Bringing Conservation From the Countryside to Your Backyard A cooperative project of USDA - PDF document

Your BackyardBackyardConservation armers and ranchers,and manyhomeowners,are making progress innatural resource protection.You canjoin their conservation tradition,right in yourown backyard.There are nearly 2 billion acres of land in theUnited States.About 70 percent of that landis privately owned,and care of that land is inthe hands of those who live and work on it.Most of that land,1.4 billion acres,is man-aged by farmers and ranchers.More than 92million acres of landÑan area the size ofCaliforniaÑis privately developed and muchof it is tended by homeowners.Farmers and ranchers use conservation plansto help them apply practices that meet theirproduction objectives and protect soil,water,air,plant,and animal resources.You may wantto develop a plan for your own backyard tohelp you apply conservation measures that Þtyour needs.Or maybe,for now,youÕd like totry just a few of the activities in this book.We hope youÕll enjoy these activities thatbring beauty and diversity to your yardÑwhether your ÒyardÓis measured in acres,feet,or ßower pots.We know youÕll feel goodabout improving the environment and joiningthe conservation tradition ofAmericaÕs farm-ers and ranchers.Fromthecountrysideto your backyard A tradition of caring for our natural resources 2 Jim ArchambeaultJim ArchambeaultRichard Day, Daybreak Imagery AGEContour stripcropping;tom right)Northern cardinal,female;Water andplants to attract butterßies;Water lily.AGEConstructed wetland with(right)prairie coneßowers;Finished compost;Atala hairstreak butterßy.Lynn Betts, USDALynn Betts, USDALynn Betts, USDALynn Betts, USDAAlana Edwards 4 Tree plantingPage 6 Page 8Page 14 TerracingPage 22Water Page 23Page 21n this publication,youÕll see practicesused to conserve andimprove naturalresources on agriculturalland across the country.YouÕll see how you canuse similar practices inyour own backyard tohelp improve the envi-ronment,help wildlife,and in many cases,makethe area more attractiveand enjoyable.Most backyard conserva-tion practices are easy toput in place.Tips andhighlights are given here,but for more information,or for help in developingyour backyard plan,youmay want to consult alocal landscaper,gardenclub,or any of the organi-zations listed in the backWhatÕs in this bookÒQuick TipsÓ 1 Richard Day, Daybreak Imagery Page 16Page 20 Page 24Page 18 and sustainability. 5 HASAACKYARDPage 26 4 AGEMockingbird eatingchokecherry;Backyard pond and water-loving plants.AGE(right)Contour stripcropping.Jim ArchambeaultTim McCabe, USDA TREEPLANTINGTrees add beauty and so much more. Choosing a treeChoose a tree that will for youand that Þts your landscape.Take advantage of the abun-libraries,at universities,arboretums,and parks wheretrees are identiÞed,and fromnative plant and gardeningclubs,and nurseries.Beforeyou buy,you can Þnd out if atree is ,how big it willget,how long it will live,itsleaf color in the fall,any nutsor fruit it may bear,and theproper planting instructionsand care for that species.Make a conscious effort to.They will livelonger,be more tolerant oflocal weather and soil condi-tions,enhance natural biodi-versity in your neighbor-hood,and be more beneÞcialto wildlife than non-nativetrees.Avoid exotic trees thatcan invade other areas,crowd out native plants,andharm natural ecosystems.of treespecies.For wildlife,choosetrees and shrubs that bloomand bear fruit or nuts at dif-ferent times of the year.rees in your backyard can be home to many different types ofwildlife.Trees also can reduce your heating and cooling costs,help clean the air,add beauty and color,provide shelter fromthe wind and the sun,and add value to your home. 6 Lynn Betts, USDAJim Archambeault as,and slightly shallowerthan,the root ball.Roughenhole with a pick or shovelWith a potted tree,gentlyremove the tree from thecontainer.Lay the tree on itsnear the planting hole.Hitcontainer until the root ballis loosened.With treeswrapped in plastic or burlap,remove the string or wirethat holds the wrapping tothe root crown.Remove thewrapping if it is plastic;burlap may be left in place.Gently separate circlingroots on the root ball.Shorten exceptionally long roots,and guide theshortened roots downwardand outward.Root tips diequickly when exposed to light and air,so donÕtwaste time.Place the root ball in thehole.Leave the top of theroot ball (where the rootsend and the trunk begins)1/2 to 1 inch above thesurrounding soil,making surenot to cover it unless rootsare exposed.As you add soilto Þll in around the tree,lightly tamp the soil tocollapse air pockets,or addwater to help settle the soil.Form a temporary waterbasin around the base of thetree to encourage waterpenetration,and waterthoroughly after planting.A tree with a dry root ballcannot absorb water;if theroot ball is extremely dry,allow water to