Environmental Commission Members

 Chairman - Joellyn Brazile

Vice Chairman -  Estelle Sheahan

 Secretary - Greg Vantresse

 Wayne Kneipp

Crystal Warren

 Sheila Bentley

Andrew Beaven

Tori Fitzgerald 

Environmental Comments and Ideas

2011 Tire Pressure Event

Earth 911 (website link)

CEC History (pdf)

2011 Arbor Day Ceremony

Arbor Day Foundation names Collierville a Tree City USA community 

2011 Great Backyard Bird Count

New Tree's make a difference car tag

Johnson Park Level 1 Arboretum

Environmentally friendly ways to manage yard waste

Residential Recycling Guidelines

Grass Recycling Guide

13 simple ways to save on fuel

Environmental Comments and Ideas:

Things You Should Know About Yard Waste: By George D. Mayo

With the coming of autumn, perhaps you would like to know a little about what happens to all those leaves you rake in your yard.  First, what is the difference between a bag of leaves and a bag of garbage?  Assuming they are the same volume bags, not a thing is different.  Once you put a bag of leaves next to your curb, it gets picked up and placed with garbage to go to the landfill.  Do you think someone with the Town opened up your bags of leaves and emptied them into a compost pile somewhere in town?  No, the labor costs are prohibitive to empty yard waste bags, and you probably already think you pay too much in Sanitation fees.

So what are yard wastes?  Yard wastes are leaves, grass clippings, brush, and any other wastes you generate associated with caring for your lawn, trees, bushes, flower beds, etc.  All of these could have some value as compost or mulch or even kindling for your winter day’s fire, but when you place them in a bag, they become garbage and are disposed as such. When disposed as common garbage the yard wastes cease to be beneficial and become a cost item, instead.    

Did you know that piling your leaves or other yard wastes in the gutter by the street, whether loose or in bags, is against a Town Ordinance?  Such material will wash into storm drain inlets during a rain event and may cause a blockage in the storm sewer or surface drainage ditch.  Further, placing yard wastes in a position to enter “waters of the state” is also a violation of state law and regulation.   In actuality, only a severe instance of one’s yard waste blocking flow or contaminating surface water would get one a citation, but nevertheless, the ordinances and laws are valid and in full effect, if deemed necessary to enforce.

So how should you manage your yard wastes?  In the first place, it is best not to generate yard wastes such as grass clippings and leaves to be disposed.  I know you are saying to yourself “but my yard will not look as good”.  I have not bagged grass clippings from my yard in over ten years, and it looks fine…no thatch, no brown spots (except after frost, of course), but it does have thick, even growth, even under our big pecan tree.  I get the extra nitrogen from the breakdown of the grass clippings and lots of aerobic exercise that many people pay for. And, as for leaves, I mow them also.  The yard looks leaf-less and the finely chopped leaves become compost, adding organic matter to the topsoil. 

But, if you just cannot bear mowing your leaves, you can rake them into a nice pile on an area in your yard next to the curb.  The City has equipment to vacuum up the leaves.  Then the loose leaves will be taken to a small tract of city property where they are dumped to become compost, which is used in flower beds on Town property

The same process works with branches and other sorts of woody yard wastes.  These sorts of yard wastes should be stacked in your yard next to the curb.  The Town will then pick up that yard waste, which will be taken to a shredder to be reduced to mulch.  The mulch is also used in Town flowerbeds.

Please note that the yard waste should be kept separate from all other waste.  Just putting the empty temporary pots those new roses came in, into the brush pile you just stacked neatly in the yard by the street, will turn that pile into…you guessed it…garbage, waiting for the long ride to the landfill.  Again, the labor costs for sorting are prohibitive. 

Here are some figures compiled by the Town.   An estimate from Town Public Services indicates that, currently, the typical waste stream picked up from residences in Collierville averages about 21% of yard wastes and recyclables that are diverted from the landfill.  Not disposing of a little over 20% of our wastes is a good thing, but, also according to Public Services, bagged yard wastes are about 30% of the Town’s residential solid wastes, so if just the bagged grass and leaves, alone, were removed from the landfill waste stream, we would be diverting 50% of our residential wastes from the landfill. 

