Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/03/2009

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Also, visit Prairie Restorations Company's website at www.prairieresto.com. or Landscape Alternatives Company's website at landscapealternatives.com. For those persons who are still looking for that "turf grass look" but with reduced watering requirements as compared to bluegrass, please see the attached "Renovating an Existing Lawn to Achieve Sustainability" from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, SULlS. Varieties such as fescue can provide this type of landscape covering. In many areas of the western United States, water is becoming increasingly scarce. To adjust to this new reality, a new form of landscaping has been fostered called "xeriscaping", or dry landscaping. This technique includes the use of drought tolerant grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees in combination. This type of installation may well provide a varied land covering as well as reducing the need for watering. For more information, do an internet search on the word "xeriscaping". It is also recommended that you counsel with a reputable supplier before attempting such an installation. For smaller areas of ground, and those with changing elevations over short distances, there is another type of landscaping that offers many benefits. This technique is known as "hardscaping" and involves the use of gravel, small rocks, or porous concrete to create a usable, available surface that allows water infiltration to the soil below. A typical hardscape will nourish and water trees and shrubs that would normally not receive rainwater due to excess runoff because of steep grades. For more information, search the word "hardscape" . Another way to avoid erosion and capture and use rainwater is to install a "rain garden". A rain garden is most effective on a flat or gently sloping landscape with a large portion of impervious groundcover, such as buildings, driveways and walkways. The rain garden is very useful in supporting flower gardens and small bushes, and is not intended to provide water to a turf covering. Some soil transfer may be necessary to achieve proper channeling of received rainwater. For more information, please see attached publications: . "Water - Rain Gardens", from the University of Minnesota Extension Service. . "Rain Gardens: Treating Runoff at the Source", from the Anoka Conservation District. Gardens and flower beds are in constant need of water throughout the growing season, which of course is another drain on our already dwindling city water supply. Through the proper use of mulch and compost, these areas will experience less Attachment B need for watering because of reduced evaporation and reduced weed growth. Mulch and compost are also a good way to dispose of yard and garden waste without polluting our existing water supplies. For more information, please see the attached publications: . "Mulching and Watering", from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, SULlS. . "Composting and Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic Yard Wastes", from the University of Minnesota Extension Services. In the preceding discussions, there are several references to "conventional turf grass" or "Kentucky Bluegrass turf'. It must be remembered that this type of groundcover is not essentially bad to have as a landscape covering. Its' main issue is its inherent need for water. There are many reasons to have a conventional turf grass yard, and many benefits that r~sult from that type of lawn. One of the major benefits is the reduction of allergy-related pollens in the immediate environment. The other is the clean up of groundwater recharge and surface water. Prairie and meadowlands are fairly rich in pollen and other plant byproducts.