Concord Environmental Education

Environmental education content is moving to City of Concord Government page, so be sure to follow! 😃

Did you know NC law prohibits yard waste from entering landfills?

To learn what happens to yard waste in Concord, instead, visit:

What Happens to Yard Waste in Concord, NC In the City of Concord, “yard waste” refers to leaves, grass clippings, branches and logs — plant waste leftover from yard maintenance…

Q: There are two places recommended for car washing. Can you name them? (Scroll down for the answers)

Whether at home or for a charitable cause, washing cars in the wrong place or not taking proper precautions causes water pollution and threatens wildlife.

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A: Washing your car 1) on your lawn at home or 2) at a commercial car wash keeps polluted effluent from reaching local bodies of water via the storm drainage system.

Learn more about clean water in Concord at concordnc.gov/stormwater

Are you over-watering your lawn? Under-watering? This simple hack can help conserve water while keeping that thirsty lawn satisfied.

Learn more about water conservation in Concord at http://concordnc.gov/water

Learn more about the environmental benefits of reducing or eliminating turfgrass lawns at
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/turf-grass-madness-reasons-to-reduce-the-lawn-in-your-landscape/

Save water with a tuna can! Over-watering is one way to waste water. Use a tuna can to help determine how long it takes to apply one inch to your lawn or garden during weeks when Mothe...

Choosing native plants for the home and business landscape is one of the most environmentally sound practices one can do.

If you've ever wondered which ones would be best for your site, you're in luck! I have an excellent resource for you.

In this short video, I'll show you how to access and use the NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to find the best native plants for your site. The toolbox is available at http://plants.ces.ncsu.edu

To learn more about native plants and wildlife in Concord, visit concordnc.gov/environmentaleducation/wildlife

To learn about the environmental benefits of native plants, see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKUAhhAeP0E&t=375s and https://concordenvironmentaled.medium.com/choose-native-plants-27dfdd615687

How to find the best native plants for your Concord, NC site! In this short video, I'll show you how to access and use the NC State University Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to find the best native plants for your sit...

According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, unsecured loads in truck beds are one big source of roadside litter in Concord and across the state.

Consider using a tarp or other pickup truck bed cover when hauling a load. They help prevent roadside litter, secure loads, improve fuel economy and keep loads dry, clean and safe.

Download Keep NC Beautiful's Tarp Awareness brochurehttps://files.nc.gov/ncdps/documents/files/TarpBrochure.pdf

Springtime is just around the corner, and for many of us, it’s time to begin preparing our lawns and gardens for the growing season.
That means a lot of folks are starting to think about fertilizer – time to slow down, take care and consider our water and wildlife.

Here’s why. Fertilizer, in any form, is one of several nitrogen-and-phosphorus-containing pollutants carried into our lakes, creeks, streams and rivers by rain, decreasing the oxygen available to aquatic wildlife. Using the wrong type or over-using fertilizer causes water pollution. Check out this video to learn more.

Did you know we all have access to a FREE tool to help get the soil just right in our lawns and gardens? The soil sample analysis from the NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services is an awesome resource - free April-November and $4 the rest of the year. The Cabarrus Cooperative Extension office provides sample boxes and assistance analyzing your results.

Learn all about free soil testing https://extensiongardener.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/05/soil-testing-and-choices-of-amendments/

Learn about the Cabarrus Cooperative Extension
https://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/

Learn about preventing stormwater pollution in Concord
http://concordnc.gov/stormwater

Keep Water Clean...Don't Over-Fertilize! A great new Clean Water Education Partnership spot advocating the proper use of fertilizers this spring! Keep water healthy: Don't over-fertilize and make ...

Learn more about harvesting water and preventing pollution at the links below:

Rain Barrels and Cisterns
https://onslow.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Homeowner-Rain-Barrel-Parts-List.pdf?fwd=no

Rainwater Harvesting for Homeowners
https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/03/rainwater-harvesting-for-homeowners/

Concord Stormwater
http://concordnc.gov/stormwater

💊Did you know flushed medication pollutes water?

🐟That's one of several good reasons to make use of the safe disposal drop boxes across the county!

🚰Learn more about water use and treatment in Concord at https://concordnc.gov/Services/Living-Here/Environmental-Education/Water

♻️Did you know recycling from anywhere in Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Union, Stanly and Anson counties goes to the same place for processing and the list of acceptable items is the SAME for each?

🥫The Metrolina Recycling Center is owned by Mecklenburg County and operated by Republic Services. Check out this video to WATCH what happens to Concord's recyclables when they leave the curb.

🧃Access the list of acceptable materials for your recycling cart at https://concordnc.gov/Departments/Solid-Waste/Residential/recycling

🧙‍♂️Don't forget about the Waste Wizard on our free CARTology app. Got a question about a specific item? The Waste Wizard's got answers!

Metrolina Recycling Center's Materials Recycling Facility Have you ever wondered where your recycling actually goes? Learn all about it in this virtual tour. Subtitled in English.