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“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
www.columbiaccd.orgfacebook.com/columbiaccd
