As the warmer months approach, many homeowners are preparing to maintain their lawns. However, a common practice of leaving grass clippings in the street can have serious implications for our stormwater systems and local waterways. Grass clippings can accumulate and block storm drains, exacerbating localized flooding during heavy rains. Additionally, when grass clippings wash into storm drains, they decompose and release nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into our waterways, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. Many residents are unaware of the impact of grass clippings on stormwater management, but proper disposal methods, such as composting or using clippings as mulch, can significantly reduce these risks. Environmental experts recommend that homeowners take simple steps to manage grass clippings responsibly to protect stormwater systems and maintain the health of local waterways. Small actions can make a big difference in maintaining the health and safety of our community, and properly disposing of grass clippings is a simple yet effective way to contribute to better stormwater management practices. One such practice is to sweep, or leaf blow your clippings back into the yard, use a mulching blade to create mulch, bag your grass and take it to the compost site. Grass clippings are a small part of the issue, but every small part adds up.