Backyard Stewardship
Improve the health of Holmes Run by changing the way you garden and landscape your property. Reap the many benefits of biodiverse landscaping practices:
Reduced Mowing
...along streams or in open areas
Enhances water quality
Absorbs rainwater (reduce storm surges)
Provides habitat
Deters Canada geese
Promotes esthetics
Reduces carbon footprint
Reduces water usage
Native Landscaping
...ground cover, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, bioswales
Provides habitat for native wildlife, including pollinators, birds, etc.
Contributes to stormwater management
Improves pollution control
Aids well-being
Helps reconnect the fragmented suburban landscape
Invasive Species Control
Breaks the chokehold on native plants...
Reduces nuisance plants that can destroy trees and other natives
Allows more beneficial plants to take hold
Improves storm water management
Restores habitat for native wildlife
Supports stream banks
Is one of the most ecologically valuable initiatives in the long term
Get tree rescue training through FoHR
Conservation Education
Any business that provides signage, public access, volunteer cleanups, native plant sales, a native garden, and/or native plant training for landscaping crews…
Improves scientific literacy and use of native landscaping best-practices
Encourages workplace culture of living healthfully and conscientiously
Gives employees and customers/clients an opportunity to engage with nature
Encourages better gardening practices at home
Helps to prevent littering on their premises
Got runaway runoff? Get help.
Do you have a drainage or erosion problem that needs addressing? Or a good site for a rain garden, but can’t afford one? The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) provides financial assistance and free technical advice to property owners who wish to install watershed-friendly stormwater control practices on their land. The goal is to help reduce polluted runoff and sediment getting into storm drains and streams. The program has recently expanded, enabling more homeowners, businesses, HOAs, churches, pools or other property owners to qualify for up to 80 percent reimbursement for approved projects. Intrigued? Contact the Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District for more information and a free site visit!