Backyard Conservation

Bringing conservation from the countryside to your backyard—Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on non-agricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

“Backyard Conservation” shows you how conservation practices that are used on agricultural land across the country to conserve and improve natural resources can be adapted for use on the land around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable.

The following tip sheets offer “how to” steps and helpful hints on backyard conservation practices.  Web page (HTML) versions of the PDF files are available on the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website

• Backyard Pond
• Backyard Wetland
• Composting
• Mulching
• Nutrient Management
• Pest Management
• Terracing
• Tree Planting
• Water Conservation
• Wildlife Habitat
• How to create a Streamside Buffer Garden
• Rain Gardens:  A Design Guide for Homeowners in Connecticut

CT DEEP:  2004 Storm Water Quality Manual   

CT DEEP: 2002 Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control 

Visit our office for a wide range of environmental and conservation resource materials (either free or available on loan):

• Books
• Journals
• Pamphlets
• Fact Sheets
• Videos
• Topographic Maps
• Special sets of resources for municipal land use commissioners
• Much, much more!