Healthy soil holds water and carbon from the air.

*Cover and feed the soil (compost, leaves, grass clippings, cover crops, etc.); keep living roots in the ground year-round.

*Plant diverse species, especially native species, pollinator-friendly, and perennials.

*Avoid disturbing life in the soil:

• Avoid tilling; add organic materials on top of the soil.

• Choose organic herbicides and pesticides

• Use hand tools that) do less damage to ecosystem life; avoid leaf blowers.

*Capture/minimize runoff with rain barrels, rain gardens, swales, ponds

*Use yard waste. on your compost pile, as mulch,  on the perimeter to create habitat, etc.

*Trees: Consult an arborist; preserve and plant natives, pollinator friendly, in groves when possible.

*Test your soil

*Ecological yard maintenance is exercise! Do you still need to go to a gym?

Resources and help: Cornell Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services. Soil and Water Conservation Districts, BuyLocalGrowLocal.org

*Eat local organic as much as possible. Join a Community Garden (see CapitalRoots.org) or a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), shop farmers markets and stores that sell locally grown food. (see LocalHarvest.org)

*If you eat animal products, do so sparingly, and choose grassfed/grass finished. (Most US animal products come from animals raised with minimal access to the outdoors. Rotational grazing of animals on pasture results in fertile soil and rich biodiversity, while holding moisture and carbon in soils.)

*Local self-reliance (on goods produced nearby) makes for resilient communities.

*Bridge the gap between the cultivated and the wild by regenerating habitats to connect ecosystems.

*Help shift municipal ordinances and comprehensive plans and Home Owners Association rules.

*Advocate for government funding at the state and national level (KissTheGround.com)

*Stay in touch and network with the Earth Regeneration Committee of CRICCC.