Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 10/05/2009

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Attachment D there is another type of landscaping that offers many benefits, 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. Rain gardens are another way to avoid erosion and capture and use rainwater. 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. Following are sources for more information: . "Water Rain Gardens", from the University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/info-u/environment/BD462.html . "Create a Rain Garden", from the Blue Thumb Organization. http://www.bluethumb.orq/rainqardens/ . "Rain Gardens: Treating Runoff at the Source", from the Anoka Conservation District. http://www.anokanaturalresources.com/acd/tech assist/broch u res/Ra in qa rdens .pdf Gardens and flower beds are in constant need of water throughout the growing season. Through the proper use of mulch and compost, these areas will need less watering and weeding. Following are sources for more information: . "Mulching and Watering", from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, SUUS. http://www.sustland.umn.edu/maint/mulchinq.htm I . "Composting and Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic Yard Wastes", from the University of Min nesota Extension Services. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3296.html In the preceding discussions, there are several references to "conventional turf grass" or "Kentucky bluegrass turf'. This type of groundcover is not necessarily bad to have as a landscape covering. Its' main issue is its inherent need for water. There are many reasons for a conventional turf grass yard as well as many benefits from this type of landscape. 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. For a more in-depth understanding of the contributions of conventional lawns, please see the attached: · "Ecological. Researchers Surprised To Find Lawns Provide Benefits To Urban Environments", by Dr. Doug Soldat, Department of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison. http://www. wisconsinturfqrassassociation. orq/imaqes/Newsletter%20Arch ive/40%20WI%20Turfq rass% 20News%20VoIXXVII %20No 1 %20Sprinq2008. pdf . "The Role of Turfgrasses in Environmental Protection and Their Benefits to Humans" Beard and Robert L. Green, Journal of Environmental Qualitv, Vol. 23, No.3, M . "Environmental Benefits of a Healthy, Sustainable Lawn", from University of Minnesota Extension Services, SUUS. http://www.sustland.umn.edu/maint/benefits.htm The most common mistake with conventional turf grass lawns is over watering. A good base of well- maintained black dirt is the best way to reduce the amount of water needed to produce a healthy turf grass ground covering. Following are sources for more information: