THE BRIGHT SIDE

Geneva Lake Conservancy helps homeowners make yards more environmentally friendly.
Geneva Lake Conservancy’s Conservation@Home program is an education and recognition program for homeowners for their earth-conscious choices in the home landscape and water conservation and protection efforts. Carol Elkins is a conservation program specialist for the conservancy. Elkins said they created these programs to educate homeowners and property owners about the best plants that help the ecosystem. She said they have done this at more than 220 sites around the county since 2020. Conservation@Home gives you helpful tips, information, and resources along the way when you’re ready and will certify your yard as an environmentally friendly property. This includes promoting water resource practices.

Some helpful tips include planting deep-rooted native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. Also creating rain and butterfly gardens, installing rain barrels, and removing exotic plant species. This all helps contribute to the health of our wildlife populations and water supply. The Conservancy also encourages the practice of reducing the use of chemicals in gardens. This is better for the land, water, animals, and humans alike. Anyone interested in the program or looking for more information www.genevalakeconservancy.org/programs.

Certified landowners will receive a Conservation@Home sign to post.

Place of the Week

Big Foot Beach State Park is a popular summer destination.