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"Smartyards"
protect the environment
 Photo
— Carlos Alejandro |
With an
emphasis on native plant species, “Smartyards” provide
habitat for a greater diversity of wildlife species, reduce or eliminate
the need for chemical fertilizer and pesticide applications, and
conserve water resources more than traditional turf grass landscapes. “Smartyards” is
a unique component of the Delaware
Nature Society’s Backyard
Habitat program. By participating in this program, you
can discover how to provide an oasis for local birds, butterflies,
and other wildlife
while helping to ensure the health of our streams and rivers.
“Smartyards” participants
receive one of three landscaping packages valued at approximately
$500 that include:
- A variety
of native trees, shrubs, and perennials
- A
bird feeder, nesting box,
and bird bath
- Delaware
Nature Society Backyard Habitat starter kit
- One-on-one
technical assistance from Delaware
Nature Society
trained Habitat Stewards
- Planning
and installation guidelines to ensure proper placement and
maintenance
of the plant materials.
Pike
Creek “Smartyards”
Photo —
Jim White, Delaware Nature Society |
Through
a grant partnership, the Delaware Nature Society and the Delaware
Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control (DNREC) are pleased
to offer
10 Pike Creek streamside
landowners “Smartyards” landscaping
packages. Specially
designed to utilize Delaware native plant
species, riparian “Smartyards” stabilize
stream banks, reduce stormwater runoff,
filter pollutants, and provide excellent
habitat thereby helping to enhance the
Pike
Creek watershed for people and wildlife.
The native plant materials and
habitat enhancements for this project
will be
supplied by
the Delaware Nature Society's retail
partners Gateway
Garden Center and Wild
Birds Unlimited.
Selection criteria:
-
All Pike Creek streamside residents are eligible for the “Smartyards” program.
- Community open space parcels are not appropriate for this project.
- DNREC
staff will elevate sites to ensure adequate bank stability.
- “Smartyards” packages
will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Additional Opportunities
Photo — Jim White, Delaware Nature Society |
Over
the coming year, the Delaware Nature Society will be announcing
additional “Smartyards” programs in other
watersheds.
Look for more information in future issues of Tributary
Times or on the Delaware
Nature Society’s website.
Even
if you are not selected for “Smartyards,” you
can still take part in the effort to protect local water quality
and improve wildlife habitat through your home landscaping practices
by participating in the Backyard Habitat program. Offered
locally by the Delaware Nature Society, Backyard Habitat provides
official
certification for properties where owners meet the four criteria
necessary for wildlife habitat: food, cover, water, and places
for wildlife to raise young. Certified habitats may range from
those meeting the minimum requirements, such as a small urban balcony
or rooftop, to extensive naturalized areas that meet a variety
of wildlife needs.
For
more information about Backyard Habitat and “Smartyards,” please
contact the Delaware Nature Society’s Watershed Stewardship
Coordinator, Jen
Gochenaur by e-mail or by telephone at (302) 239-2334 ext. 142.
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