Revamp: Trout Friendly Yard Certification
- cece8202
- May 6, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: May 8
The Trout Friendly Yard Certification was launched in 2007. Its goal was, and remains, to empower residents throughout the Wood River Valley to conserve and protect water quality through native habitats. Patti Lousen, who joined the WRLT Team in 2012, was instrumental in the passing of resolutions with local municipalities to approve water conservation landscaping guidelines as best practices for the community. Guidelines for water-wise landscaping, building up soil health, and limiting pesticides were laid out. In response, our Wood River Valley community stepped up to the challenge. Because of the hard work and diligence of Goldman and Lousen, more than 100 yards have been Trout Friendly certified!
WHAT'S NEW WITH TROUT FRIENDLY?
Last year, we decided to evolve and expand our criteria. The bar to entry was lowered and the ceiling for participation heightened. With the input of community partners, a new set of criteria was developed that everyone, from renters to homeowners alike, can make their yard Trout Friendly.
Spanning across four levels, the criteria guide participants to make landscaping improvements that support cleaner waterways, conserve water, and create backyard habitats for invertebrates, pollinators, and birds. The levels range in their time and financial commitment to be accessible to a variety of households-- including renters! Each level is accumulative, meaning that participants can advance from one level to the next as they check criteria off their list.
