United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
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Backyard Conservation

Bringing conservation from the countryside to your backyard

Backyard Conservation logo and bird

Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

"Backyard Conservation" shows you how conservation practices that are used on agricultural land across the country to conserve and improve natural resources can be adapted for use on the land around your home. These practices help the environment and can make your yard more attractive and enjoyable.

Whether you have acres in the country, an average-sized suburban yard, or a tiny plot in the city, you can help protect the environment and add beauty and interest to your surroundings. Ten conservation practices have been scaled down for homeowners and city residents to use in their yards. Tip sheets offer "how to" steps and helpful hints on the following practices:

Tip Sheets

These tip sheets are also available
in Adobe Acrobat format.

Adobe Acrobat DocumentBackyard Pond
Adobe Acrobat DocumentBackyard Wetland
Adobe Acrobat DocumentComposting
Adobe Acrobat DocumentMulching
Adobe Acrobat DocumentNutrient Management
Adobe Acrobat DocumentPest Management
Adobe Acrobat DocumentTerracing
Adobe Acrobat DocumentTree Planting
Adobe Acrobat DocumentWater Conservation
Adobe Acrobat DocumentWildlife Habitat

See More Tips and Topics on Backyard Conservation

Most backyard conservation practices are easy to use. America's farmers and ranchers have been using these practices successfully for decades.

The tip sheets and a colorful 28-page booklet on Backyard Conservation are available free by calling 1-888-LANDCARE (single copies only), as well as on this website. This campaign is a cooperative project of the National Association of Conservation Districts , the Wildlife Habitat Council , and USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Backyard Conservation Lesson Plans
A series of lesson plans to teach students about Backyard Conservation through hands-on studies that promote field investigation and action.  Lesson plans are available for elementary grades 3 to 5, middle school grades 6 to 8 and high school grades 9 to 12.

See sample news releases and features on Backyard Conservation.

Additional Backyard Conservation materials including a starter kit and video are available through the National Association of Conservation Districts.


Audubon LogoIn recognition of the increasing importance of backyard habitat to bird life, the National Audubon Society and NRCS work together to engage the public to improve the health and habitat value of backyards and neighborhoods across America. This partnership supports Audubon At Home, a program that promotes conservation action and environmental stewardship starting at home. Annually in mid-February, Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology conduct the Great Backyard Bird Count, supported by NRCS and others. Audubon and NRCS share a common goal to foster an environmental stewardship ethic in all segments of society—rural, urban, agricultural and nonagricultural communities.


For more information, or to participate, call: 1-888-LANDCARE or send an e-mail request to backyard@swcs.org.

Scene from 'Backyard' movie See our 30 second Backyard movie. This video requires Apple Quicktime. You can also read the transcript of this movie.

Apple Quicktime MovieBackyard Movie (449K)

Download the Backyard Print Ads
These print advertisements require Adobe Acrobat.

Adobe Acrobat DocumentVertical Ads (349 KB)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentHorizontal Ads (322 KB)



You may also visit other websites for additional information: