The problem with lawns and conventional landscapes…

Up to 60% of municipal water is used on lawns and conventional landscapes.

The average American spends as much time mowing their lawn in a year as they do on vacation.

Gas-powered mowers emit 11 times more pollution than a new car and make up 5% of U.S. air pollution.

Americans spend over $1 billion and apply over 70 million pounds of pesticides to suburban lawns each year.

Storm-water runoff contaminated by pesticides and fertilizers is the leading source of water pollution.

Pesticides kill thousands of beneficial bugs for every 1 they attempt to control.

Each year Americans dispose of 24 million tons of leaves and grass clippings making up 20% of landfill waste.

Half of all species may become endangered or extinct in the next 50 to 100 years.

There is a better and smarter way…

CREATE A NATURESCAPE!

Naturescapes are eco-friendly landscapes and backyard wildlife habitats that:

	Conserve water by using drought-resistant native plants and xeriscape practices.
	Eliminate or reduce lawn to less than half of property and cut the need for watering and chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
	Use native plants and trees that support up to 50 times more wildlife species than non-native vegetation.
	Provide habitat elements (food, water and shelter) for resident and migrating wildlife.
	Use natural pest management instead of pesticides.
	Manage storm-water runoff by retaining water in on-site wetlands that recharge the local water table.
	Use manual tools for routine maintenance.
	Recycle yard waste into compost and mulch.

Economic benefits of naturescapes

	Reduce water bills by over 40%
	Lower maintenance by 50% over conventional landscapes. A smaller lawn or no lawn means you can use manual tools like a manual mower and edger that don't use oil, pollute, or contribute to global warming.
	Save over 15% on energy bills. Well-placed trees, shrubs and vines can reduce home energy costs by cooling in summer and warming in winter.
	Reduce waste management costs by recycling yard waste into compost and mulch.
	Reduce chance of medical illness due to pesticide and chemical exposure by eliminating the use of pesticides.
	Increase property and neighborhood aesthetics and values.

Study Resources
The key to creating a naturescape is planting the right plant in the right place. Save time and money by studying resources that will help you match plant requirements to your yard conditions. Research on-line or visit your local library or bookstore. You may also want to contact organizations like these in your area:

	Native Plant Society
	County Agriculture Extension Agency
	Local Parks Department
	Garden Clubs
	Water Management District
	State Wildlife Commission

Look for guides and information that will help you identify native plants and wildlife from birds to butterflies. You will also want to find information about landscaping for wildlife and xeriscape practices specific to your geographic location.

	The National Wildlife Federation provides comprehensive information for creating backyard wildlife habitats. Go to www.nwf.org for more information.
	The National Audubon Society publishes an informative series of identification guides for the U.S. Go to www.audubon.org for more information.

Explore Natural Habitats & Naturescapes

	Visit natural areas near you, like state parks and preserves, to see native plants and wildlife habitats.
	Visit certified habitats in your area to see different ways of creating naturescapes in your yard. Contact the National Wildlife Federation for information on certified habitats near you; www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/habitatsnearyou.cfm

Here are some key terms to help you:

	Ecosystem: is a natural area where several communities of native plants and animals exist; it is distinguished by light, soil and water conditions.
	Habitat: is the place where elements of food, water, and shelter are present for wildlife to survive; it is part of an ecosystem.

Your objective is to 1) identify the ecosystem, habitats, and wildlife that are native to your geographic location, and 2) recreate those habitats in your yard.

Supplies Needed

	graph paper
	home site plan
	transparencies
	clipboard or notebook
	dry erase & permanent colored markers

Take "Before Photos"

	Stand in the outside corners of your yard and take two photos, one facing each direction within your yard.
	Take one long shot of your front yard.

Make an Outline

	Put a piece of graph paper over your site plan and make an outline of your property and all the structures on it (home, patio, decks, pool, driveway, sidewalks).
	If you do not have a site plan, just draw an outline - it does not have to be perfect.
	Put this outline on a clipboard or notebook.
	You will place transparency sheets over this outline to design your naturescape!

Identify the Natural Conditions in your Yard
Note the following natural conditions in your yard with different colored markers on a transparency sheet over your property outline.

	Full Sun
	Note the areas in your yard that receive full direct sun from 10 am to 4 pm. Make sure this area is not subject to change from summer to winter due to the height of your home and the angle of the sun. These areas that go from full sun to full shade in a matter of a few days require certain plants that are able to withstand this type of transition.
	Shade
	Also note areas that receive only a few hours of direct sun. Shade areas can be difficult to identify due to the different degrees in which they exist. Areas that receive no direct full sun after 12:00 noon may be considered a shade environment. Also large trees can create full to part shade microclimates like those in a rainforest.
	Water
	With a blue marker note the wet areas where water collects after rains, like gutter downspouts or swales. Also make note of irrigation systems and sprinkler heads and spots where heavy downpours from roofs may damage plants.
	Wind
	Use another color to note unprotected areas prone to high winds.
	Soil
	Use another color to note any soil differences from sand to rocks that will help determine what to design and plant in a specific area. For example, you can turn a rocky area into a rock garden or step terrace.

Identify the Human Factors in your Yard
Use a new transparency sheet and colors to note the following human factors.

	Structural Restrictions
	Make note of utility easements, electric, power, cable, rooflines, existing tree canopies, and neighboring obstructions like trees, buildings, or towers. You must match the maximum growth of trees and shrubs to be a few feet under overhead obstructions.
	Activity/Use
	With a separate color make note of natural pathways around the yard. Remember people are like water and will take the path of least resistance!
	High activity areas
	Note areas that get a lot of traffic, where children play, etc.

Create Pathways
Use a new transparency sheet and create a main curving pathway around the yard and side paths for maintenance. Use the natural path you noted earlier as a guide. Your main pathway should be like a meandering creek, some places it is narrow and curving, in other places it is wide and open. The twisting curves will provide privacy and intrigue with surprises always waiting to be discovered around the next corner!

Plan a Native Tree Canopy
Use a new transparency to plant a backdrop of large native trees to create a shade canopy.

	Then, on the same transparency, plan an understory of smaller flowering or fruit trees. Choose trees that fruit and flower at different times of the year.
	Remember to match all tree requirements to yard conditions (sun, water, wind, soil).

Tree Location Tips
Locate:

	trees for mature size (proximity to property lines, overhead obstructions, foundations).
	deciduous trees on the south side to shade in summer and warm in winter.
	evergreen trees on the northwest corner to form a windbreak in winter.
	tall trees and large shrubs on the east and west sides of home to provide shade.
	trees and shrubs off the point of a corner to soften it.
	colorful trees at focal points for interest.
Leave dead trees, standing or fallen, to provide nesting and foraging sites for wildlife.
	More than 1200 species of wildlife depend on snags for food, cover and shelter.
	Plant shrubs and vines around a dead tree to make it more attractive.

Create Recreation Islands
On a new transparency sheet use the high activity areas you noted earlier to design recreation islands of grass. These should be manageable areas large enough for recreation but small enough to easily maintain.

Create Habitat Areas
Use another transparency sheet to layout different habitat areas like forests, meadows, and wetlands.

	Be sure to match habitat areas and plants to yard conditions (sun, water, wind, soil).
	Maximize the transition or edge area between habitats where most wildlife interacts by creating curved plant beds.
	Arrange shrubs and plants in descending tiers from high to low, from outside in.
	Use odd numbered masses (3, 5, 7).
	Use a variety of shrubs, groundcovers, vines and wildflowers, but keep the same species and colors together.
	Remember to give enough room to accommodate mature plant size.

Provide Habitat Elements for Wildlife
Your naturescape should provide food, water, and shelter for wildlife. Make note of the location of bird feeders, birdbaths, nesting boxes, and brush shelters on a transparency.

	Food
	Locally native plants are the backbone of any naturescape and support 10 to 50 times as many species as non-native plants. Plant a variety of native plants in order to meet the year-round needs of many species. One of the best native trees for birds and wildlife is the red cedar, which provides fruit and shelter for over 50 species of resident and migrating birds. Over 30 species of birds, from woodpeckers to tanagers and thrushes, eat the fruit of dogwood trees; 18 species of birds, including cedar waxwings and robins, will eat the fruit from hawthorn trees. Supplement natural food sources with feeders.
	Water
	Use birdbaths, ponds, and wetlands to provide year-round sources of water. Place water source in an open area about ten feet from shrubs or anywhere predators could hide. Plant shrubs with thorns nearby so birds can dry safe from predators. Wildlife is especially attracted to moving water like creeks, drippers and waterfalls.
	Shelter/Places to Raise Young
	Provide safe shelter and places to raise young with native shrubs, snags, hollow logs, rock and brush shelters, and nesting boxes. Remember that proper placement is key for attracting wildlife.

Incorporate Garden Accessories
Place garden accessories where they are easy to access and maintain and note on the same transparency with location of bird feeders, birdbaths, and nesting boxes.

	Birdbath
	Rain barrel
	Compost bin
	Garden bench
	Solar lights

PART III: SITE PREPARATION & PLANTING

Prepare the site
Remove invasive, high-maintenance, water-intensive, trees, shrubs, lawn, or other obstacles like old fences, foundations, etc.

