Title:

G01-NPS-03 Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods

Sponsor:

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks

Project Manager:

Loring Bullard
320 North Main
Springfield, MO 65806-1208
417-886-1127
loring@watershedcommittee.org

Project Period:

9/30/2000 - 2/28/2002

319 Grant Funds:

$4,652.45

Project Description:

SHOW-ME YARDS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project will implement an educational program to better inform the citizens of southwest Missouri, particularly the Springfield urban area, about the cause and effects of nonpoint source pollution created by lawn care practices. The project will increase public awareness of the negative impacts that lawn care practices can have on surface and ground water quality while demonstrating alternative practices that can help to protect the watershed. Through the use of informative education seminars and a motivational rewards program, citizens will be empowered to take actions that will help protect and improve water quality and the long-term health of the watershed.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the educational/promotional program is to improve citizens' environmental awareness and actions taken when making choices concerning lawn care practices. Citizens who have successfully completed the program and established yard care practices by the program criteria will receive a Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods sign, recognizing their efforts. Plans are to have 50 Show-Me Yard participants complete the program, meeting all required criteria by 4/22/01. A second goal is to have 100 participants to complete the program by 11/1/01. The overall goal is to get at least 40% of landowners to reduce the application of lawn chemicals and enact other criteria from the program.

PRODUCTS

1. Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods lawn care guides and brochures will be produced
2. An award program will be developed that include different activities that must be completed by participant to obtain a yard sign award that indicated their achievements.
3. Three homeowners workshops will be conducted to focus on proper lawn care practices
4. Two Lawn Care Chemical Applicator Training sessions will be implemented for commercial lawn service applicators.
5. 150 Yard Signs will be produced
6. A yard care banner and display board will be purchased to be used at varies promotional events.

PROJECT SPONSOR

COOPERATING AGENCY

CONTACT

Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
320 North Main
Springfield, MO 65806-1208
Loring Bullard, Director
telephone: 417-866-1127
email: loring@watershedcommittee.org