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 The nation's farmers have worked at protecting soil and water resources for more than 60 years, but, in the past ten years, progress has been remarkable. The time has come to share these successful conservation practices with non-farm neighbors. In taking those stories to the city, this project will encourage urban people to use some of the same soil conservation, water quality, wildlife habitat and natural resource protection practices farmers have been installing. More than 92 million acres of U.S. land is developed land and much of it is in the care of homeowners. Backyard Conservation is a multifaceted cooperative project by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wildlife Habitat Council, and the National Association of Conservation Districts Backyard conservation practices outlined in this project are easy and most are inexpensive. Activities can be done by individuals and families, and many practices can be adapted to community gardens, schools and other public places. By participating in backyard conservation, urban people will feel good about positive contributions to the environment and get a better understanding of conservation on all land.
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The Natural Resources Area is a place in the out-of-doors to encounter some land stewardship opportunities while taking a break from fun at the fair and during other times of the year. The focus is on conservation practices that are practical and can be implemented outside where you live, work, go to school or worship. |
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When it rains, water from roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and roads is directed to storm drain inlets and travels, unfiltered and untreated, directly to the nearest stream or river. This runoff often contains pesticides, excess nutrients from fertilizers and pet waste, litter, and fluids from leaking cars. The runoff itself is a problem because all that extra water being directed to waterways not naturally formed to carry it causes bank erosion.
Erosion causes muddiness or “sedimentation in the stream which harms wildlife and can cause homeowners to lose land along an eroded stream. Homeowners, renters, and land managers can promote infiltration - rain water soaking into the ground where it doesn't
cause erosion and can restore groundwater supplies - by installing rain gardens and rain barrels. Rain barrels store water that runs off your roof that would normally be directed to the street and storm drain inlet. The stored rainwater can then be used to water the lawn or a garden.
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Backyard Conservation
