Waterwise Landscapes Initiative

Funded by Nebraska Environmental Trust (program details below)

RESOURCES and links for waterwise efforts:
water.unl.edu--"Lawns, Landscapes and Gardens" and other links
Blue Thumb Guide to Rain Gardens
nebraskah2o.org
Nebraska Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association (NeFSMA)
Plants for rain gardens
Rain Gardens guide from National Resources Conservation Service
Rain garden comparison of turf and prairie plantings
Reducing Stormwater Costs through low impact development--EPA

Waterwise Landscapes Initiative Overview & Objectives: The Waterwise Landscapes Initiative is a statewide, multi-partner, three-year effort to develop model sustainable landscapes and enable partnering communities to develop the plans, tools and incentives to achieve more sustainable use of natural resources.  The principal goal is to create a new landscape ideal that is not only aesthetically acceptable but also environmentally beneficial and sustainable.

Objectives/Actions:

1. Partner with green industry professionals to develop up to 20 model demonstration landscapes on public properties across the state. Landscapes will demonstrate practices that conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff.  Landscapes will emphasize regionally native plants and plant communities wherever possible.   
2. Engage a broad spectrum of participating communities in a comprehensive planning and outreach process to identify and implement acceptable landscape aesthetics and to adopt policies, ordinances, and financial incentives that lead to long-term sustainable landscape practices.    
3. Survey a representative sample of NSA affiliate sites and NET-funded landscape projects with attention to plant material, topography, design, growing conditions and management methods and create a database of the best plants and management practices for sustainability by region.
4. Develop a “best practice” compendium (written guides/publications) for establishing sustainable green spaces, and recommendations for transitioning from traditional landscapes to more sustainable landscapes.  
5. Distribute information about the initiative and “best practices” through education and outreach programming - i.e. web-based publications, videos, monthly garden columns, webcasts, seminars etc. 

Anticipated Impacts & Measurable Outcomes

1. Reduced landscape-related water consumption by at least 50% on model demonstration sites (within three years after implementation) and by up to 20% throughout participating communities.
2. Reduced stormwater runoff by at least 20% on model demonstration sites (within three years after implementation) and by up to 10% in participating communities.
3. a better understanding of the plants, design styles, planting methods and management methods that lead to more acceptable and sustainable community landscapes. 
4. Reduced mowing and trimming in landscapes to help reduce use of fossil fuels and associated noise and air pollution.
5. Reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers in participating communities.
6. Increased wildlife habitat and a broader range of important community wildlife.
7. A better educated and informed public whose attitudes and practices become more sustainable.
8. Expanded offerings of native and waterwise landscape plants by Nebraska nurseries.
9. Create landscapes that are maintainable in the long-term without undue burdens on existing maintenance budgets and staffing. 
10. All completed model demonstration projects will become NSA affiliate sites carrying out ongoing education and outreach activities for years to come including interpretive signage, labeling, brochures, tours and on-line programming.

Community Partnerships and Model Project Sites
The Initiative will be undertaken in proactive communities that are ready to participate and that have the resources to carry out sustainable landscape practices for many years to come.  Partnering communities will be chosen through a competitive process that establishes need, ability and desire and which represents a strategic geographic distribution across the state.  Communities will be chosen over a two-year cycle with about half selected each year.  It is anticipated that both Omaha and Lincoln will be partner communities.  At least 20 public sites will be chosen for development of model landscapes.  It is likely that some sites will be NSA affiliate arboretums or other sites where education and outreach activities already occur.

Education and Outreach
The Initiative will include significant and innovative education and outreach efforts.  Traditional outreach methods  such as workshops, public meetings and phone conferencing will occur directly in partnering communities.  The Initiative will also utilize on-line delivery of written and video-based information as well as workshops and public events.  Web-based networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter will be utilized. 

Anticipated Collaborators and Financial Supporters

1. The Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) will contribute guidance in the management of the Initiative and will provide staff time, facilities and equipment.
2. Faculty from the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (UNLDH) will be utilized to provide input and will assist with workshops and other educational efforts.  Students will be hired as interns. 
3. Natural Resources Districts will be asked to provide financial and technical support. 
4. The Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association will be asked to promote the Initiative to its members. 

Evaluation
Exit interviews with each participating community will be undertaken when each model demonstration landscape is completed to try and determine what was most effective within the planning and implementation processes.  In addition, partnering communities and the model demonstration landscapes will be tracked to determine if key milestones and measures are met.  Communities will be asked to submit written reports summarizing their ongoing efforts and effectiveness of the initiative in changing local attitudes and practices.  If resources allow, communities will be evaluated at one, three and five year intervals after implementation. 

For more information contact Justin Evertson, Nebraska Forest Service, 402/472-5045, jevertson1@unl.edu

 

Common Principles of SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES

• Conservation and wise use of natural resources—water, soil, air, wildlife
  
• Sustainable planning and low-impact design
• Smart management of stormwater for reduced runoff
• Biodiversity in the landscape—plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, micro-organisms
• Energy and fuel savings and reduction in carbon emissions
• Trees (ADDED)

FOR HEALTHY HOMES & COMMUNITIES

• Physical, social and emotional benefits for individuals
• Physical, social and economic benefits for the community
• Communicating sustainability for public support