first. 

Use lead-free sinkers.  Lead from the old style sinkers is a major cause of loon mortality.

 

FALL

 

At this time of year, deer and moose are on the move to their wintering grounds. Take extra care when driving, especially at dawn and dusk.

 

This is also the time of year when all those little critters are looking for a place to stay. Animal proof your dwelling by sealing all tiny access points. Plumbing and electrical outlets, TV and phone entry points, exhaust vents, soffits and gaps between the concrete foundation and walls are common places for animals to get in.

  

WINTER

 

Use that remote car starter sparingly!  We all like to get into a warm car,  BUT idling cars contribute to air pollution.

 

For slippery winter surfaces, use sand, kitty litter, or ashes.  Spread in a thin layer down the wheel track of your driveway.  Instead of salt, use friendly de-icers that contain calcium magnesium acetate or potassium acetate on walkways

 

Use propylene glycol-based antifreeze.  It is much less toxic.