Proclamation Declaring
April Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities Month

Whereas, the State of Kansas recognizes the need for environmentally friendly lawn and garden care techniques in order to reduce environmental pollutants and enhance human quality of  life; and

Whereas, careful plant selection and sound lawn and garden care practices can reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers and protect water quality; and

Whereas, building and maintaining a healthy soil is an essential component  to the overall health and vitality of lawn and garden plants by filtering water, storing and cycling nutrients and sustaining plant and animal life above and below the ground surface; and 

Whereas, using water conserving techniques can reduce water use in the lawn and landscape, thus protecting the State’s vital water resources; and

Whereas, recycling grass clippings and other yard waste reduces trash taken to landfills by ten percent, resulting in less landfill space taken up b clippings, reducing transportation and dumping costs for solid waste collectors, and reducing the number of plastic bags taken to landfills; and

Whereas, growth of trees, shrubs and grass can reduce the erosion of topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperature, clean the air,  
produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and

Whereas, individual homeowners can make important environmental decisions in their own properties, resulting in positive benefits for the entire community and local ecosystem; and

Whereas, the State of Kansas encourages citizens to follow principles outlined in the Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities website (www.kansasgreenyards.org). 

Now therefore be it resolved that the State of Kansas hereby declares the month of April 2010 to be Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities Month and encourages citizens to evaluate their yards and learn about healthy yard and garden care practices through the Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities program and their local K-State Research and Extension office.