trickle intothe soil by placing the hoseat the trunk of the tree.Mulch around the tree.Planting a treeA properly planted and maintained tree will grow much fasterand live much longer than one that is incorrectly planted.Treescan be planted almost any time of the year as long as the soil isnot frozen.However,plant trees.The roots grow some during the Þrst fall and winterand when spring arrives the tree is ready to grow.Your secondchoice for planting is late winter or early spring.Hot summerweather is hard on newly planted trees and planting in frozensoil during the winter is difÞcult and tough on tree roots.Trees can shelter livestock and crops; they are used as barriers to slow winds that 7On the farm For the Þrst year or two,espe-cially after a week or so ofespecially hot or dry weather,.If yousee leaf wilting or hard,cakedand slowly enough sothe water soaks in rather thanruns off.This will Keep the area under the treesmulched and free of otherplants.Until the trees aredeeply rooted,grasses andother plants may take upmoisture before the trees canget their share.AGEFarmstead windbreak;A restful,soothingplace among the trees;Enjoying the backyard.AGEChipping sparrow(top right)Twine will beremoved before planting;Field windbreak.Lynn Betts, USDARichard Day, Daybreak ImageryLynn Betts, USDALynn Betts, USDA WILDLIFEHABITAT Trees,shrubs,andprovide homes andfood for wildlife.Attracting birds toyour yardThese are examples ofplants that you can grow toattract birds and otherspecies.Be sure to checkwith your nursery on whatgrows best in your area.Highbush blueberryPyracanthaRed-osier dogwoodServiceberryViburnumsWax myrtleTrees for birds andAmerican beechAmerican hollyAppleBlack cherryCottonwoodCrabappleFlowering dogwoodHawthornsHickoriesLive oakRed mullberryVines for birdsAmerican bittersweetNative honeysuckleStrawberryTrumpet creeperVirginia creeperWild grapeour backyard can be home for many different typesof birds,butterßies,beneÞcial insects,bats,and otherwildlife.Trees,shrubs,and other plants provide bothfood and shelter for wildlife.The types of plants you use forfood and cover will help determine the wildlife speciesattracted to your backyard.Consider Þrst.Plant a .Select plants.Shrubs that produce berries can provide foodthroughout the year.Trees with nuts and fruit can alsoprovide seasonal foods.Flowers and fruits of some plantsattract hummingbirds and butterßies to your backyard.Youalso can construct Richard Day, Daybreak ImageryLynn Betts, USDA 9 ConeßowerCoreopsisSunßowerHummingbirds are typicallyattracted to red and yellowtubular ßowers,althoughthey frequently visit othersas well.Jewel weedPenstemonPhloxTrumpet creeperYou can provide additionalfood and shelter for birdsand other wildlife by build-ing or purchasing feedersand houses and by settingout certain foods.Watchingbirds feeding can be anenjoyable pastime.Find outwhich birds ,andprovide food for them.Check to see which birdsare most common andwhich are rare or in specialneed of food and shelter.Many species of birds can beattracted by a in different styles offeeders.Be sure to put feed-ers Hummingbird:Sugar water (1 part sugar to4 parts water) in a feeder.Every 3-4 days,wash feederwith soap and water,rinsethoroughly,and add newsugar water.Citrus fruit on a nail Titmouse,nuthatch,chick-adee,and many others:Black oil sunßower seedsGoldÞnch,pine siskin:Woodpecker,wren:Plain suet in a suet feederUse of feeders couldattract some wildlife speciesthat you may not want tofeed,such as starlings,crows,and squirrels.Type andplacement of feeders and thetype of food can help deterunwanted species.Choose a location that birds will Þnd ,usually away from the bustle of humanactivity.Make or buy a bird house for the species of bird you want to attract.Thesize of the hole is most critical to prevent the eggs and youngfrom being destroyed by larger birds;always check a list ofappropriate hole sizes. AGENortherncardinal,male;(bottom right)Supplemental foodfor birds;Interspersed nativeAGE(top right)AnnaÕshummingbird;(bottom right)Eastern bluebird,male,at nest box.Richard Day, Daybreak ImagerySusan Day, Daybreak Imagery WILDLIFEHABITATDead, dying, and hollow trees and logsMany people are not aware of the value of dead,dying,and hollow trees,as well as logson the ground,for wildlife.Dead trees provide homes to over 400 species of birds,mammals,and amphibians.Fish,plants,and fungi also beneÞt from dead and dyingtrees.Consider leaving standing dead and dying trees in your yard unless they pose a humansafety or property hazard,and use downed woody materials in gardens and landscaping. Attracting butterßies to your yardColorful butterßies add beauty and interest to your backyard.There are hundreds of differentspecies of butterßies in North America.Butterßies require food in liquid form,such as nectarproduced by plants.They get some of it from ßowers and from juices of extra-ripe