Neighborly Natural Landscaping - Penn State

1. P e n n s y l v a n i a W i l d l i f e n o. 10
Neighborly Natural Landscaping:
Creating Natural Environments in Residential Areas
tury formal gardens as their model, the
H omeowners across Back to the Future Garden Clubs of America, the U.S. Golf
America are changing Association, and the U.S. Department of
Perceptions of lawn beauty have changed
the face of the typical Agriculture embarked on a campaign to
with the times. In 16th-century England,
landscape American lawns with a carpet
American lawn. Using garden- the lawns of wealthy landowners were
of green. With the invention and spread
ing and landscaping practices wildflower meadows starred with blooms.
of the lawn mower, the “common man”
that harmonize with nature, they Grasses were perceived as weeds, and a
could have the same cropped turf as that
are diversifying their plantings, garden boy’s job was to creep among the
of an aristocrat’s mansion.
flowers picking out the grass. Our current
improving wildlife habitat, and
love affair with the closely mowed grass Today, at least one American town has
reducing lawnmower noise, air
lawn dates from the 19th century. Using come full circle. In Seaside, Florida,
and water pollution, and yard European grazed pastures and 18th-cen-
waste. turf grass is banned. Only locally native
species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees
Various “natural” landscapes,
are allowed in the landscaping of private
planned for beauty and ease of yards. The result has been verdant neigh-
maintenance using mainly native borhoods of shrub-scrub dune vegetation,
plants, are spreading through- with its related birds and wildlife—and
out suburbia. These landscapes the residents love it. In most of America,
include wildflower meadows, however, the mowed lawn is still the
butterfly gardens, and woodland norm, and weed laws are used to ensure
habitats that attract birds. conformity with this ideal.
Many natural landscape
pioneers have discovered, how- “Weed Laws”and Why They Exist
ever, that their neighbors some-
times view alternatives to the Noxious Weed Laws were first written to
protect farmers from introduced weeds
mowed lawn as untidy, a threat
that could compete with crops or harm
to property values, and even livestock. Pennsylvania’s first noxious
a health hazard. Worse, their weed law was adopted in 1862 to control
township or borough may have a the spread of Canada thistle, chicory,
Spring peeper
strict “weed law” that challenges Johnson grass, and marijuana. Today,
their landscaping practices. In
this fact sheet, we provide strate-
gies for the natural landscape
homeowner who is looking for
neighborly ways to garden for
nature.

2. 2
11 plant species are on Pennsylvania’s 20 seconds. For a fire to be potentially ticks move through their life cycle from
control list: Canada thistle (Cirsium damaging to a home, it must burn within larva to nymph to adult, their preferred
arvense), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), four feet of the home for seven and a half hosts progress in size from white-footed
Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), mari- minutes. mouse, to small woodland mammals, to
juana (Cannabis sativa), mile-a-minute white-tailed deer. Adult ticks tend to
vine (Polygonum perfoliatum), kudzu vine Myth climb vegetation up to three feet high to
(Pueraria lobata), bull thistle (Cirsium “Natural landscapes attract vermin.” wait for a large, warm-blooded animal to
vulgare), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), brush past.
shattercane (Sorghum bicolor ssp. drum- Facts
mondii), jimsonweed (Datura stramo- The most feared “vermin” are rats and To reduce exposure possibilities, the
nium), and purple loosestrife (Lythrum snakes. The vegetation in a natural natural landscape should have setbacks
salicaria). Proposed additions are another landscape does not provide the type or paths for the human visitor to walk
variety of purple loosestrife (Lythrum or quantity of food required to sustain on without brushing against vegetation.
virgatum), giant hogweed (Heracleum a population of black or Norway rats. The best prevention against Lyme disease
mantegazzium), and goatsrue (Galega These non-native rats do not eat the is a careful check of body and clothes
officinalis). seeds of our native after being in an area likely to have ticks.
