Bringing conservation to your property or backyard

Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

Backyard Conservation offer practices to conserve and improve natural resources that can be adapted for use on the land on your property. These practices help the environment and can make your property more attractive and enjoyable. Whether you have acres in the country, an average-sized suburban yard, or a tiny plot in the city, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Three conservation practices have been scaled down for homeowners and city residents to use in their yards. Tip sheets offer "how to" steps and helpful hints on the following practices:

 

Rain Gardens                             Rain Barrels                              Native Plantings                         
Rain Gardens Tip Sheet                     Rain Barrel Tip Sheet                        Native Plantings Tip Sheet
Criteria for Cost Share                      Criteria for Rebate                              Criteria for Cost Share

Participants Agreement                    Participants Agreement                    Participants Agreement

 

Native Plant lists are limited/partial list:

http://www.rainbarrelsandmore.com  Fireside Gallery
http://www.nature.org/ The Nature Conservancy
http://www.inpaws.org/ Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ National Invasive Species Information Center
http://plants.usda.gov/ Plants database/USDA Plants
http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/pages/default.aspx Purdue Extension
http://www.hamiltonswcd.org/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/rain_garden.pdf / Hamilton County SWCD
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 
http://www.co.monroe.in.us/raingarden/home.htm/ Monroe County Indiana
http://www.raingardens.org/ West Michigan Rain Gardens
http://www.sueellingson.com  Sue’s Rules for Rain Gardens 
http://wwww.raingardennetwork.com/ Rain Garden Network
http://www.ci.maplewoood.mn.us/index   Maple MN, Rain Gardens
http://www.rainkc.com/ 10,000 Rain Gardens 
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/runoff/rg/ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 
http://www.epa.gov/ednmrl/publications/factsheets/raingardens/Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/index.shtml
http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/pollinators.html
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/pollinators.html
http://www.spencenursery.com
http://www.marionswcd.org “Blue Thumb Guide to Rain Gardens” Booklet  
 

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