fruits.Theyou grow will determine the kinds of butterßies you will attractto your backyard.Observe species nearby,and use plants that attract them.Provide for adult butterßies and foliage for caterpillars.Do not use insecticides nearplants for butterßies.Butterßy weed andother milkweedsConeßowerMilkweedPhloxCaterpillars,the larval stageof butterßies,need nourish-ment as well.are the choice ofmany species.Plants forcaterpillars include:BirchButterßy weed andother milkweedsSorrelSpicebrushWillowyour yardIn the United States,thereare nearly 5,000 differentspecies of native beesÑsolitary,holes in the ground or bur-rows in twigs and dead treelimbs.These bees donÕt havehives to protect so they arenot aggressive and rarelysting.Bumblebees,carpenterbees,sweat bees,leafcutterbees,digger bees,and otherspollinate manydiffer-,andplay a critical role in healthygardens.Some 30 percent ofour diet is the direct resultof a pollinating visit by abee to a ßowering fruit tree Stephen L. BuchmannStephen L. Buchmann community, local or vegetable plant.Providingbee habitat in your yard canincrease the quality andquantity of your fruit andvegetable harvests.Bees are attracted to mostßowering plants,and areespecially fond of blue andyellow ßowers.Try plantingyour garden so you havesummer, and fall.Plantsfor bees include:Black-eyed SusanCardinal ßowerClover and other legumesCrape myrtleGoldenrodsMallowsMilkweedsSunßowersA good use forleast 3-5 inchesthick) is to drill holes (from1/8-inch to 5/16-inch in diam-eter) about 90 percent of theway into the thick woodenblock.Space the holes about1/2-inch to 3/4-inch apart.The 5/16-inch holes workbest as homes for orchardbees,which are excellent pol-linators of fruit trees.Hangyour bee blocks of your house or gar-den shed,protected fromdirect sun and rain.your yardinteresting mammalianspecies in yourneighborhood.Bats areamong the most importantconsumers of ,includingmosquitoes,moths,andbeetles.For example,a On corporate lands AGEMonarch butterßy onconeßower;(bottom right)Digger bee;swallowtail after emergingfrom chrysalis.AGE(top right)Canada goose;Egret over wetland;Pallid bat with insect.Lynn Betts, USDABill Welker, USDALynn Betts, USDAMerlin D. Tuttle, Bat ConservationInternational WILDLIFEHABITATsingle little brown bat cancatch more than Watching bats ßy aroundlight posts catching bugscan be an interestingnighttime activity.To help attract bats and pro-vide them with much-need-ed roosting habitat,you maywant to consider putting abat house in your yard.Thespot that receives 6 or morehours of sun per day.Treetrunks are usually too shadyfor bat boxes.Some species,such as red bats and hoarybats,will use foliage ofshrubs and trees,while oth-ers,such as evening andIndiana bats,will roost underloose bark or in cavities.As with all wildlife,batsor chased.Bats are generally shy ofhumans,and rarely ÒattackÓor ßy after a person,but ifthe ground,a bat may bitein self-defense.Bats shouldWater for wildlifeClean,fresh water is as important to birds,bats,and otherwildlife as it is for people.Water in a saucer, bird bath,gives wildlife the water they need.Remember to change the water every few days to .In hot weather,it may be necessary to reÞll the con-tainer every day.Logs,rocks,and other in-water structures provide drinkingand basking habitat for turtles,butterßies,and songbirds.Stones with depressions that collect water will help attractButterßies,birds,bees,and all wildlife are very vulnerable tomany pesticides and other chemicals.Probably the best singlething a gardener can do for wildlife is to .If you use chemicals,always Lynn Betts, USDA Farmers are installing grass,tree, and shrub plantings, ponds,Pheasants, grouse, quail, prairiechickens, mourning doves, andfrogs, diamond-back terrapin,red bats, and other wildlife, On the farm AGEBackyard pond with lily pads and frogs;Cleaning birdbath;Thistle feederwith pine siskin and American goldÞnches.AGE(top right)Rose-breasted grosbeak,male;(bottom right)Streamside buffer of trees andRed-eared andpainted turtles;Eastern bluebirds.Richard Day, Daybreak ImageryRichard Day, Daybreak ImageryLynn Betts, USDALynn Betts, USDA BACKYARDPONDAbackyard pondwill likelybecomethefocalpointforallyourbackyardconservation.Where to put a backyard pondConsider locating your backyard pond in view of a deck orpatio where everyone can enjoy it.Have it blend in with its nat-ural surroundings.Plan to to provide habitat for frogs and birds that need land and water.Be sure electrical service is available for a pump,Þlter system tokeep water fresh,or for lighting.There will be less maintenanceand cleanup and most aquatic plants will grow better if yourpond is not under trees.When to install a backyard pondYou can put in a backyard pond any time the ground isnÕtfrozen or overly wet.Plan on taking at least a weekend to installBackyard pond suppliesMost sites will require lining with an impervious material tohold a constant water level.A of strong plastic is generally the easiest way to line your pond.Flexible liners may make it easier for the pond to Þt into thenatural surroundings of your yard.Pre-formed rigid liners alsoare available,but generally are more expensive and moredifÞcult to install.A wooden half barrel with a liner makes anice small,above-ground pond.YouÕll also need a to maintain clean water and healthy Þsh.You can addplants,landscaping,heaters,or special effects like fountains andwaterfalls.Common regrets of backyard pond owners are that the pondwas too small or too shallow.Minimum depth for Þsh is 18inches;a deep end of 2 or 3 feet is recommended.Size andshape of ponds with rigid liners are dictated by the liners.Apond with a ßexible liner may be any shape or size.,such as duckweed,are an integralpart of keeping the water in your pond clear.Use native plantsthat are recommended for your area. ackyard ponds are for birds,butterßies,frogs,Þsh,andyou and your family.These ponds are typically small,sometimes no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter.Water is very effective in to your back-yard.It is also a natural,relaxing,and scenic addition that canprovide interest and enjoyment. Jim Archambeault of water lilies,iris,spikerush,arrow-arum,duck potato,marsh marigold,and other native wetland,and typicallysurvive over winter in the backyard pond,unlike most non-native,tropical species.Plants should cover 50 to 70 percent of thewater surface.Set the plants 1 to 2 inchesunder water;the pots may need to be sup-ported by submerged rocks or bricks.If youare using native plants,there is usually noneed to fertilize them.For some exoticwater lilies,limited fertilizingÑonce yearlyÑmay be required.Check with your nurseryon care of plants and how deep to placepotted plants.Be aware that overfertilizingmay cause unwanted algae blooms whichcan rob the water of oxygen.Consider stocking your backyard pond withÞsh.They are fun to watch,and help keepthe pond free of unwanted insects.YouÕllalso need scavengers,such as aquatic snailsand tadpoles,to help control algae.In coldclimates,a heater may be necessary for Þshto survive the winter.Be aware that heaterscan use large amounts of electricity.Fill a small area with sand or gravel to cre-ate a shallow area where bees and butter-ßies can drink.Locate the backyard pond where it is unlike-ly that unattended children may be attractedto it.Check local safety ordinances to deter-mine if a fence is required for the speciÞcdepth and size of your pond.Check localbuilding ordinances for depth and safetyrestrictions and permits.Equip outdoor out-lets with a ground-fault circuit interrupter.More helpYour local nursery,landscaper,or other sup-plier can give you more information on thestep-by-step process of building a backyardpond,selecting and establishing suitableplants in and around it,and landscaping. improve water quality. AGERecirculating water in backyardAGELandscaped backyard pond;(right)Fishing in farm pond;Your ÒpondÓmay be as simple as abirdbath.Jim ArchambeaultLynn Betts, USDATim McCabe, USDA BACKYARDWETLAND Wetlands Þlter excess nutrients,chemicals,and sediment,andprovide habitat for a host ofinteresting creatures.any yards can support a backyard wetland thatbeneÞts you and your community.Letting runofffrom your roof,parking area,and lot slowly Þlterthrough a mini-wetland helps prevent pollution of neighbor-ing creeks and may help prevent ßooding.Where to put a wetlandLow areas that remain wet or damp much of the year are theeasiest places to establish wetlands.Any or runoff from downspouts,or servesas the path of drainwater leaving your yard,is an excellent.YouÕll create a backyardwetland area that will be very .Therewill be no more Òbogged downÓlawn mowers because nomowing will be needed! The area will attract wildlife and Þlterthe water draining off your property.If you do not have anappropriate natural site,you can create a wetland the sameway you would a backyard pond.Do not put excess fertilizeror pesticides on your lawn or other areas feeding your wetland.Partially blocking an existing drainage way or digging a shal-low basin may be all you need to do if you have clay soil thatnaturally holds water.In better drained soil or where you wantyour wetland to stay wet most of the time,you can dig a shal-low depression and bury a plastic liner as you would to createa backyard pond.How long the area stays ßooded or wet dur-ing the growing season is key to the types of plants to use.Ifrunoff will not naturally keep the area wet enough,you willneed to have a supply of water available for occasional use. 4Gene Whitaker Because of the variety of potential conditionsthat you can create,and the potential side-effects of blockingdrainage ways,you should always consult an expert beforestarting a wetland project.A wide variety of attractive plants can grow in wet areas.Cattails and many varieties of reeds thrive in the open sunand are easy to care for.Many species are not harmed by longdry periods during the summer.Cardinal ßowers,sweet ßag,and pickerel weed thrive in wet areas.Trees and shrubs likeblack gum,water oak,red-osier dogwood,button bush,andsweet pepper bush add texture, color, and beautyany landscape,and are adapted to poorly drained soil.A vari-ety of attractive ferns,skunk cabbage,and Jack-in-the-pulpitgrow well in wooded wetlands that are damp and shaded.Ifyou create bog conditions of permanently damp organic soil,you can grow native orchids,Venus ßytrap,and sundew.Wildlife in your wetlandMany birds and small animals will quickly start using yourwetland.Usually frogs,toads,salamanders,and aquatic insectswill Þnd your wetland during the Þrst spring.A deep,perma-nent pool in the wetland can support native frogs,toads,andpossibly Þsh that will eat mosquito larva and other insects.Most frogs and toads need spring pools in which to breed;their tadpoles need shallow water for several weeks whilethey mature.Wetlands that dry out in the summer can sup-port a variety of plants and wildlife and will not produce Wetlands Þlter excess nutrients, chemicals, and sediment from runoff,Across the country, many farmers are restoring wet areas in cropland AGEWetland plants in low areabetween buildings.AGEColorful mix of wetland(right)coneßower;Restored prairiepothole wetland.Lynn Betts, USDARichard Day, Daybreak ImageryTim McCabe, USDA ll organic matter eventually decomposes.Composting speeds the process by providing anideal environment for bacteria and other decompos-ing micro-organisms.The Þnal product,humus or compost,.This dark,crumbly,earthy-smelling stuff works wonders on all kinds ofsoil and provides vital nutrients to help plants grow and lookbetter.Decomposing micro-organisms need four key elements tothrive:nitrogen,carbon,moisture,and oxygen.For best results,(such as clover and freshgrass clippings) (such as driedleaves and twigs).If there is not a good supply of nitrogen-richmaterial,a handful of general lawn fertilizer will help the nitro-gen-carbon ratio.Moisture is provided by rain,but you may.Becareful not to saturate the pile.Oxygen is supplied by the pile.More turning yields faster decomposition.household wastes intovaluable fertilizer.Many materials can be added to a compost pile,includingleaves,grass clippings,straw,woody brush,vegetable and fruitscraps,coffee grounds,livestock manure,sawdust,and shreddedpaper.Avoid using diseased plants,meat scraps that may attractanimals,and dog or cat manure which can carry disease.Composting can be as simple or as involved as you wouldlike,and depends on how much yard waste you have,howfast you want results,and the effort youÕre willing to invest.With cold composting,you can just pile grass clip-pings and dry leaves on the ground or in a bin.Thismethod requires no maintenance,but youÕll have towait several months to a year for the pile to decompose.Coldcomposting works well if youÕre short on time or have littleyard waste.Keep weeds and diseased plants out of the mix.Add yard waste as it accumulates. Lynn Betts, USDA 19 On the farm water.Hot composting requires more work,but with a few minutesa day and the right ingredients you can have Þnished compostin a few weeks.Hot piles must be built all at once in a 4- to 5-foot cube and turned regularly.As decompositionoccurs,the pile will shrink.A 3-foot cube is needed to main-tain necessary heat.Hot piles can reach 110 to 160 degreesFarenheit,killing most weed seeds and plant diseases.On a level site,lay down bricks or prunings to promote aircirculation.Spread several inches of the high-carbon material,then mixhigh-carbon and high-nitrogen material together.Waterperiodically.Punch holes in the sides of the pile for aeration.The pile will heat up and then begin to cool.Start turningwhen the pileÕs temperature begins to drop.Move materials from the center to the outside and vice versa.Turn every day or two and you should get compost in lessthan 4 weeks.Turning every other week will give compost in1 to 3 months.Finished compost will smell sweet and be cooland crumbly to the touch. AGENutrient-rich compostAGEAmerican cranberrybush Viburnum;(top right)Compost bin made of fencing wire;(bottom right)Wooden compost bins;(bottom) Manure storageRichard Day, Daybreak ImageryChristi Carter from Grant HeilmanChristi Carter from Grant HeilmanLynn Betts, USDA cools,protects, yearÕs crop stubblewashing soil away. Also, research is showing that On the farm ulching involves placing a layer of organic materi-al around plants.As mulch decomposes,it addsorganic matter to the soil.This provides importantnutrients for plants and an ideal environment for earthwormsMulching can recycle yard wastes and improve your soil.Mulch ,prevents weedgrowth,conserves soil moisture,stabilizes soil temperature,reduces compaction,and keeps clean and dry any fruit or vegetable that touches the ground.The best place to look for mulch materials is in your ownyard.work well formulching if they are dry and weed free.Avoid adding clip-pings to your vegetable garden from lawns that have beentreated with weed killer within the last two mowings.If youlive near farming areas,you may be able to get old hay from afarmer or feed store.Compost makes an excellent organic mulch material.It addsnutrients to the soil and has a natural appearance.Wood chipsand bark work well around trees and shrubs and make attrac-tive walkways through gardens.Apply mulch .First,water your garden well.Then place a layer ofmulch around the plants.Thickness of the mulch layer variesfor each material:Dry grass clippings2 inchesShredded hardwood mulch,straw,or wood chips2 to 4 inchesCompost3 to 4 inchesDry leaves6 inchesYou will help insulate the root zone and lower evaporationrates if you liberally apply mulch.Be careful not to smotherthe plants.As the mulch breaks down,add more material tothe top throughout the growing season.After harvest,the mulchinto the soilto integrate the organic matter,orleave it on the surface to and be carriedinto the soil by earthworms. Gene Alexander, USDA On the farm and environmentally. NUTRIENTMANAGEMENTApply only thosenutrients theutrients are essential for good plant growth,butoverapplying nutrients is not good for plants or forthe environment.Excess nutrients leach throughthe soil and end up in ground water,or run off into stormsewers and end up choking a lake or stream.The three primary plant nutrients are nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium.Generally,nitrogenpromotes top growth,phosphorus helpsdevelop stronger roots and more ßower andfruit production,and potassium builds durabilityand disease resistance.or others with lowfertilizer needs.The key to good nutrient management on the farm and in yourbackyard is a reliable soil test.Without a soil test,you could beapplying too much,too little,or the wrong nutrients.YouÕll wanta separate soil test for your lawn and for your garden.Commercial soil test kits are available at nurseries and lawn andgarden suppliers.Ask for information on how to take your soilsamples.Apply according tothe soil test,and at the right time.Never exceed the recom-mended rate.Use slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.Mow often,and leave grass clippings on the lawn for fertilizer.Be careful not to spread fertilizer on sidewalks and driveways.Be sure to calibrate your spreader correctly.Fertilizing gardensUse compost to enhance or replace fertilizers.Choose a level site,or terrace the garden,to avoid runoffand erosion.Place fertilizer near plants rather than broadcast it over theentire garden.Add organic matter to the soil by using manures and organicfertilizers at a conservative rate. AGEApplying shreddedmulch;Soybeansgrowing through cornresidue.AGE(top right)kit in yard;Testing soil on the farm;Curbside runoffdrains to lake.Lynn Betts, USDALynn Betts, USDA Terracingmakes ßowerand vegetablegardeningpossible onsteep slopes.erraces can break your backyard into several mini-gardens.On steep slopes,terracing can make plantinga garden feasible.Terraces prevent erosion byshortening the long slope into a series of shorter,more levelsteps.This allows heavy rains to and cause soil erosion.Building terraces is like building a staircase.The material youuse to make the face of the stair may be treated lumberÑsuchas railroad ties,poles,or postsÑor bricks,rocks,concreteblocks,or similar materials.The steepness of the slope often dictates wall height.Makethe terraces in your yard high enough so the land areabetween them is .Be sure the terrace material isenough to stay inplace through freezing and thawing,rainstorms,and so forth.Large projects,such as retaining walls,may require a profes-sional design and specialized assistance and equipment.Besure to regarding the instal-lation of high walls,and Erosion control is a considerationHeavy rains can cause erosion between terraces,and createsmall gullies if water concentrates as it goes over a terrace.Tohelp prevent erosion,on land between terraces.Terraces catch runoffwater, let the watera hillsideÑmuch likearea for birds. Terraces On the farm Gene Alexander, USDA WATERCONSERVATION f you rely on watering to make your lawn grow and yourgarden productive,consider a more efÞcient system.There are several ways to improve the use of water.When it rains,if no water recycling system has been planned,the water that runs off your house keeps on going to thestorm sewer.By saving that water,and reusing it on your gar-den or lawn later,you save energy and water.A simple recycling system directs water from eavespouts to astorage barrel.You Þll a bucket with water from the storagebarrel and carry the water to your garden.This is a simple