In 2007, The Groundwater Foundation launched the Groundwater Guardian Green Site – a program honoring those who practice good groundwater and environmental stewardship.

Groundwater Guardian Green Sites are places with lots of green space – like golf courses; ball fields; educational campuses; and residential, recreational, and office parks – that implement groundwater and surface water friendly practices to maintain the site.

To earn this exclusive designation, you simply submit an application. The application evaluates and documents your groundwater-friendly practices related to fertilizer and pesticide use, water use, pollution prevention, water quality, and environmental stewardship.

In 2009, MCD became a Groundwater Guardian Green Site. MCD’s groundwater-friendly practices include using only the recommended amounts of fertilizer and pesticide and applying it only when necessary. In addition, MCD maintains no-application zones around active wells; and recycles and/or properly disposes of toxic substances such as batteries, tires, and used motor oil.

MCD’s Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation covers all of its dams and flood protection features in the cities it protects, covering more than 1,780 acres.

MCD has been working to help several other communities and universities – that operate highly managed green spaces– become Groundwater Guardian Green Sites as well. Wright State University also recently received the Groundwater Guardian Green Site designation in 2009.

If your community or site is interested in becoming a Groundwater Guardian Green Site, contact Theresa McGeady at 223-1271 or tmcgeady@miamiconservancy.org for more information.

The Groundwater Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Lincoln, NE, works to educate and motivate the public to care about and for groundwater. Visit The Groundwater Foundation website for more information.