	Sod Removal:
	Spray grass with a solution of 25% or vinegar and 75% water when no rain is expected for at least 2 to 3 days. Wait 5 days to plant. Adjust the ratio and number of applications as needed.
	Cover lawn with newspaper or cardboard held in place with stones until grass dies.
	Use a sod remover or dig up grass and turn over or compost.

Create water features and wetlands
Create dry creek beds, ponds, and other wetlands to capture rainfall and manage storm-water runoff.

Alter/fix irrigations systems

	Reroute and replace sprinkler heads to water efficiently.
	Install automatic program and rain-sensor shutoff.
	Install a drip or micro-spray irrigation system.

Adjust Soil ph if needed
Check the acid - alkaline level of your soil and adjust if necessary. Contact your county extension or agricultural service for assistance.

Select native plants and trees

	Contact your local native plant society for a list of native plant nurseries in your area.
	Select your native plants and trees and arrange delivery and installation.

Plant trees and habitat areas in phases to match your budget
Plant large trees first.

	Dig a hole one foot wider and deep than the root ball of the tree.
	Fill hole 1/2 way with water.
	Place tree in hole.
	Fertilize and fill the hole.
	Stake the tree for protection against high winds.
	Water regularly for the first year.

Place Garden Accessories

	Put up bird feeders, birdhouses, bat houses, birdbaths, and other garden accessories.
	Create rock and brush shelters.
	Create pathways with step stones or mulch.
	Install a rain barrel.

Mulch
The average yard contains enough waste from trees, shrubs, and lawns to provide most all the mulch you need. Go to compost and mulch to learn more.

Take After Photos
Take after photos in the same spots you took the before photos.

PART IV: MAINTENANCE

Maintaining naturescapes is easy and will allow you to enjoy the wonder of nature right in your own backyard! A reliable pair on hand clippers, a compost bin, and a host of beneficial bugs will get you off to a good start!

Irrigation
Water new landscapes regularly:

	Time	Watering Frequency
	Weeks 1 & 2	Daily
	Weeks 3 to 10	3 times per week
	Months 4 - 10	Once per week

	Water before dawn or after dusk - almost all water sprinkled during daylight hours evaporates and never reaches plant roots.
	Use soaker hoses or drip sprinklers.
	Calibrate sprinkler system to apply 1/2 to 3/4 of inch of water per application - the less you water the deeper roots will grow in search of water and the healthier plants and lawn will become.
	Install an automatic rain shut-off device and set to 1/2 inch.
	A day with one inch of rainfall replaces a watering day.
	Plant beds need less water than lawn areas and can be watered separately.

Eco-Conscious Lawn Care

	Cut grass infrequently.
	Use highest mower setting - longer grass blades suppress weeds and help maintain soil moisture.
	Use a manual mower instead of a gas mower for smaller lawns.
	Instead of sending your grass clippings to the landfill:
		Place them in you compost bin
		Use a mulching mower
		Scattered them over your plant beds
	Cut twigs about 3 - 6 inches in length and toss in plant beds for bird nesting material.

Composting

Over 1/3 of your garbage is organic material, like fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, tea bags, and coffee grounds, that can be turned into natural fertilizer by composting.

Composting organic home waste is simple and easy. Go to composting to learn more.

Natural Pest Management

99% of the insects in your yard and garden are beneficial - like parasitic wasps that control more than two hundred kinds of pests - and help keep the balance of nature.

You can make the difference by paying for knowledge, not pesticides.

Go to natural pest management to learn more.

PART V: CERTIFICATION

Certifying your naturescape helps educate others about the importance of creating eco-friendly landscapes and provides a growing database for science and conservation. It will also give you many resources and opportunities to meet others who are making the difference right in their backyards!

Select a certification program

There are many local, state, and national habitat certification programs run by public and private organizations. Programs vary by focus, application, certification process, and fees. Choose the program or programs that best suit your objectives, time and resources.

National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program

This national program focuses on how to plan your landscape with the needs of wildlife in mind. You may certify your backyard, schoolyard, workplace, or community as an official backyard wildlife habitat. There is a $15 application fee. Naturalists at NWF's headquarters in Reston, Virginia, will review your application and send you a certificate if it is approved. An attractive yard sign is also available for $27. For more information visit www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/

Prepare your submission materials

The following materials will be helpful in preparing your certification application:

	Drawings and plans of your naturescape/backyard wildlife habitat
	Photos (before & after)
	How you have provided the key habitat elements: food, water, shelter
	List of native plants and trees that you planted
	List of wildlife you have seen in your yard

Display your certification and sign!

	Mount your certification sign in a prominent place in your yard for friends and neighbors to see!
	Share your experience with others and encourage them to create a naturescape!
	Create connecting naturescapes in your neighborhood to form corridors for wildlife!