grasses and flowers. More details on Lyme disease are avail-
But Pennsylvania’s law is less Rats are more able from your county extension office or
restrictive than those of some likely attracted to health department.
municipal ordinances. Typi- human-produced
cally, these ordinances re- food (corn, grain, Myth
strict the height or type of pet foods, food “Natural landscapes are breeding grounds
plants that may be grown; scraps) provided for mosquitoes.“
the word “weed” generally in and near struc-
is used to describe undesir- tures like barns or Facts
able plants. Some ordinances garbage dumps. A Mosquitoes need standing water to breed.
state that if the weeds grow to Violet neglected lot with human- Even the fastest-maturing breeds require
more than a given height (some- deposited food litter among the untended standing water for at least 10 consecu-
what arbitrary—examples are 18 inches, growth is indeed a rat magnet, but the tive days. A turf lawn, with its shallow
12 inches, or even less), the municipal- managed natural landscape is not. root system, is more likely unable to soak
ity is authorized to levy fines or even to up all the water from a heavy rain and
come mow the property and charge the Snakes may find a hospitable habitat in to have long-standing puddles, than a
landowner for time and labor. These either a traditional or a naturally natural landscape with its deeper-rooted
municipal weed laws are not intended to landscaped yard if prey species, water native plants. Natural landscapes tend
protect farmers, but, in theory, to protect sources, sunny areas for basking, and to be planned to take full advantage of
neighborhood property values by ensur- shelter are present. Snakes may find native plants whose water requirements
ing a conformity of mowed lawns. Lawn shelter under outbuildings, in rock walls, match the local rainfall and soils. Natural
alternatives such as wildflower meadows or in log piles; they are valuable neigh- landscapes also improve habitat for
are sometimes perceived by neighbors bors because they eat true pests, such as mosquito predators, like birds.
and officials as no different from a ne- mice, harmful insects, and slugs. Only
glected lot: untidy, a health hazard, and a 3 of Pennsylvania’s 22 snake species are Owners of ornamental ponds in either
breeding ground for “vermin.” poisonous (Northern copperhead, timber traditional or natural landscapes can
rattler, and the endangered Eastern take steps to control mosquitoes. They
massasauga). can keep mosquito-eating fish, float Bt
Natural Landscapes: Myths and “dunks” (floating, slow-release Bacil-
Facts Myth lis thuringiensis bacteria, which kill only
“Natural landscapes harbor Lyme-disease mosquito larva and not beneficial and
Myth ticks.” harmless aquatic life), or use pumps and
“Meadows and natural landscapes are fire waterfalls to keep the water moving.
hazards.” Facts
Deer ticks (Ixodes dammini), the primary Myth
Facts vectors for Lyme disease, can be found “Natural landscapes produce pollen that
This argument is based on the unproven wherever there are suitable hosts. Because causes suffering for those with allergies.”
belief that the tall grass and wildflower a benefit of natural landscaping is that it
stems in a meadow are highly flammable. attracts and provides habitat for wildlife, Facts
U.S. Forest Service experts state that a the landscape may also harbor the ticks Wind-borne pollens are the primary cause
grass fire can only sustain high heat for associated with that wildlife. As deer of hay fever. Any plant with showy flowers

3. 3
(like the much-maligned goldenrod) is plantings to aid and attract wildlife; ero-
pollinated by insects, not wind. The main sion control; soil fertility improvement;
hay fever culprit in our area is ragweed, educational programs; cultivation for
which thrives in disturbed or eroded areas consumption, business, or pleasure; and
like roadsides. Other major allergenic wooded areas.
plants are pigweed, goosefoot (both non-
native “weeds”), and the non-native grass- 3. Natural landscaping may be actively
es in turf lawns or pastures— Kentucky promoted. Some townships require that
bluegrass, Bermuda grass, and timothy. developers include scenic easements,
Some tree species with wind-borne pollen, planted with native wildflowers and
such as oak, also are allergenic. grasses. Others employ naturalists and
biologists to aid homeowners and com-
Perennial native plants and native munities in planning and maintaining
grasses, the primary components of natu- Jack-in-the-pulpit natural landscapes.
