Bay-Wise Maryland is a homeowner education program led by Maryland Master Gardeners. Since most Maryland residents live near waterways that drain into the Chesapeake Bay, our landscaping choices directly impact local water quality. Simple changes in yard care can help protect streams, rivers, and the Bay.

In September 2014, Crofton Village Garden Club introduced the Bay-Wise Certification initiative to actively promote Bay-Wise practices in our own yards and throughout our community. Master Gardeners will work with you using the Bay-Wise Yardstick to evaluate your garden practices. If you are interested in a yard visit, please send a request to the Bay-Wise Committee at [email protected].

In September 2014, the Crofton Village Garden Club launched its Bay-Wise Certification initiative with the ambitious goal of achieving 100 percent member participation. This effort reflects the club’s strong commitment to promoting sustainable gardening practices that protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay-Wise program, developed by University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners, encourages residents to make small but impactful changes in their yards to reduce runoff, conserve water, and create healthier landscapes for people, wildlife, and the environment.

To support this initiative, trained Master Gardeners work with homeowners using the Bay-Wise Yardstick—a tool that evaluates current garden and landscape practices in areas such as fertilization, mulching, composting, plant selection, and stormwater management. Gardens that meet the program’s standards are awarded Bay-Wise Certification and can proudly display a sign showing their commitment to environmentally sound practices.

If you’re interested in learning how your garden can contribute to the health of our local waterways and would like to schedule a yard visit, please contact the Bay-Wise Committee at [email protected]. Together, we can make a difference—one yard at a time.