“Better Backyard” Certification Program€¦ · “Better Backyard” Certification Program...

“Better Backyard” Certification Program

Presented by: Brittney Hartzell, Watershed Specialist

7/17/2020Starts at Noon

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Agenda

• About the “Better Backyards” Certificate Program• Benefits• Eligibility• How to Participate• Checklist and Certification

• Examples of Backyard Conservation Practices• Q&A

About the “Better Backyards” Certificate

Offered through the Columbia County Conservation DistrictPrevious webinars and useful info at: www.columbiaccd.org/workshops

GOALS:• Provide habitat for native plants and animals• Improve water quality• Improve soil health• Reduce pollutants• Reduce stormwater, erosion, flooding• Improve climate resiliency• Simple, cost-effective solutions• Community stewardship• More green spaces = happier, healthier people!

Benefits of Participating• Be part of a county-wide initiative• Steward & restore vital natural resources• Reduce impacts of stormwater, flooding, & erosion• Improve water quality and quantity• Restore habitats for pollinators & other native wildlife • Spread environmental awareness & education• Save time and money on lawn care• Promote sustainability for future generations• BONUS: Upon verification you will receive a FREE 12” x 18” yard sign that

highlights your efforts (pictured)

Who Can Apply?

• ALL Columbia County residents• Homes, businesses, schools, municipalities, farms, etc. (EVERYONE!)• Urban, rural, suburban, commercial

• Public & private spaces• Open/developed land strongly encouraged

Partnerships = More Benefits = Greater Impact!

• Individual yards• Neighborly collaborations• Community collaborations• Municipality-wide collaborations• Parks, schools, businesses, unused open spaces

Each property will receive a certificate and sign acknowledging your conservation efforts

How to Participate

1. (OPTIONAL) Initial site evaluation and recommendations

2. Download the certification checklist [www.columbiaccd.org/betterbackyards]

3. Implement conservation practices4. Contact CCCD to schedule a site

verification• Receive your Better Backyards Certificate and

yard sign• Display yard sign on-site• Maintain conservation practices as needed

Download the Checklist

www.columbiaccd.org/betterbackyards

Click “Download Certification Packet Here”

The Certification Checklist

Four CategoriesA. Habitat Stewardship

Food Source(s)

Water Source(s)

Shelter/Nesting

B. Clean Water/Stormwater Mgmt.C. Native Plants

D. Other Conservation Practices

Checklist Important Notes

• RED = Minimum # of requirements for certification level

• Must follow local municipality ordinances or work with municipality for exceptions/revisions

• Helpful resources available in application packet (pg. 5)

• Contact CCCD for more resources, info

Examples & Inspiration

Corner feature

Borders

Examples & Inspiration

Walking pathsMeadow area

Examples & Inspiration

Bird feeders

Berry patch

Butterfly bath

Examples & InspirationEducational signs

Dead wood features Evergreens (year-round cover)

Examples & Inspiration

Rain garden

Rain barrel

Riparian buffer

Quick Note About Lawns“Green Deserts”

63,000 sq. miles of lawn in U.S. (size of Texas)-That’s 3x larger than America’s annual corn crop!-Value is almost exclusively aesthetic

Raising your mower height to highest setting (4-6”) OR creating a “no mow zone”:

• Improves stormwater permeability • Improves soil health • Reduces stresses on grasses (they stay green!)• More drought resilient / less water required• Less inputs required• Helps flowering plants survive (pollinator and songbird friendly)• Provides nesting resources• Saves time and $$ on maintenance

Summary• Restore, enhance, and create habitat for native

flora and fauna• Help protect native natural resources (and critters

who rely on them)• Support local wild pollinators• Reduce invasive species• Improve water quality• Improve soil health• Improve resiliency against weather extremes• Reduce stormwater and flash flooding• Reduce pollutants in the watershed• Save time and $$ on lawn care• Improve aesthetic value of your property• Community involvement and partnerships• Create opportunities for environmental education

and stewardship

Check out our other webinars!

www.columbiaccd.org/workshops• Natural areas of Columbia County• Vegetation for stormwater management (no mow zones) highly recommended

• DIY rain barrels• PA native plants• UPCOMING: Patterns in Nature – Friday, August 21st @ Noon-1pm

Questions?Contact info

Brittney HartzellWatershed Specialist

570-317-9491Brittney.Hartzell@columbiaccd.org

www.columbiaccd.orgfacebook.com/columbiaccd