ral landscapes, generally do not produce
wind-borne, allergenic pollen. In fact, The next step before beginning work on
encouraging these species to grow crowds First Steps Toward a Lawn your landscape is to speak to your neigh-
out weedy pioneer species like ragweed Alternative bors. Explain what you are planning, and
that germinate and thrive at lawn edges. why. Be sure to speak of the advantages
The first step in establishing an alterna- of attracting songbirds and butterflies,
Myth tive to lawn is to gain the approval of eliminating the use of pesticides, and
“Natural landscapes lower property values neighbors and township officials. To find reducing noise and air pollution from
because they are ‘messy’ and unattractive.” out if your municipality has a weed law, mowing. Share with them literature on
contact your borough or township office the topic, such as Penn State’s Pennsylva-
Facts and ask about landscaping ordinances. nia Wildlife No. 5: Meadows and Prairies:
Real estate with distinctive, well-done If a law does exist, ask for a copy. Weed Wildlife-Friendly Alternatives to Lawn. If
natural landscaping actually possesses a laws, if not carefully worded, may equate you tell your neighbors in advance what
marketing edge, and has a positive effect natural landscaping with unmanaged you are doing and why, it will increase
on property values. Developers cite the landscapes. Some communities require their understanding and reduce their
natural landscapes retained in their de- that homeowners file an application for apprehension.
velopments as an asset, and charge more natural landscaping and obtain approval
for naturally landscaped homes than for from a majority of neighbors. More Possibilities for educating your neighbors
homes in areas with traditional landscap- recently enacted and enlightened weed and municipal officials include:
ing. High-quality natural features like laws allow natural landscaping “by right”
woodland corridors can preserve and without case-by-case neighbor or mu- 1. Coordinating a meeting to highlight
strengthen a community’s unique char- nicipal permission. These more progres- the benefits of natural landscaping. Your
acteristics. Neighborhood organizations, sive laws take three main approaches in county extension office or local conserva-
environmental restoration professionals, regulating natural landscapes: tion-environmental organizations may be
landscape architects, and nurseries are able to assist you.
turning more often to natural landscap- 1. A setback or buffer strip on the
ing for aesthetic and economic reasons, periphery that is maintained at a maxi-
2. Offering tours to homes, schools, cor-
as well as for environmental benefits like mum height may be required. Vegetation
porate landscapes, or nature centers that
reduced stormwater runoff and improved behind the setback is unregulated except
use or are installing natural landscaping.
wildlife habitat. for the control of noxious weeds.
2. Broadly worded exceptions may be 3. Making publications and fact sheets
given for beneficial landscapes. Excep- on the topic available. They can be
tions may include native plantings; obtained from your county extension
office or from local and national con-
Painted turtle
servation organizations. (See “Sources
of Assistance and Habitat Certification
Programs.”)
4. Joining forces with like-minded
landowners. Open-space management
committees or environmental advisory
councils can serve both as a voice for

4. 4
Natural landscaping (on the left side, above) adds to property values, provides aesthetic benefits, reduces maintenance needs and costs,
and creates valuable wildlife habitat.
natural landscaping and as a source of watering once established, need no or
information. The more people who prac- infrequent mowing, and need no commer-
tice natural landscaping, the better for cial lawn maintenance services. The
the environment and the more accept- National Wildlife Federation estimates
able it becomes. Also, neighbors can link that the typical lawn costs $700 per acre
hedgerows and other natural habitats on per year to maintain. A wildflower mead-
their properties to form wildlife corridors. ow can be maintained for $30 per acre.
