RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING

Transcription

1 RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional

2 RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING IS A whole systems approach to the design, construction & maintenance of the landscape.

3 Conventional Landscaping Conventional landscaping can damage the environment Consumes fossil fuels Contributes to soil, air and water pollution Burdens landfills Requires more water and maintenance River-Friendly Conventional

4 IN Sacramento COUNTY, WE DISPOSE OF 188,100 TONS OF PLANT DEBRIS ANNUALLY Isleton Galt Citrus Heights Folsom Elk Grove Sacramento Unincorp County 0

5 OUR LANDSCAPES IMPACT THE HEALTH OF THE WATERSHED WASTEsheds and WATERsheds are linked.

6 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil 4. Conserve Water 5. Conserve Energy 6. Protect Water & Air Quality 7. Create Wildlife Habitat

7 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally

8 1. LANDSCAPE LOCALLY Evaluate climate, exposure & topography Assess the soil & test drainage Survey & protect flora & fauna Consider the potential for fire Use local plant communities as models

9 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill

10 2. LANDSCAPE FOR LESS TO THE LANDFILL During Design & Construction: Select appropriate plants Produce mulch from plant debris Use salvaged items & recycled content materials Reduce & recycle construction waste Separate plant debris for clean green discounts

11 2. LANDSCAPE FOR LESS TO THE LANDFILL During Maintenance: Grasscycle Compost plant debris Prune selectively & properly Water & fertilize judiciously

12 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil

13 BUILD LIVING SOIL Healthy soil biology, full of micro-organisms forms the foundation for the entire site ecology Similar to the role of plankton in the ocean Creates soil structure Stores and cycles nutrients protect plants from pests Improves water infiltration and storage Filters out urban pollutants

14

15

16

17

18 Ciliates Soil Salmon

19

20

21 During Maintenance: Grasscycle 3. NURTURE THE SOIL Feed soils naturally with compost topdressing or tea Avoid synthetic, quick release fertilizers Minimize the use of chemical pesticides

22 Natural Leaf Decomposition Late November 2005 Mid April 2006

23 3. NURTURE THE SOIL During Design & Construction: Remove & store topsoil during construction Protect soil from compaction Defend against erosion Amend soil with compost Mulch Aerate compacted soils

24 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil 4. Conserve Water

25 4. CONSERVE WATER Create droughtresistant soils with compost & mulch Grow CA natives or Mediterranean plants Minimize the lawn Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning)

26 4. CONSERVE WATER Design for on-site rainwater collection & graywater use Install high-efficiency irrigation systems Install separate water meter

27 What is the single largest irrigated crop in the United States? Hint: We not only water and feed it, but after mowing it we throw it away.

28 At 40 Million acres.

29 MINIMIZE THE LAWN Case Study: Created drought-resistant soils with compost & mulch (GP) Introduced CA natives/ Mediterranean plants (GP) Reduced lawn area (GP) Grouped plants by water needs (hydrozoning) (GP) Saved 50% on water bills, and 20% on maintenance costs!

30 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil 4. Conserve Water 5. Conserve Energy

31 5. CONSERVE ENERGY Plant trees to moderate building temperatures Reduce the heat island effect: shade paved areas Shade air conditioners Design lighting carefully Choose & maintain equipment for fuel conservation Specify local products & suppliers

32 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil 4. Conserve Water 5. Conserve Energy 6. Protect Water & Air Quality

33 MAINTAIN A WATERSHED PERSPECTIVE Gravel, mulch, decomposed granite, pavers

34 6. PROTECT WATER & AIR QUALITY Use Integrated Pest Management Eliminate decorative lawns Keep soil covered Choose & maintain equipment & vehicles carefully

35 5% of urban air pollution comes from lawn and garden equipment Source: U.S. EPA

36 6. PROTECT WATER & AIR QUALITY Keep organic matter where it belongs Minimize impervious surfaces Plant trees Design a system to capture & treat water

37 7 PRINCIPLES of RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 1. Landscape Locally 2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill 3. Nurture the Soil 4. Conserve Water 5. Conserve Energy 6. Protect Water & Air Quality 7. Create Wildlife Habitat

38 7. CREATE WILDLIFE HABITAT Diversify Choose CA natives first Provide water & shelter Eliminate the use of pesticides Conserve or restore natural areas & wildlife corridors

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54 BENEFITS OF RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING Cleaner water & air Less waste Healthier homes & communities Healthier soils and landscapes Greater abundance of wildlife Lower water & garbage bills

55 River Friendly Landscaping benefits for public agencies. Meet solid waste reduction goals. Comply with water conservation and water quality requirements. Reduce energy use. Support sustainability goals.

56 RIVER-FRIENDLY Landscaping Resources RIVER-FRIENDLY Landscape Guidelines: Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional Available free for Sacramento County Professionals Order at: