The Ugly Gardener
Backyard Conservation
| Learning opportunities |
|
I am the coordinator of the Adams County (Iowa)
Backyard Conservation Team. This is a team of volunteers who plan and
hold free public information programs on Backyard Conservation practices
and an annual
Backyard Conservation
Conference.
|
| If you are looking to offer education on Backyard Conservation in your community, I offer various presentations on Backyard Conservation topics. Here is my current list: |
|
Backyard Conservation – I discuss the national Backyard Conservation campaign. We all can do something to help our environment. Whether your piece of the world is measured in acres, feet, or flower pots, you can impact the environment by the choices you make. Together, we can make our world a better place to live—one yard at a time. Length can be 15 to 30 minutes. |
|
No-Till Gardening – I do this presentation as The Ugly Gardener. Through a Power Point presentation or actual hands-on garden, I teach youth and adults how to build a no-till garden. This is a very easy (no-tilling – yea!) gardening method. It requires less water and almost no weeding. It utilizes several Backyard Conservation practices: composting, mulching, soil erosion control, water conservation, and nutrient management. Length can be 30-45 minutes.  |
|
Portable Salad Garden – Everyone who enjoys gardening should have the opportunity to do so. People who are physically challenged may feel they can’t garden. This is not true. What about a small garden in a container that can be tended from a table top? No need to bend over; could even sit as you tend. Of course, this garden is fun for anyone and the garden can add a bright spot to your office. I plant ingredients for a salad in this demonstration. Here I use square foot gardening techniques. Length is about 20 minutes. |
| I like to mix a little Backyard Conservation into any presentation I give. |
|
If
you are interested in booking one of my presentations or want me to
speak on something else,
contact me. To request printed Backyard Conservation materials, call 1-888-LANDCARE |
NEW !
Click HERE to listen to an interview of Rick Schaffer, Adams County landowner, on CountryLIfe.com
Click HERE to read the supporting article.
Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.
"Backyard Conservation" shows you how conservation practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land across the country can be adapted for use around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable. Most backyard conservation practices are easy to use. America's farmers and ranchers have been using these practices successfully for decades.
Whether you have rural acreage, a suburban yard, or a city lot, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Ten conservation practices have been scaled down for homeowners. The Natural Resources Conservation Service offers tip sheets on "how to" steps and helpful hints.
Click
HERE to view a short movie about Backyard Conservation.