5. Offering to work with municipal ■ Low maintenance. Instead of requir-
officials to revise weed laws. ing intensive fall preparation, natural
landscapes function best if stalks and
seedheads are left standing and leaf litter
Benefits of Natural Landscapes: is not raked away. Seedheads provide
Points to Stress winter food for songbirds; stalks make
winter shelter for beneficial insects. Leaf
When you speak with neighbors and
litter enriches the soil, shelters overwin-
municipal officials, emphasize these
tering insects and spiders, and insulates
benefits:
hibernating amphibians. Limbs of dead
■ Reducedmaintenance costs. Natural trees may need to be pruned for safety,
landscapes require no or infrequent but non-hazardous snags (dead trees)

5. 5
can be left standing as habitat for cavity- ■ Improved water quality. The Environ- lawn mower emits 11 times the air pollu-
nesting birds, such as woodpeckers, mental Protection Agency (EPA) esti- tion of a new car for each hour of use.
bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, and mates that homeowners apply 10 times as
wrens. Constructing brush piles, instead much chemical pesticide to their lawns ■ Reduced electric use and cost. Natural
of running dead branches through a chip- as farmers apply to cropland. Excess landscaping with trees and shrubs can
per, can provide winter shelter for a vari- chemicals run off with rainfall into local provide shade and windbreaks to lower
ety of wildlife species, including Carolina waterways. Native plants need fewer or the costs of home air conditioning and
wrens, white-throated sparrows, and song no fertilizer and pesticide applications. heating.
sparrows. Salamanders find shelter under EPA research also proves that native veg-
■ Creation of distinctive and attractive
downed logs. etation out-performs turfgrass in filtering
contaminated water. properties that preserve local identity. With
■ Less yard “waste.” The National Wild- a natural landscape, your property can
life Federation estimates that 18 percent ■ Improved soil aeration. National Wild- reflect Pennsylvania’s unique ecosystems.
of municipal solid waste collected is or- life Federation studies show that where
■ Greatervisual interest and diversity
ganic yard waste: cut grass, raked leaves, pesticides are applied, 60–90 percent of
earthworms are killed. Non-pesticide- throughout the year. Ornamental grasses
branch trimmings, and dead ornamentals.
treated soil has a healthy population of look spectacular in winter. Ornamental
All of this material can be used in the
worms and other organisms that mix and berries on native shrubs provide color
natural landscape for compost, mulch,
aerate the soil as they feed on decompos- and attract a variety of birds through fall
brushpiles, or wildlife food or shelter.
ing organic residues. and winter.
■ Water savings. Most turfgrasses, includ-
■ Reduced stormwater runoff and improved ■ Habitat restoration and protection. Natu-
ing Kentucky Bluegrass, are actually
water table. Native plant landscapes out- ral landscaping preserves plant biodiver-
northern European species best suited
perform turfgrass in absorbing runoff and sity lost to suburban sprawl and provides
to a cool, damp climate, and they need
replenishing groundwater supplies. habitat for attractive and beneficial
heavy irrigation during hot, dry sum-
wildlife. In some regions, backyards may
mers. The National Wildlife Federation
■ Reduced soil erosion. Native meadow be the last sanctuary for at-risk plant
estimates that 30 percent of the water
plants and grasses have longer roots (up species.
consumed on the East Coast goes for
to 5–10 feet) than turfgrass (4–6 inches)
watering lawns. Natural landscaping con- ■ Recreation.The fastest-growing out-
to better hold soil in place.
serves water that would otherwise be used door sport in America is birdwatching.
on lawn irrigation because native plants ■ Reduced air and noise pollution because A natural landscape attracts more
are adapted to local rainfall levels. less mowing is required. Lawn mowing bird species and affords opportunities
equipment is noisy and a heavy air pol- for photography, painting, and quiet
luter. The EPA estimates that the average relaxation.
■ Moreleisure time. Natural landscapes
can reduce or eliminate the need to
spend precious free time mowing during
the growing season.
Working with Officials to
Improve Weed Laws
If you are faced with a restrictive weed
law, your most constructive option is to
work cooperatively with local officials
to improve the law. Older, more restric-
tive weed laws were written to protect
public health and safety based on the
best knowledge of the day. However, new
knowledge has replaced outdated beliefs
about the “hazards” of natural landscap-
ing (see “Natural Landscapes: Myth and
Fact”). Educating your municipal officials
can help to create a more enlightened

6. 6
law. Conservation organizations in An enlightened ordinance recognizes that yards and landscapes. The ordinance
your area can be valuable allies in your natural landscaping is less ecologically specifically states that it is not its intent
education efforts. damaging than the traditional, high- to allow vegetated areas to be unmanaged
maintenance lawn. Such an ordinance or overgrown when such growth provides
What Will Your Improved Weed Law may recommend that the property owner either a direct health hazard or a demon-
Contain? refrain from indiscriminate use of pesti- strated breeding ground for fauna known
A progressive weed law protects resi- cides, fertilizers, and irrigation in turfgrass to create a safety or health hazard. This
dents’ fundamental rights to choose their management. A good ordinance encour- ordinance and others are available on the
own landscaping. Ideally, no filing of ap- ages the preservation and restoration of Web at www.epa.gov/glnpo/greenacres
plications or payment of fees is required diverse, natural plant communities along /weedlaws/index.html.
for residents to engage in legitimate with environmentally sound practices. It
natural landscaping. Restrictions in the recognizes that this approach may reduce
ordinance have an up-to-date, ratio- environmental contaminants like pesti- Designing a Natural
nal basis founded on protecting public cides and help to reduce yard waste. Landscape “Garden”
health, safety, or welfare, or addressing
Sample Natural Landscape Ordinances One of the best ways to win approval and
truly neglected properties. Property own-
Brandywine Conservancy in southeastern keep your neighbors happy is to design
ers are required to address clear-cut nui-
Pennsylvania is working with mu- your lawn alternative as an easily recog-
sances, such as ragweed that is allowed
nicipalities in its region to draft natural nized “garden” that looks intentional,
to flourish, or noxious weeds that are not
landscape ordinances. For example, not unkempt. People like order, purpose,
controlled.
East Pikeland Township (Chester Co.) and tidiness. The following strategies can
The ordinance does not legislate con- includes in its ordinances a subsection, help your landscape look “tended”:
formity or aesthetics, or allow residents “Vegetated Area Maintenance Standards
in Residential Areas.” For grassed areas ■ Use borders. A border can be a mowed
to control their neighbors’ landscapes.
of developed properties, a maximum edge or “setback” (some townships
Neighbors do, however, have a right to
height level of 12 inches is specified, specify widths in setback ordinances), a
complain about a property so covered
and mowing times are recommended to hedge, a fence, an edge of low plants, or
with brambles or vines that it looks
set back invasive species like ragweed. a path of stone or woodchips. The border
totally neglected. “Weed commissioners”
The ordinance mentions specifically that acts as a buffer, keeping plants from
are trained to recognize the difference
“areas of significant natural value” should obstructing sight lines or from “flopping”
between natural landscapes and ne-
not be subject to excessive maintenance onto your neighbor’s lawn, the sidewalk,
glected properties. If a property is clearly
standards, such as height requirements. or the street. It also acts as a frame, add-
neglected, the municipality can still
These areas of natural value include ing to the tended look of the landscape.
reserve the right to levy fines and/or cut
wildflower or grass meadows, berry
the vegetation. Addressing violations at a ■ Use curved lines for borders, if possible.
patches, hedgerows, and areas undergoing
zoning hearing allows the property owner The human eye enjoys, and responds
a directed process of natural succession.
due process of law before the municipal- positively to, curved lines; natural areas
A buffer strip is required at the edge of
ity takes action. public roads, and invasive plants must be tend towards curves.
controlled. The township zoning officer
charged with administering and enforc- ■ Startsmall. Changing your entire yard
ing the ordinance has the in one fell swoop may alarm the neigh-
leeway to consult with bors and outrun your learning curve!
organizations or indi- Start by having a small wildflower garden
viduals with conservation or by recreating the native forest under-
expertise to determine story under your trees. Expand gradually,
the terms’ applicability in imitating nature’s processes of gradual
specific situations. succession, rather than sudden takeover.
The proposed College ■ Determine your site conditions and match
Station, Texas, landscape them with appropriate plants. Attempt-
ordinance is another ing to plant a sun-loving meadow under
example of a good and trees where a forest understory is more
fair weed law. Its purpose appropriate will be frustrating, probably
is to promote the use unsuccessful, and the result unattract-
of native vegetation, ive. Rather than fighting to overcome a
including grasses and wet or a shady area, find plants that will
Ruffed grouse wildflowers, in managed thrive in those conditions.

7. 7
■ Use native plants wherever possible. used and where you National Wildlife Federation
Some ornamentals, though once highly got them. 11100 Wildlife Center Drive
recommended, have proven to be highly Reston, VA 20190-5362
aggressive and to displace native species. ■ Respect your neigh- Telephone: 800-822-9912
Invasive nonnatives have spread to be- bors’ rights. Just as Website: www.nwf.org/backyardwildlife-
come serious problems in Pennsylvania’s you have a right to habitat
nature centers and parks. The Federal a natural landscape,
Interagency Committee for the Manage- your neighbor has a U.S. EPA Region 5
ment of Noxious and Invasive Weeds right to turf. Being 77 West Jackson Boulevard (G-17J)
estimates that the total economic impact self-righteous does Chicago, IL 60604
of invasives on the U.S. economy equals not win converts! Website: www.epa.gov/greenacres
or exceeds $13 billion per year! Also,
nonnative species generally have less Wildlife Habitat Council
wildlife value. Last Resorts: Interrupted 8737 Colesville Road, Suite 800
Challenging fern Silver Spring, MD 20910
■ Manage invasives. Be alert for the spe- Weed Laws Telephone: 301-588-8994
cies on the Pennsylvania Noxious Weed Website: www.wildlifehc.org
Control List, and remove them promptly. What if you have researched your local
Your neighbors will not welcome these laws and found them restrictive? And Wild Ones—Natural Landscapers,
invasive plants into their property. A what if you’ve applied for and been de- Ltd.
properly managed, well-established wild- nied a variance, and all efforts to educate PO Box 1274
flower meadow will need to be mowed your municipal officials have failed? In- Appleton, WI 54912-1274
once a year, at the appropriate time, stalling a natural landscape in defiance of Telephone: 877-394-9453
to discourage invasives. Hand-pulling, your local weed law may begin with your Website: www.for-wild.org
mechanical removal, and trimming may landscape being mowed and/or fines being
be needed to control some species. The imposed, and end with your case going Windstar Wildlife Institute
least-preferred method, use of herbicides, to court. Many challengers to weed laws 6940 Allen Place Drive
may be indicated in some cases. have won in court; some have not. Ad- Fort Worth, TX 76116
vice on legal arguments for challenging Website: www.windstar.org/wildlife
■ Humanize. Human elements are wel- local weed laws can be found through the
coming, and invite the viewer into the EPA, Wild Ones, and the National Wild-
landscape. Options are paths, benches, life Federation (see “Sources of Assistance Natural Landscape-Habitat Yard
birdfeeders, birdbaths, sundials, gazing and Habitat Certification Programs”). Signs
balls, artifacts like an old farm tool, or 1. Signs may be purchased through the
In a worst-case scenario with an unco-
ornamental statues. They add to the mail from Wild Ones (see “Sources of
operative municipality, a non-confron-
perception that the landscape is planned Assistance”).
tational option may be to have “pocket”
and not untended.
