Copyright 1998, State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES are different than conventional lawns. Sustainable landscapes require less maintenance and chemicals, and therefore, do not significantly degrade natural resources. These landscapes help to restore native plant communities, protect water quality by reducing polluted runoff, enhance biodiversity and aesthetics, and encourage natural regulation of pests by beneficial insects (parasitic wasps, butterflies, and bees). Project Highlights: Demonstration Sites: Native plants species will be planted in May 1998 at several sites along Gervais Lake to demonstrate the beauty and environmental benefits of sustainable landscapes. Lecture Series: The lecture series will include such topics as sustainable landscape design, native plant identification, low-input lawn care, butterfly gardening, and integrated pest management. A sustainable management manual will be made available in the spring of 1998. Research: The University of Minnesota will conduct research on the beneficial insects in demonstration sites.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN MY WATERSHED?

• Attend the lecture series starting in April. Please call about dates and locations..
• Tour the Northwest Greenhouse at the University of Minnesota with your school group to learn about native plants soon to be planted along Gervais Lake's shoreline and uplands.
• Volunteer with the spring plantings of native plants. This is a fun, educational opportunity for you and your community group or school.
• Visit demonstration sites on Gervais Lake to see the many values of sustainable landscapes.
• Borrow our poster display which highlights the benefits of sustainable landscapes for school or community events.
• Visit the Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES) website, www.entomology.umn.edu/cues/index.html, to learn more about sustainable management.

For more information about this project, contact:

• Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota (612) 624-6254,
• Ted Radcliffe (Gervais Lake Association) at (612) 484-5676, or
• Bill Bartodziej (Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District) at (612) 704-2089.

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