To put yard waste diversion into terms of dollars saved, Public Services estimates that if bags of leaves and grass were completely diverted from the Landfill waste stream, about $93,000 would be saved.  And, savings from removing the brush from the landfill waste stream would be around $66,000.  So if we did not manage our yard wastes as disposable, we could save $159,000 per year in landfill fees alone.  Personally, I would rather use that taxpayer money for road repairs and similar projects, instead of throwing it away by the plastic bagful.

George D Mayo is a member to the Collierville Environmental Commission, a graduate of the 2006 Class of Leadership Collierville, and twenty-year resident of Collierville.

  

Wise Water Usage: By Tom Richardson

It is the beginning of spring and the lawn and garden season is getting underway.  With the change in season to warmer weather, outdoor water use will be on the increase.  We should all keep in mind that over use or unwise use of water can be not only a waste of money and a precious natural resource, but also has environmental consequences on both ends.  On the supply side, use of more water than is needed can put an unnecessary strain on the aquifer from which we obtain our water, require more chemicals and energy to properly treat and distribute the water through the Collierville system, and require increased maintenance of the water lines, pumps, valves, and other infrastructure.  And on the back end of excessive water use, increased stress on the environment from storm water drainage can occur.  Overwatering lawns and gardens is not only bad for the plants, it can cause increases in chemicals and sediments in storm water that is not treated or removed from the system, but is discharged into our surface waters, eventually the Wolf River and Nonconnah Creek! 

Tips for wise outdoor water use include the following:

• Don't water until plants need it. That may sound strange, but far more plants die from over-watering than under-watering. How do you know plants need water? The best way is to let your finger be the guide. Dig down several inches near the base of the plant. If the soil is bone dry, that's your cue to water. Also, when a plant begins to show signs of wilting, especially in the morning, it probably needs water.

• Deep soak each time you water. Many people water lightly and frequently, causing a shallow root system. Watering deeply and infrequently, deep soak, creates a healthy root system that is better equipped to withstand heat and drought.

• Stop watering whenever runoff occurs, especially on slopes. That may mean turning the water on and off in cycles to allow moisture to soak into the ground, but it beats watching the water flow down the street.

• Use watering cans, whenever possible, especially when watering just a few patio plants. Watering with a hose may actually put more water on the patio than in the containers as you move from plant to plant.

• Capture and recycle rainwater by placing barrels or buckets beneath your downspouts.

• Water early in the morning, when temperatures are mild and winds are calm, so less water will be lost through evaporation. Don't water if rain is in the forecast.

• Check hose connections for leaks and repair them quickly. Even a tiny leak can translate into thousands of gallons of wasted water over a short period of time.

• Adjust your sprinklers so water is aimed directly at plants rather than sidewalks, paths, driveways or fences. Use sprinklers that emit large droplets rather than a fine mist, again to reduce losses due to evaporation.

• On automatic sprinkler systems, install a moisture sensor. This is a probe placed in the ground that determines when the soil needs water and then turns on the sprinkler. This is probably one of the smartest water-saving devices ever invented. It can save you tons of water and money.

• Install drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses in flower and vegetable gardens, around trees and shrubs, even in containers.

• All newly planted plants need more water than they will later in their lives. Even plants billed as drought tolerant aren't much during infancy and need special treatment their first summer.

• Soil exposed to full sun dries out much faster than soil that is shaded or mulched. A few inches of mulch greatly slows evaporation from soil.

•  Focus on growing drought-tolerant plants. A number of beautiful plants, both native and non-native, can survive with less than an inch of water a week once established.

• Place water-loving plants in areas that receive shade in the afternoon. Even sun-loving plants will do fine provided they receive morning to midday light. In fact, the harsh afternoon sun isn't that great for most plants.

• Create windbreaks, especially around vegetable gardens, to shelter plants and prevent drying.

• Add hyrogels to plants that dry out quickly, whether in the garden or in containers. These water absorbing polymer crystals swell to several times their original size and slowly release water into the surrounding soil. Hyrogels can be found at your local garden center.

• Mulch like crazy to slow the evaporation of moisture from the soil and to keep the soil cool. Try to stick with organic mulches that slowly break down and add organic matter to the soil.

• Keep weeds out of flower and vegetable gardens. Weeds are notorious for stealing water away from other plants, so if you'll keep their populations in check, you won't have to water as often.

