Spring is here and it is time to think about your yard and gardens.  Do not forget the services provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  They have a web page just for you, the home owner.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/

Check out the Backyard Conservation publication.  "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." This publication can be downloaded and printed or you can have it sent to you free of charge by calling them. 

They also provide tip sheets on these  interesting topics.

• Backyard Pond
• Backyard Wetland
• Composting
• Mulching
• Nutrient Management
• Pest Management
• Terracing
• Tree Planting
• Water Conservation
• Wildlife Habitat

The tip sheets and the colorful 28-page booklet on Backyard Conservation are available free by calling 1-888-LANDCARE (single copies only), emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visiting the NRCS publications web site.

For those who are working with the schools and children, check out the "Tidbits for Teachers and Students"  when you click on the "Teach your Children" link on the following web page.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/partners/for_homeowners.html