BACKYARD BIBLE: Manicured lawns are OK but wouldn’t you rather
see more natural beauty around your home?[neWLine]
A new book co-authored by a Penn State forest expert can help
you rebuild your backyard environment.[neWLine]
“”The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance
Natural Areas Around Your Home”” is a 138-page combined book and
workbook written specifically for people who live on one to 10
acres of land that is forested or that has natural unmowed areas,
and for those who want to turn a mowed area into a natural
one.[neWLine]
“”Since assistance from public forest managers is not available
in most states to people in this situation, our book will be an
especially important resource,”” says Jim Finley, professor of
forest resources and state extension forester.[neWLine]
According to Finley, about two-thirds of forest landowners in
the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast region own 10 or fewer
acres.[neWLine]
“”‘The Woods in Your Backyard’ promotes the stewardship of small
parcels of land for personal enjoyment of the owners and improved
environmental quality for society,”” he says.[neWLine]
“”Improving water and air quality; enhancing wildlife habitats
and overall health of natural areas; and spending less time mowing
the lawn and more time enjoying outdoor activities are just some of
the benefits to be gained by learning how to manage and shape your
backyard parcel of land.””[neWLine]
The coil-bound book is divided into five sections, each
including a series of lessons, with corresponding activities in the
workbook section. Enhanced by 91 color photos, eight tables, three
case studies, worksheets and much more, the text guides the reader
through a series of steps that can result in an enriched and
well-managed outdoor environment.[neWLine]
Topics include mapping the land; assessing the family’s
interests in the land; inventorying the property; learning the
basics of tree identification; forestry and wildlife habitat
management; understanding how your land relates to the land around
you; ecological principles of forestry, succession, water
resources, natural areas and wildlife; assessing and improving the
property’s water resources, recreational possibilities and
aesthetic appeal: choosing a few land-management projects to meet
personal goals; and setting a timetable and marking
progress.[neWLine]
“”The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance
Natural Areas Around Your Home”” was published by the Northeast
Regional Agricultural Engineering Service.[neWLine]
For ordering details, contact Regional Agricultural Engineering
Service at P.O. Box 4557, Ithaca, N.Y., 14852; or by emailing
nraes@cornell.edu.