• When cleaning off sidewalks and driveways, use a broom not a hose.  It saves water, prevents unnecessary stormwater, and provides you with a little aerobic exercise too!

2011 Tire Pressure Event 

The Collierville Environmental Commission is encouraging area residents to get their tire pressure checked and become more knowledgeable about proper tire inflation.  To help, several local auto service businesses are volunteering their time and services October 21-30 to check tire pressure and provide free air if necessary to obtain a tire’s proper inflation.  The businesses involved are Firestone (1100 West Poplar), Fite’s Automotive (655 Chaney Drive), Raleigh Tire Services (653 West Hwy 72), South Tire and Automotive (177 Abbington Road), Christian Brothers Automotive (381 East Poplar) and Kaz’s Main Street Garage (135 Main Street).  Signs will be posted outside all participating businesses to notify residents that the business is participating in this event.  Use of the free tire service does not constitute a contract for further servicing. 

Properly inflated tires have many benefits.  They can improve a car’s fuel economy: Underinflated tires require more energy (gas) to roll.  They are safer: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that underinflated tires are a factor in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of crash injuries each year.  They last longer: Underinflated tires don’t allow the tread to make proper contact with the road.  Tires lose air due to time and temperature and therefore it’s important to check tire pressure routinely (once per month).  Knowing the proper inflation amount of tires is also important.  This information is usually found on a placard found in the car’s door, doorjamb and/or owner’s manual.

The Commission hopes to gather data regarding the number of cars serviced and needed air quantities to determine how much fuel was saved. 

April 12, 2011 - Arbor Day Foundation Names Collierville as Tree City USA Community

 The Town of Collierville was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. Collierville has earned this national designation for six years.  The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. The Town of Collierville has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. "We commend Collierville's elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest, " said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority." Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees: Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife. Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings. Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes and neighborhoods. More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/treecityusa On March 5, 2010 The Town of Collierville Environmental Commission planted a Nuttall Oak for the annual Arbor Day celebration at Halle Park behind Town Hall. A representative from the TN Department of Forestry for West TN also attended and presented the Town with it's 2010 renewal for the Town's Tree City USA designation. 

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2011 Great Backyard Bird Count

The 2011 GBBC will take place Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

Last year Tennessee was ranked as number 10 in the top 10 States/Provinces for submitting the largest number of check lists. Out of all the cities in Tennessee the Town of Collierville was ranked as number 6 in the top ten cities for submitting checklists and number of species. For more information, including help with bird identification and bird-feeding tips visit the following website http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/.

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 Tree's make a difference. Now your car can, too.

1. Limit your idling time. Avoid excessive sitting and idling. Try not to travel during times of heavy traffic if possible.

2. Check your tire pressure. Statistics show that improperly inflated tires account for 4% - 7% of a cars fuel consumption. Tires under inflated by 4 - 5 psi will increase fuel consumption by 10%

3. Remove debris and excess items in your vehicle that could add additional weight to your vehicle. Every 200lbs reduces a vehicles fuel economy by 1 MPG.

4. Use your windows and air conditioning wisely. Keeping your windows closed at speeds above 35 miles per hour to improve your mileage by reducing wind resistance. Don't use your Air conditioning unless it is necessary, A/C reduces fuel economy by 10% - 20%.

5. Perform vehicle maintenance on intervals recommend by your vehicles manufacturer. A well maintained vehicle operates more efficiently and will get better fuel mileage. Check your fluids regularly to ensure they are filled to the proper levels.

6. Fuel at the right time. Fill up early in the morning when temperatures are cool. Most fuel storage tanks are held underground and the colder the ground the more dense the fuel. Fill up your tank when it's half full instead of waiting till it is almost empty. The less air in your fuel tank the better, fuel evaporates fast which means the more you put in your tank the less you will loose to evaporation.

7. Eliminate purchasing premium fuel if possible. Premium fuel contains 30% more greenhouse emissions when compared to regular unleaded fuel and does not effect performance.

8. Park your vehicle in the shade. When vehicles are parked in the hot sun it increases fuel evaporation and also causes the air conditioner to work harder to cool down the vehicle.

