By Linda Ferich, Lancaster Conservancy Community Wildlife Habitat
Through a grant from Lancaster Clean Water Partners, the Conservancy’s Community Wildlife Habitat initiative in partnership with Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., developed a hands-on training program for landscaping crews in our community. The goal of this program is to educate existing landscaping crews on the value of native plant species, lawn conversion methods, basic ecological design, and non-toxic seasonal stewarding practices.
Conservation Landscaping Crew Training (Photo by Elyse Jurgen, Waxwing EcoWorks Co.)
These conservation practices allow for the enhancement of water quality in our streams and rivers in compounding ways. They include landscaping to control erosion, reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizer, and using native plant species to absorb and filter stormwater to improve stream quality in our community. The practices also reduce time and costs associated with mowing and watering, beautify sites, and provide habitat for beneficial insects, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
A successful pilot of this conservation landscaping crew program was completed with attendees from four retirement communities in the winter of 2023-2024, including crews from Homestead Village, Woodcrest Villa, Willow Valley Communities, and Landis Homes. Another training this winter was completed by attendees from Lancaster County Park, Beautiful Estates, Millersville University, and High Industries.
Members of the Willow Valley Communities Grounds Department Completed the Conservation Landscaping Crew Training (Photo by Elyse Jurgen, Waxwing EcoWorks Co.)
It is exciting that these professional crews are interested in learning about landscaping with wildlife and clean water in mind. As they implement these practices where we learn, live, play, work, and worship in the community, healthy corridors are developing for humans and wildlife alike. Together with partners like these, we are accomplishing the goals of healthy air, soil, and water quality while aiding our native flora and fauna.
If your landscaping crew would like to participate in a conservation landscaping training, you can contact Linda at lferich@lancasterconservany.org.