andeffective system.However,you may want a more elaboratemethod of capturing and distributing rain water.Watering to save energyWhenever practical,In arid climates,itÕs okay to water in the evenings andat night.YouÕll lose less water to evaporation than ifyou watered in the middle of the day,and the plants are lessstressed and can take up the water more efÞciently.Mulch or Þber cloth preserves soil moisture.You can Þnd sup-plies and information at a nursery or hardware store.Consider planting native species.They usually use little or nowater beyond normal rainfall.A drip irrigation system will provide water directly to theplant.You can control the ßow to each plant.Drip irrigationand other waterconservationpractices cansave water andmoney. On the farm Drip irrigation ranges from inexpensive soaker hoses toelaborate computerized systems.There may be an up-frontinvestment,but youÕll Garden or hardware stores will have the supplies you need.You may even want to engineer your own system from a gar-den hose.Be sure not to overapply fertilizer when using adrip system. Drip irrigation,commonly used onHigh-efÞciency irrigationsystems for row cropsuse less energy topump water and, since AGETerraced ßowerbeds;Farming grassedterraces on the contour.AGEDrip irrigation in vegetable garden;EfÞcientdrip irrigation on the farm. PESTMANAGEMENTEarly detection andtreatment of pestsgrowing environment.Preventing pestsPlant disease and pest-resistant species.Select a variety of hardy plant species and space themproperly.Select plants that bloom and bear fruit at different times ofthe year.Plant ßowers,herbs,and vegetables together and changethe location of annuals every year to prevent buildup ofcertain pests.Clean up plant litter and remove weeds before they go to seed.Add bird and bat houses to the garden.Provide habitat for beneÞcial insects that prey on pests.Water and add nutrients properly to increase plant vigor.Physical pest controlRemove insects by hand.Wash pests away using a spray nozzle.Set traps.Make physical barriers around plants,such as a wiremesh fence partially sunk into the ground for rabbits,aluminum foil wrapped around vegetable plants forcutworms,and solid barriers to prevent weeds frominvading ßower beds or vegetable gardens.Having the right insects in your garden or backyard can keeppests and weeds in check.BeneÞcial insects,such as ladybugs,assassin bugs,and praying mantises,prey on insects that canharm your plants.The following insects can help control pestsin your backyard:Ladybugs and lacewing larvae for controlling aphids and awide variety of other insects.Preying mantises for controlling many insects. put you unwanted insects,weeds,anddiseases.Healthy,vigorousplants minimize pest damage.your lawn or garden is thebest way to stay on top ofpest problems.If you seeminimal damage,it is ofteneasiest to just tolerate it andcontinue monitoring.If pestsbegin to cause seriousdamage,there are a numberof treatment methods. from Grant HeilmanLynn Betts, USDA Seedhead weevils and other beetles for controlling weeds.Predatory mites for controlling pest mites,thrips,andmany others.Ground beetles feed primarily on caterpillars that attacktrees and shrubs.Chemical controlsIf the methods listed above fail to solve your pest problem,use chemicals of Always read the label,wear pro-tective clothing,and spot-spray.Some of these chemicals are:Pesticidal soaps for aphids,scale crawlers,whiteßies,and thrips.Insecticidal dusts for aphids,beetles,ßeas,ticks,ants,and crickets.Horticultural oils for aphids,mites,leafhoppers,mealybugs,scales,plant lice,and mosquito larvae.Botanicals for leafminers,ßeas,and ticks. monitor their Þelds regularly, a practice called Òscouting,Óare necessary, Before you apply pesticides,make sure that they will not harmbeneÞcial insects or be hazardous to humans,pets,or wildlifeLiving in harmony with wildlifeIn some instances,practices described in this book couldattract unwanted wildlife,or more of a species than is desir-able.If you have problems with any wildlife species,mostnurseries or garden stores,and organizations listed in theÒWhere To Get Additional AssistanceÓsection at the back ofthis book can provide information on preventing or control-ling them.The government agencies listed can provide infor-mation on Federal and State regulations regarding protectionof wildlife species.Equipped with the right information andtools,most people are able to solve their own problems andlive in harmony with wildlife. AGEBluebird at nest box;Spot sprayingSeven-spotted AGEfarm Þeld.Richard Day, Daybreak ImageryTim McCabe, USDA ven if you donÕt have a backyard of your own,thereare many opportunities to use the practices in thisbook to contribute to a healthy environment.Backyard ponds,wetlands,native grass plantings,and plantsthat attract wildlife can improve school grounds,areas aroundapartments and businesses,community