9. Use nitrogen filled tires. Nitrogen filled tires assist the tire in maintaining its proper pressure over a longer period of time.

10. Use mass transit or car pooling when possible. This reduces traffic and limits the amount of green house gases by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

11. Utilize a GPS navigation system. By planning out your route ahead of time and using the most direct route with the least traffic you can reduce the amount of fuel used when traveling.

12. Drive Gently. Avoid any sudden accelerations and jerky stop and go driving. By driving gently you reduce wasted fuel needed for hard acceleration and reduce wear on your engine.

13. Observe the speed limit. There is a 10% - 15% improvement in fuel economy if one drives 55 MPH instead of 65 MPH.

For more information on improving your fuel efficiency click here.

Johnson Park Arboretum

"Arboretum receives Level 1 certification"
08-15-08

"Peterson Lake Nature Center Entrance"

"George D. Mayo - Environmental Commission Chairman and John Fox - Public Services Department with the arboretum certification sign presented by theTennesseeDepartment of Argriculture."

The Peterson Lake Nature Center Arboretum is located on 135 acres in Johnson Park in Collierville, Tennessee. The arboretum was certified by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture on August 3rd 2008.

"Arboretum Location at W.C. Johnson Park"

There is a diversity of bottomland hardwood trees that are located along the boardwalk and wetland area of the park. In addition to these native species, a few species of cultivars have been planted within the park and arboretum area. There are a total of thirty-one trees that have been included in the Level 1 Arboretum.

"Pictures of various trees located throughout the Arboretum"

The Tennessee Arboretum Level 1 certification process required that the Town have a site open to the public with a minimum of 30 different species of trees labeled with both their common and scientific names.

"Clay Ticer - Public Services"

"Examples of tree labels found throughout the Arboretum"

During the certification process, training was provided to members of the Parks and Recreation Department and Public Service Department on the proper management and care of trees found in the arboretum, along with a brochure that will be available to the public that gives detailed information on the various trees throughout the arboretum.

"Susan Murray - Urban Forester, giving a class on proper forestry maintenance techniques to Public Service and Parks & Recreation employees."

"Town employees learning proper pruning techniques"

The Arboretum brochure is currently available for download online and will be made available at the Town Library. The brochure will give residents the opportunity to journey through the arboretum on a self guided tour and will provide a checklist of trees with both fun and educational information.

"Download Arboretum Brochure"

With the Level 1 Arboretum certification, Collierville will have an arboretum that is a wonderful place where the forest is the outdoor classroom. This arboretum will give both school children and people of all ages an educational opportunity and setting that is natural and peaceful that everyone will enjoy.

"Crape Myrtle - Lagerstroemia indica var. Natchez"

"Sweetbay Magonlia - Magnolia Virginiana"

Environmental friendly Alternatives to Loose Leaf and Bagged Leaf Collection

Last year our town generated approximately 13,355 tons of solid waste associated with the collection of loose leaves, bagged leaves and bagged grass. Of that 13,355 tons, 12,473 tons were sent to a landfill and 882 tons were composted. Bagging these materials and placing them into the curbside garbage collection system uses valuable landfill space, removes nutrients from the environment, and costs the Town and citizens more in increased taxes and service fees.

Of the landscape waste, approximately half is composed of tree leaves. Mulching is a simple and effective way to recycle leaves and improve your landscape. A light covering of leaves can be mowed, without the catch-bag, leaving shredded leaves in place on the lawn. This technique is most effective when a mulching mower is used.

During times of light leaf drop, or if there are only a few small trees in your landscape, this technique is the most efficient and easiest way to manage leaf accumulation. As organic mulch decomposes, valuable nutrients are released for use by landscape plants. The tree leaves that accumulate in and around a landscape represents a valuable natural resource that can be used to provide a good source of organic matter and nutrients for use in a landscape.

Leaves contain 50-80% of the nutrients a plant extracts from the soil and air during the growing season. Leaves may be collected and worked directly into garden and flowerbed soils. A 6-8 inch layer of leaves tilled into a heavy, clay soil will improve aeration and drainage. The same amount tilled into a light, sandy soil will improve water and nutrient holding capacity. In vegetable gardens and annual planting beds, collect and work leaves into the soil during the Fall. This allows sufficient time for the leaves to decompose prior to Spring planting.

