The rapid growth in the U.S. population and the accompanying increase in home construction have created a large population of consumers involved in landscaping to one degree or another. The downside is that most people have little or no education when it comes to environmentally sound landscape practices. As a result, runoff pollution and water waste have become significant problems.

     Good stewardship begins at home and taking care of our private landscape gives us an opportunity to actively make a difference through thoughtful management of our plants, soil, and water resources. Small changes can make a big difference in environmental quality when we join with others in our communities and regions that are also good stewards of their home landscapes.

Environmental Guidlines for Responsible Lawn Care and Landscaping

Introduction to Organic Lawns and Yards

Rain Gardens in Connecticut, A Design Guide for Homeowners.

Information Resources:

General Landscaping:

Biodiversity: http://www.greentreks.org/documentaries/biodiversity/nativespecies.asp

Cornell Cooperative Extension

The Homeowners Lawn Care Water Quality Almanac

Learn how to take care of your lawn without contributing to pollution of your watershed

http://www.hort.cornell.edu/gardening/lawn/almanac/index.html

Environmental Defense Fund, Guide to Habitat Management: http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?contentid=4293

EPA Landscaping With Natives: http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/nativeplants/factsht.html

National Gardening Association: http://www.garden.org/home

NRCS Backyard Conservation: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/

Organic Landcare CT & MA, Accredited Landscapers & other resources:

 http://www.organiclandcare.net/

UC IPM: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/fruit.html

UCONN Water Quality and the Home Landscape: http://www.sustainability.uconn.edu/

University of California

IPM website

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu

Invasive plant info: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/

Invasive Plants of New England: http://nbii-nin.ciesin.columbia.edu/ipane/

Native Gardening: http://enature.com/native_invasive/

Newtown Conservation Commission Invasive Specified Power Point: http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_BComm/Restoring%20Flora%202011.pdf

Connecticut Botanical Society: http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: http://www.wildflower.org/explore/