Landscaping

     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.

     The Lawns and the Environment Initiative is a cooperative effort of government, business, environmental groups, and academia working together to address the knowledge gap and protect the environment. Together they have created a set of practices that will allow everyone to enjoy a healthier home environment while improving the appearance of their landscaping. Whether creating an expansive carpet of grass, a shady oasis of trees and flowers, or a xeriscape, it is clear that making our yards healthy and safe is just as important as making them beautiful.

     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.

     On these pages you will find useful and interesting information regarding safe, practical, environmentally friendly landscaping for your home. Useful information and web links to leading government, educational and private organizations that will help us to maintain a healthier environment, safer, cleaner wetlands and  beautiful landscape for all to enjoy.

Brochures and printable information (in Adobe format click here if you need Acrobat Reader):

 

Environmental Guidlines for Responsible Lawn Care and Landscaping

 

Rain Gardens in Connecticut, A Design Guide for Homeowners.

 

The 10 Environmental Guiding Principles for Responsible lawn Care and Landscaping

 

Information Resources:

 

Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America

http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/

 

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

 

INationwide Extension Information Search Engine

PlantFacts

http://plantfacts.osu.edu/web/

 

University of California

IPM website

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu

 

U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Green Landscaping with Native Plants

Landscaping with Native Plants Factsheet

Excellent compendium of native plant information and resources

http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/nativeplants/factsht.html

 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Water Use Efficiency Program

Downloadable PDF files with valuable information on water efficiency.

http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/index.htm

 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Backyard Conservation Web Site

Excellent downloadable resources covering a range of backyard conservation topics from composting to

water conservation to creating a backyard wetland

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard

 

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