Backyard Conservation
“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
– Marian Wright Edelman
The Conservation District advocates for many backyard conservation practices. Often by making thoughtful choices a person can make a huge impact on the world around them. We offer consult and workshops for making your backyard a wildlife friendly habitat. Our yearly Tree Sale also includes bluebird boxes and bat houses that will help naturally control insect pests. Call our office today to find out if we have any of our rain barrel kits in stock to get you harvesting the rainwater for your lawn or garden.The District also advocates for native plants in landscaping, composting, and yard care practices that lessen the negative impacts on your lawn and the environment. Please feel free to contact us for information about these topics and utilize the links below for your own research.
Home or Garden soil testing is important! Be sure to test before your use fertilizers. The Conservation District offers soil testing services and will help you understand the results. Follow the link to our soil testing prices.
Ready to do a soil test but you aren't sure how to collect a good sample? Check out our guide to taking soil samples and call the office if you need more help. We are happy to assist!
Composting is a great way to reduce waste. Plus, compost is spectacular for improving soil health and serves as a natural fertilizer for gardens, landscaping, and potted plants. This link is to a comprehensive overview of composting and is a great place to start learning.
Interested in putting nature to work for you? Bluebirds and bats are great pest control and are easily encouraged to take up residence in your yard. Follow this link to a NRCS fact sheet about biological pest management and contact us to find out about our yearly bird and bat house sale.
We are prepared to give you permission not to rake your lawn but to go ahead and mulch those leaves with your mower instead. This link is to a conservation lawncare brochure that covers many different actions you can take in your lawncare routine that will benefit you and the world.
Rain barrels save water for you lawn or garden and also help to slow the flow of rainwater into our local systems and waterways and that can reduce flooding. Follow this link to a Penn State fact sheet on rain barrels and call the office to make arrangements to purchase a barrel today!
Rain gardens are very useful slowing the flow of rainwater. They are also beautiful features that provide habitat and resources for wildlife and pollinators. To learn more about utilizing this practice to manage storm water follow this link to the Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiative.
Creating a rich and diverse wildlife habitat in your backyard or on your property is a worthwhile pursuit. We are here to advise in your efforts. For more information follow this link to the National Wildlife Federation and see how your yard can be a certified habitat.