gardens,parks,andother community areas.Consider starting a backyard conservation project in yourcommunity.Any vacant lot or unused space is a candidate forimprovement with natural plantings.A community garden canbe a source of pride as well as a source of food.A garden alsocan be a hands-on teaching center for natural resource conser-vation concepts.Businesses often sponsor community improvement projects incooperation with schools and civic organizations,which con-tribute labor. EVERYBODYHASABACKYARDBackyard practicesshared spaces andpublic places,too. Virgil Ketner Ways to promote backyard conservation in your neighborhoodEncourage public ofÞcials to practice backyard conservation on parks and other publicproperty.Plan projects in cooperation with neighboring property owners.Encourage community involvement.Encourage your building owner to use backyard conservation practices on the groundsaround the building.Encourage school classes and other organizations to become involved in planning andcaring for the areas. AGERestored community wetland;Scrub jay drinking from birdbath;Urban community garden.AGEPlanting to enhance communityareas;(top right)of grass clippings on vegetable garden;(bottom right)Native plants add interest toFun and learning inschool garden.Colleen Schneider, USDALynn Betts, USDARichard Day,Daybreak ImageryJim Archambeault For chapter information regarding habitatprojects,call:212-979-3117,or write:National Audubon SocietyAudubon Habitats555 Audubon PlaceSacramento,CA 95825http://www.audubon.orgBat Conservation InternationalP.O.Box 162603Austin,TX 78716-2603Fax:512-327-9724http://www.batcon.orgWildlife Habitat Council1010 Wayne Avenue,Suite 920Silver Spring,MD 20910Fax:301-588-4629E-mail:whc@wildlifehc.orghttp://www.wildlifehc.orgYour local USDA Service Center (listed inyour phone book under U.S.government,Department of Agriculture)USDA Natural Resources ConservationServiceConservation Communications Staff,1400 Independence Avenue,SWWashington,DC 20250http://www.nrcs.usda.govUSDA Farm Service AgencyPublic Affairs Staff,Stop 05061400 Independence Ave,SWWashington,D.C.20250-0506http://www.fsa.usda.govNational Wildlife Federation BackyardWildlife Habitat ProgramVienna,VA 22184-0001http://www.nwf.org/habitatsYour State Þsh and wildlife agency (listedin your phone book under Stategovernment)International Association of Fish andWildlife Agencies444 North Capitol Street,NW,Suite 544Washington,DC 20001Fax:202-624-7891E-mail:iafwa@sso.orgThe Wildlife Services ofÞce nearest you(listed in your phone book under U.S.government)USDA Animal and Plant Health InspectionServiceWildlife Serviceshttp://www.aphis.usda.govYour local extension ofÞce (listed in yourphone book under local government)A land-grant universityCooperative State Research,Education andExtension ServiceU.S.Department of AgricultureWashington,DC 20250-0900Fax:202-690-0289E-mail:csrees@reeusda.govhttp://www.reeusda.govYour local conservation district (listed inyour phone book under countygovernment)National Association of ConservationDistrictsP.O.Box 855League City,TX 77574-0855http://www.nacdnet.orgForgotten Pollinators CampaignArizona-Sonora Desert Museum2021 N.Kinney RoadTucson,AZ 85743E-mail:fpollen@azstarnet.comhttp://www.Desert.Net/museum/fp/Your local U.S.Fish and Wildlife ServiceofÞce (listed in your phone book underU.S.government,Department of theInterior)U.S.Fish and Wildlife ServiceDivision of Habitat Conservation4401 N.Fairfax Drive,Room 400Arlington,VA 11103http://www.fws.gov/index.htmlWatershed, oceans, andU.S.Environmental Protection AgencyOfÞce of Wetlands,Oceans andWatershedsWashington,DC 20460Wetlands Hotline:1-800-832-7828Safe Drinking Water Hotline:http://www.epa/gov/OWOW/Local garden centersLandscapersGarden clubsNative plant societiesSSISTANCEAdditional information on Backyard Conservation is available onthe Web at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.For more information on thefollowing topics,please contact the organizations listed below:The U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibitsdiscrimination in all its programs and activities on thebasis of race,color,national origin,gender,religion,age,disability,political beliefs,sexual orientation,andmarital or family status.(Not all prohibited basesapply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities whorequire alternative means for communication of pro-gram information (Braille,large print,audiotape,etc.)should contact USDAÕs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).To Þle a complaint of discrimination,write USDA,Director,OfÞce of Civil Rights,Room 326W,WhittenBuilding,14th and Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964(voice or TDD).USDA is an equal opportunityprovider and employer. Program Aid 1621RONTOVERContour stripcropping,Tim McCabe,USDA;Mockingbird eating chokecherry,Richard Day,Daybreak Imagery.