“Seeding
for Savings”
The North Platte NRD’s cost
share program for planting Buffalograss is here! The “Seeding
for Savings” program provides residential homeowners in
the North Platte Natural Resources District reimbursement of costs
for converting their existing irrigated lawns to Buffalograss—saving
precious water, lawn maintenance time and costs on their yards.
Water
Savings! Buffalograss
is a drought-hearty, native grass species that thrives on only
1/2 inch of water per week. Most other turf grasses use between
1 to 1 ½ inches per week.
Labor and
Time Savings! Buffalograss does well on hot, dry sites
where bluegrass or ornamental landscaping dies out. Buffalograss
grows slowly to a maximum height of three to six inches, reducing
the need for mowing to once every two to three weeks.
Money Savings!
Buffalograss, once established, requires less water, less mowing
and less fertilizer than blue grass lawns. Buffalograss can be
maintained with no mowing if weeds are controlled.
Participants can receive $10 per
pound for up to 15 pounds of Bowie or Cody brands of buffalograss
seed purchased to convert existing irrigated bluegrass lawns to
buffalograss. Maximum reimbursement is $150 per person per year.
This program is open to any existing homeowners in Scotts Bluff,
Morrill, Garden, Banner or southern Sioux Counties who want to
convert their present irrigated turf grass to buffalograss. Applications
are now available and due May 1, 2008. For more information and
brochures call program coordinator Roy Lyles at (308) 632-2749.
“Plant
a Classroom”
The North Platte NRD just started
a brand new program to assist schools with establishing a new
or improving an existing Outdoor Classroom.
Outdoor Classrooms are outdoor
areas landscaped with native trees, plants and grasses, rocks,
ponds, bird and butterfly houses, to create habitats for the purpose
of outdoor education lessons. Students enjoy learning hands-on
lessons in biology, science, history, reading, writing, math and
art in an outdoor environment. The benefits from outdoor classrooms
are numerous. Traditional classroom subjects are fresh and new
when illustrated outdoors, and students learn to take pride and
ownership in their community as they often care for the classrooms
during the school year.
Our new “Plant a Classroom”
program will reimburse costs up to $500 per school per fiscal
year related to establishing a new or improving an existing Outdoor
Classroom. Funds are are non-competitive in nature and awarded
on a first-come, first-served basis. For complete complete information
on the “Plant a Classroom” program call Information
and Education Coordinator Kay Grote at (308) 632-2749.
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