AUSTIN, TX – March 20 marks the spring equinox, the official start of spring! As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, many Austinites are gearing up for gardening and spending more time outdoors with their pets. The City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department encourages community members to take sustainable steps to protect our environment while enjoying the season.

Through our Grow Green gardening education program, we provide resources to help you create a beautiful, environmentally friendly landscape. Visit GrowGreen.org for plant information, rebates, pest management tips, landscape design ideas, and rainwater harvesting resources. Thoughtful landscaping choices can conserve water, reduce pollution, and support local wildlife.

Warmer weather also means more time outside with our four-legged friends. When walking your dog, remember to scoop the poop and dispose of it properly. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that can wash into our creeks and lakes, polluting our waterways. But did you know that cleaning up after pets in your own yard is just as important? Pet waste on the ground can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Pathogens can stay in your grass for weeks, too. The rule is simple: Scoop it, bag it, and toss it—every stinking time! Visit ScoopThePoopAustin.org for more information, free yard signs, and other helpful resources.

Let’s work together to keep Austin’s environment healthy—whether in our yards, gardens, or on the trails. Happy spring! 

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About Watershed Protection

The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.