City Commision Provides Information about Natural Landscaping

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2007

For more information:
Heather Reynolds, Chair, Environmental Commission, City of Bloomington, 339-7916

Bloomington, IN - The City of Bloomington Environmental Commission (EC) has created a brochure and five fact sheets to assist Bloomington residents in applying nationally recognized principles of backyard habitats to their own yards. These materials can be accessed at the Commission's Bloomington Environmental Quality Indicator (BEQI) web site: [www.bloomington.in.gov/beqi/greenInfrastructure.htm|http://www.bloomington.in.gov/beqi/greenInfrastructure.htm] under "Resources" in the left-hand column.

Natural Landscaping is a growing trend designed to make yards and gardens more sustainable by drawing on ecological principles and applying what works naturally in a given geographical region. By reducing lawn grass and its associated mowing and chemical use, planting native plants and fostering beneficial wildlife, natural landscaping can make yards beautiful while saving the homeowner money and time. This also reduces the serious problem of exotic invasive species and enhances water, air and soil quality and biological diversity.

"The Environmental Commission's new Natural Landscaping literature is beautiful and informative, and we hope it inspires residents of Bloomington to act on the knowledge that how we care for our own yards can make a difference for Bloomington's sustainability," said EC Chair Heather Reynolds.

In addition to a brochure introducing the concept, a series of Natural Landscaping fact sheets explains how residents can assess their property, purchase native plants, create gardens for sun, shade and other conditions, attract wildlife and build water features. Beginners to gardening as well as people who already love gardening as a hobby should find the information useful. Service Corps Fellow Becky Barrick worked with Environmental Commissioners to develop the materials and presented them to the Bloomington City Council on Wednesday, April 18, 2007. She and Alex Shroyer, an intern, distributed free color copies of the materials at the recent StepItUp! event in City Hall and the Earth Day Extravaganza at Indiana University.

Environmental Commissioner and Staff Coordinator Phaedra Pezzullo emphasizes that natural landscaping allows homeowners to spend more time having fun outside and less money on chemicals and energy sources that harm public health.

"Native plants require no pesticides, as well as little to no watering or fertilizing," she said. "Furthermore, replacing lawn with garden means less money spent on mowing, which translates into less fossil fuel depletion and less greenhouses gas emissions."

Residents can join native plant swaps or go to local greenhouses to purchase affordable native plants and other Natural Landscaping supplies.

The EC is coordinating with the City's Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department's efforts to promote Natural Landscaping without violating the City's weed ordinance. The Environmental Commission welcomes any questions and comments regarding natural landscaping. You can reach the Commission by phone via the City Planning Department at 349-3423, or send an e-mail to: [environment@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:environment@bloomington.in.gov].