FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/1/2023
MEDIA CONTACT
Shara Dee
(207) 347-4143
PRESS RELEASE
100 Resilient Yards - Applications Open!
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – We’re revitalizing South Portland, one yard at a time! The City of South Portland Sustainability Department is excited to announce the launch of “100 Resilient Yards,” a program that will provide technical expertise and resources to residents and/or businesses in order to promote the transformation of 100 properties into resilient, organic landscapes founded on healthy soils. The program is free and applications are open through April 1 on our website.
The City has partnered with Friends of Casco Bay, Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD), Osborne Organics, the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Wild Seed Project, Maine Audubon, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Garbage to Garden, who are providing the technical expertise and resources to bring this program to fruition.
Beginning March 1, the City is looking for 100 diverse, public-facing yards or green spaces to help transform into resilient, organic landscapes. Property owners in South Portland who apply to participate and are accepted will receive a one-hour technical assessment from our experts to understand the current features and any issues with their yards or green spaces. The experts will then provide recommendations to help transform those spaces into one of five resilient yardscapes: pollinator garden, rain garden, vegetable garden, native planting, and/or organic lawn.
Trained volunteers will then follow up with property owners to help them begin implementation of the recommendations. Participating property owners will also receive a resource package with materials that will help start the transition. Resources may include native plants, seeds, plans, raised beds, and/or compost.
This project is supported by grant funding from Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, Beyond Pesticides, Maine Coastal Communities, the Davis Conservation Foundation, as well as in-kind donations.
For more information about 100 Resilient Yards and to apply as a participant or volunteer for the program, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/100-Resilient-Yards
Download full-size images here.
About City of South Portland
The City of South Portland is a vibrant Southern Maine community of 26,000+ residents and over 1,500 businesses located on picturesque Casco Bay. www.southportland.org
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