Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods

Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods is an educational program designed to raise awareness about the role urban storm water runoff plays in the water quality of nearby streams, creeks, rivers, and lakes. Through voluntary educational activities, SMY&N offers environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional lawn care and construction practices that contribute to the runoff of contaminants and excess nutrients. SMY&N also recognizes and commends individuals and professionals who put the SMY&N techniques into practice - homeowners can earn an attractive yard sign and professionals can become certified.

What's New?

• Fertilize Responsibly - Contact James River Basin Partnership for a soil test.
• Rain Barrel Rebate Program
• Rain Gardens are shallow depressions filled with native plants that capture stormwater, allowing infiltration into the ground.
• Check out Ozarks Environment.

How Can I Have a Show-Me Yard?

To qualify as a Show-Me Yard, the landowner may choose from a menu of approved practives from the Yard Certification Checklist to earn credits or "inches". When 36 inches have been earned, the yard is certified as a Show-Me Yard.

Why Should I Want a Show-Me Yard?

• Landowners receive valuable information including cost-saving, environmentally-responsible lawn and landscape tips.
• Certified lawns will earn a handsome yard sign and positive publicity in the community.
• Participants have immediate access to lawn and landscape professionals.

Homeowners, contractors and other professionals associated with lawn care are encouraged to participate in Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods. For more information, please call Barbara Lucks at 417.864.2006.

Resources

• Cool-Season Grasses Lawn Care and Maintenance Calendar - Organic and non-organic monthly practices for a healthy lawn.
• Take Home Tips - Your Prescription for a Healthy Yard
• Certified Professionals List & What To Ask Your Lawn Care Company
• Working with Arborists
• How to Mulch a Tree
• Soil Testing for Better Lawns & Gardens, contact James River Basin Partnership to get a soil test.

SMY&N Homeowners Workshop 10-10-09 Rain Gardens and Rainwater Harvesting (ppt file 24.25mb)