Use native plants, remove unneeded lawn,
and add compost to your soil

Creating a more natural landscape reduces use of water and chemicals. Select plants that grow well in the Northwest (USDA climate zone 5), and consider the sun, soil and water available in your yard before planting. Replacing lawn area with native plants also attracts native wildlife. Furthermore, a natural landscape retains more water than a lawn and can recharge groundwater and streams during droughts.

If you do keep your lawn, use natural lawn care

Weed and feed products spread herbicide and fertilizer over your entire lawn, more than necessary. These chemicals end up in our lakes and streams. Children are especially sensitive to pesticides, which can cause cancer. High use of chemicals also damages native organisms that help keep your lawn and soil healthy. To be natural, pull weeds, don't spray. Improve thin areas with aeration and overseeding.

Keep water on site with a rain garden

Rain gardens are areas of deep organic soil, with wet tolerant plants, where the rainwater can seep back into the ground like it did before the site was cleared. Roof and driveway runoff can be channeled to these areas, rather than into the storm drainage system, which often discharges directly into salmon streams, with no treatment.

Create a backyard wildlife sanctuary

You don't have to use feeders. Choose plants which provide berries, food and shelter and they will attract many friendly birds to your yard. Nest boxes are easy to install.

Plant a vegetable garden

Get closer to the Earth, plant some seeds, and watch them grow. Growing your own food gets you closer to natural rhythms and saves on the environmental costs of food transportation.