It is our mission to educate residents about landscape practices that protect the Chesapeake Bay and our local waterways. We offer the following programs to Howard County residents. Together, by changing a few simple practices we can help keep our Maryland water clean and healthy. Are you Bay-Wise?
We are now accepting consultation and certification requests for the 2025 season. Please fill out the appropriate request below. Requests are accepted through fall of 2025.
Bay-Wise Certification
Have you already adopted ecologically sound landscaping methods in caring for your property? Test
yourself with the Maryland Living Landscapes Metric. Download the file and use the fillable form to rate your landscaping practices. Each action is worth 3 points and if you have a total of 80-100 points you may be well on your way to becoming recognized for your gardening care. Save a copy of your completed pdf and email it to howardbaywise@gmail.com. We will contact you to schedule a visit to evaluate your landscape. Homeowners who demonstrate good Bay-Wise practices are awarded a Bay Wise certificate and may optionally have a small sign installed on their property to recognize their Bay-Wise status.
Homeowner Consultations
Not ready for certification? Homeowners may request an on-site evaluation of their property by a team of Howard County Master Gardeners and receive advice on dealing with concerns such as storm water management, erosion, lawn care, Integrated Pest Management, composting, creating wildlife habitat and inclusion of native plants in the landscape. The consultations are offered at no charge and can be initiated by completing a Homeowner Consultation Request Form.
Community Education
Look for Bay-Wise exhibits at community events and in Howard County libraries. Team members are also available for presentations to community groups on topics including Bay-Wise Landscaping, Storm Water Management, Trees, Rain Gardens, Green Roofs and Landscaping without Lawns.
Demonstration Garden
The Bay-Wise Master Gardeners with the support of Howard County converted the garden at the entrance to the Alpha Ridge landfill into a trial site to test the ability of various perennials to survive under heavy deer pressure. Small plantings with varying site requirements are evaluated annually for response to deer browse. Stop by and check it out.
Useful Links
Stormwater Management
Howard County Stormwater programs for residents
Sustainable Lawn Care
Home Composting
Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping
Pollinator Gardens
Deer Resistant Plants
Identifying Invasive Plants