The Basics of Backyard Conservation

Conservation of our natural resources is critical to the life of our planet. Listed here are just a few simple and easy ways to protect and conserve our natural resources right from your own backyard.

COMPOSTING: Reduces and sometimes completely removes preservatives, pesticides, and hydrocarbons in contaminated soil. It also helps heavy metals bind together to prevent them from being absorbed by plants. The composting process increases production of bacteria and fungi micro organisms. These organisms break down organic matter which results in a nutrient rich material called "Humus", which is found in many potting soil mixes. Composting also prevents pollutants in storm water runoff from reaching our surface water resources. It can also reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. All in all, composting means improved soil quality, Heather plants and a better environment, so why not do it?

PLANTING A GARDEN: Can totally erase your carbon footprint. It gives back to Mother Nature. Some may choose to plant a vegetable garden, and preserve their rewards through the process of canning. Others may choose to plant a flower garden which in turn attracts wildlife, such as butterfly's, bee's and hummingbirds. Rose gardens, are fragrant, beautiful and a wonderful addition to any home. Planting a garden greatly benefits our environment no matter what type of garden you choose to plant.

PLANTING A TREE: helps reduce toxins in the air we breathe. Trees filter carbon monoxide, sulfur and dust from the air and they give off oxygen, both of which we all need to breathe. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for their food, protection, and homes. Trees also conserve energy, and lower cooling costs in summer by shading homes. If you plant Evergreen trees and shrubs on the north side of your home, they will act as a windbreak, to conserve energy, and lower heating costs in winter. Planting an orchard or vineyard would be an awesome way to help our environment.

WATER CONSERVATION: Less than 3% of our water is fresh, and most of that is unreachable in icecaps and glaciers, or deep in the earth. Better irrigation practices, behavioral changes, and efficient appliances and fixtures can reduce our water consumption by a third. By using drip, and other low flow irrigation devices, and planting native plants that are adapted to the local climate and rainfall, we can conserve water without really even thinking about it. One way I choose to conserve water is by collecting rain water in buckets, then pouring it into a watering can, and using it to water my gardens, trees and shrubs. Putting mulch around your plants and flowers, helps to conserve water by holding in moisture and reducing the amount of weeds that grow.

CREATE A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Loss of habitat has put many native species, both plant and animal, at risk of extinction. Creating a wildlife sanctuary in your backyard will help replace some of the lost habitat. There are many ways to attract wildlife, such as, putting bird feeders, nesting boxes, and a pond in your sanctuary. You can even put piles of rocks or logs to provide shelter for reptiles, and small mammals. Creating a wildlife sanctuary not only provides food, water and shelter for our wildlife, but it also gives us a place to relax and enjoy nature. The process of creating a wildlife sanctuary, also gives us the chance to connect with nature, which can be a very satisfying experience. You can certify your sanctuary by contacting the National Wildlife Federation.

Being "green" is hard work. It requires sacrifices, and changes in our daily lives that many of us don't want to make, because of the inconvenience. Rapid pollution growth, falling water tables, drying rivers, shrinking forrest's, eroding soils, climate change, and collapsing species stocks that are valuable to ecosystem stability, demand that we take action. We have nothing to loose and a lot to gain for present and future generations.