Backyard "How To"
(updated
07.02.08) |
Have you ever heard
of some great backyard conservation project you thought would be perfect
for your yard but you weren't able to find any information on how to go
about it?
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Below are links to some great
information for
Backyard Conservation Projects using
Best Management Practices
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These are Adobe pdf files. Click here for more information on
pdf files.
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Backyard Pond ~ Enjoy a natural,
relaxing, and scenic feature while offering a valuable habitat for
wildlife. |
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Wetlands ~ Built to capture and
hold water, allowing for stormwater filtration and wildlife habitat.
Wetlands serve as a source of diversity and beauty in the landscape. |
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Composting ~ Provides vital
nutrients to your soil, encouraging your plants to thrive, not just
survive. |
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Filter Strips ~
Permanent vegetation used to absorb nutrient runoff. Leads to decreased
algae and clearer water. Filter strips also increase
wildlife habitat and reduce maintenance and mowing. |
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Controlling Invasive Plants ~
Invasive plants take over the area where they grow, crowding out other
plants and robbing them of important water, nutrients, and light. |
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Land Grading
~ Stabilizes and
reshapes the surface of the land. It reduces surface runoff,
prevents erosion, and creates a more stable landscape. |
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Mulching ~ Mulch is a protective
layer spread on top of the soil. Mulching prevents weed growth,
maintains soil temperature, and conserves moisture. |
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Native Vegetation ~ Native plants
are species that are originally from this area. They are well
adapted to the soil, water, and climate conditions making them very low
maintenance! |
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Nutrient Management ~ This is
applying only the nutrients that plants can use, leading to very healthy
plants. It also helps keep surface and ground water safe and
healthy. |
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Porous Pavement ~ These are
paving materials with spaces to allow water to flow through them to the
soil below. This increases groundwater reserves, reduces
pollutants, and helps alleviate flooding. |
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Water Conservation ~ This is the wise-use of water resources for
gardens and lawns. Making a few, minor changes to your everyday
routine can be very beneficial for your plants, the environment, and
your water bill or your well. |
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Rain Gardens ~ These are shallow depressions that are planted with
native wetland grasses and flowers. Rain Gardens capture and
absorb runoff water, protecting water quality and preventing flooding. |
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Water Edge-Enhancements ~ These are plantings that reduce erosion,
improve water quality, and add wildlife habitats around bodies of water. |
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Tree Planting ~ Trees provide beauty, reduce heating and cooling
costs, provide shelter, clean the air, offer wildlife habitats, and add
value to your property. |
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Wildlife Habitats ~ Provide vital habitat components for native
wildlife, helping to keep ecosystems in balance. They also provide
beauty, relaxation, tranquility, and inspiration. |
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Rain Barrels ~ These collect and store rainwater for later use.
Rain Barrels reduce runoff, conserve water, save money and energy, and
protect watersheds. All this, and the water is FREE! |
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Terracing ~ These are stair-stepped levels constructed on a steep
slope, making planting possible. They also reduce erosion and
improve infiltration of rainfall. |
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Vegetative Stream Bank Stabilization ~ This helps to stabilize the
banks, reduce erosion and sedimentation, enhance fish and wildlife
habitats, and maintain overall environmental quality. |
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Pest Management ~ This is identifying and controlling backyard
nuisances including diseases, insects, weeds, and problematic wildlife.
By treating these properly, you can drastically improve the health of
your backyard. |
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 Information from:
Hamilton County
Soil and Water
Conservation District |
