BUILD A HEALTHY YARD

Pesticides are a major factor in the decline of insect and bird populations worldwide! These products are often unnecessary, unhealthy and unsafe! Try these more eco-friendly steps:

• Pull weeds by hand or prune.
• Plant beneficial plants that attract beneficial insects (that eat nuisance insects) or repel them.
• If necessary use ONLY organic products ( with OMRI certification)

Traditional lawns are virtual deserts, providing no resources for nature and, when laden with chemicals becomes a graveyard for biodiversity. Small steps can make a big difference:

• Reduce the size of your lawn (Plant trees, native neds and ground cover in shady areas).
• Water less ( longer roots = healthier grass).
• Mow higher, leave clippings in place and mulch leaves in fall
• Use a licensed landscaper that follows eco-practices

Native plants are an important part of the food web which sustain native insects, birds and mammals.

• Top 3 native trees: oak, cherry and willow.
• Top 3 native plants: goldenrod, aster and mountain mint.
• Top 3 native shrubs: arrowroot, cherry and serviceberry.

Fill out the healthy yards pledge below and receive your own healthy yard sign to display!