ornamental wildflower gardens, with
well-defined edging, within a traditional 2. Owners of backyards certified with
■ Advertise.Signage to inform passersby the National Wildlife Federation can
of your project can be placed on your lawn. Your neighbors may be so charmed
by the butterflies and birds attracted to purchase a yard sign from the federation
property before, during, and after the (see “Sources of Assistance”).
landscaping project (see list of lawn sign your yard that they follow your example.
sources below). Gradually, a network of residents may
3. Owners of sites approved for certi-
work together to convert the municipal
fication by the Windstar Institute can
■ Certify your landscape as a wildlife habitat officials and revise the weed laws.
purchase signs during the certification
with a local or national conservation organi- process (see “Sources of Assistance”).
zation. The certifying organization may
then provide you with either a certificate
Sources of Assistance and 4. Create your own sign. For example:
or a sign for public display (see “Sources Habitat Certification Programs “This area is intentionally not be-
of Assistance and Habitat Certification Audubon International Cooperative ing mowed. We are creating a natural
Programs”). Sanctuary Program meadow with wildflowers for several
Audubon International important environmental reasons.” Or:
■ Shareyour enthusiasm with your neigh- “Meadow in progress. Step 1—Preparing
46 Rarick Road
bors by drawing a map of your natural Selkirk, NY 12158 site. Step 2—Planting. Step 3—Mowing
landscapes and making it available in a Telephone: 518-767-9051, ext. 12 annually.”
brochure box in your yard. You might Website: www.audubonintl.org
even include a listing of the plants you

8. 8
Authors
Suggested Reading Kathleen Geist, recycling education
Daniels, Stevie. The Wild Lawn Hand- program assistant, and Sally Pick,
book: Alternatives to the Tradition- recycling education program director,
al Front Lawn. New York: Macmillan, Penn State Cooperative Extension,
Montgomery County; and Margaret
1995.
C. Brittingham, professor of wildlife
resources
Mowery, Marci. Audubon Protecting
Animals Through Habitat (APATH): Acknowledgments
Native Plants in the Creation of Partial funding for this fact sheet was
Backyard, Schoolyard, and Park provided by Pennsylvania’s Wild Resource
Habitat Areas. Available from Audu- Conservation Fund.
bon Pennsylvania, 100 Wildwood Way, Illustrations
Harrisburg, PA 17110. Rae Chambers: interrupted fern, jack-in-
the-pulpit; Jeffery Mathison: aerial view
Stein, Sara. Noah’s Garden: Restoring and yard; John Sidelinger: spring peeper,
the Ecology of Our Own Back Yards. painted turtle, ruffed grouse
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.
Stein, Sara. Planting Noah’s Garden:
Further Adventures in Backyard
Ecology. Boston: Houghton Mifflin,
1997.
For More In-Depth Information
Brandywine Conservancy, Environmen-
tal Management Center, PO Box 141,
Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Telephone:
610-388-2700. Website: www.brandy-
wineconservancy.org/conservancy.html
Northeast Illinois Planning Commission.
A Source Book on Natural Land-
scaping for Public Officials. U.S. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are
Environmental Protection Agency, 1997. funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
Available online at www.epa.gov/glnpo the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
/greenacres/toolkit/index.html Visit Penn State Extension on the web: extension.psu.edu
This publication is available from the Publications Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania State University,
Pennsylvania Noxious Weed Control 112 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802. For information telephone 814-865-
List. Available from the Pennsylvania 6713.
Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative
Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110- Extension is implied.
9408. Website: www.agriculture.state This publication is available in alternative media on request.
.pa.us/agriculture/CWP/view
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scaping Takes Root We Must Weed harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person
Out the Bad Laws—How Natural because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orienta-
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Landscaping and Leopold’s Land
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About It. John Marshall Law Review, Produced by Ag Communications and Marketing
Volume 26 (4), 1993. Available online at
© The Pennsylvania State University 2001
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