For additional information call the Public Services Department at (901) 853-3215

GRASS-CYCLING GUIDE AND GRASS MOWING TIPS

Proper mowing is essential to grass-cycling and can increase lawn quality by 30% or more. Cut when grass is dry. Keep your mower sharp. Set your mower to cut at the proper height. Mow often enough so you never remove more than one-third of the lawn height each cut. You may have to mow every 5 days when your lawn is growing fast, but once every 10 days may be sufficient when turf is growing slowly.

All mowers can grass-cycle. Simply remove your mower's collection bag and properly block the discharge. Many manufacturers have attachments or special designs that improve a mower's grass-cycling performance. Check with your local retailer for more information.

MOWING HEIGHTS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF GRASS

Kentucky Bluegrass....................................3.0"

Fescues & Ryegrass...................................3.0"

Bentgrass.................................................1.0"

Bermudagrass...................................1.0" - 1.5"

Zoysia...............................................0" - 1.5"

St. Augustine............................................3.0"

Bahiagrass................................................3.0"

Centipedegrass..........................................1.5"

WATERING PLAN

Established lawns need irrigation to supplement natural rainfall. They require more water in hot weather, but may require water in dry cool periods as well. In hot dry weather, lawns may need as much as one inch of water every 5 to 7 days. That's equal to three hours of watering time with the typical lawn sprinkler. Avoid watering in evenings as this practice encourages disease. The best time to water is early morning.

FERTILIZE PROPERLY

Lawns need properly timed fertilizer applications to become dense and green. Over fertilization weakens your lawn and causes excess top growth. Grass-cycling, in conjunction with proper fertilization, enhances the health of your lawn.

For more even growth when using medium to full rates, use fertilizers containing methylene urea, urea-formaldehyde, sulfur coated urea, IBDU, or other slowly available organic forms of nitrogen.

FERTILIZER PLAN FOR YOUR LAWN

FERTILIZATION GUIDE FOR VARIOUS GRASS TYPES BY CLIMATIC ZONE

Rates

Fertilizer lbs. per 1,000 sq. feet

WHY GRASS-CYCLING?

Grass-cycling is the natural recycling of grass clippings by leaving them on the lawn when mowing. It is a simple and effective way to help conserve landfill capacity, while saving time, work, and money. And the benefit is a greener, healthier lawn.

GRASS-CYCLING DOES NOT CAUSE THATCH BUILD-UP IN THE LAWN

An eleven-year study at the USDA research station in Beltsville, Maryland, showed that thatch is composed primarily of grass roots, not clippings. Clippings left on the lawn decay quickly and release valuable nutrients back to the established grass.

GRASS-CYCLING DOES NOT SPREAD LAWN DISEASES

Watering, fertilization, and sharpness of the mower blade have a much greater influence on the occurrence of disease than grass-cycling.

GRASS-CYCLING SAVES TIME AND WORK

A recent study in Fort Worth, Texas, found that homeowners who quit bagging their clippings saved an average of 35 minutes per mowing or seven hours of yard work over a six-month period.

GRASS-CYCLING CAN BE DONE WITH ANY LAWN MOWER

No special equipment is necessary to grass-cycle. However, many manufacturers have attachments that improve your mower's grass-cycling performance.

GRASS-CYCLING IS A PROVEN AND EFFECTIVE METHOD OF LAWN MANAGEMENT

It also provides an environmentally important opportunity for everyone to participate in curbside waste reduction.

You CAN recycle:

You CANNOT recycle:

All large bulk items will be picked up on normal garbage days. All appliance pickups must be scheduled. Call (901) 853-3215

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Earth Day Poster Contest Winners

 This year the Environmental Commission sponsored an Earth Day poster contest for all local and private Collierville Schools, this years poster theme was "rethink and Replenish". A total of five schools participated in the poster contest, Crosswinds Elementary, Sycamore Elementary, Bailey Station Elementary, Schilling Middle, and Incarnation. All first, second, and thrid place winners were awarded a VIP ticket to see the new Disney Movie "EARTH" a movie that focuses on eco awarness and sustainable living.

1st Place Earth Day Poster Contest winners.

 Earth Day Poster Contest 1st, 2nd , and 3rd place winners.