Learn how to recognize insect damage to trees on your property, and what steps to take to minimize damage. Click this link to learn about Mountain Pine Beetles and other troublesome insects in our area.
If you have dreams about your home, but don't really know how to turn
those dreams into reality, this is the workshop for you! You will
learn the basics about land management, find resources to help you on
your way and encouragement to make the best out of your property. And
its free!
There is an unbreakable link between
native plant species and native wildlife. Indeed, most native insects cannot,
or will not, eat alien plants. When native plant species disappear or are
replaced by alien exotics, the insects disappear, thus impoverishing the food
source for birds and other animals. In many parts of the world, habitat
destruction has been so extensive that local wildlife populations are in crisis
and may well be headed toward extinction.
Cheatgrass (downy brome) is an undesirable grass species that is
spreading in many western states. A cool season grass, it is first to
come up in the spring and can show renewed growth in the fall. Dying
off in summer, it provides fuel for wildfire. It also outcompetes many
beneficial native grasses. Find out steps you can take to control it
at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/natres/06310.html
Be sure to check the seeds included in a commercial wildflower mix before you plant it. Some contain noxious weeds! Plants like Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) and White Campion (Silene latifolia) are listed as noxious weeds in Flathead County, and Common Yarrow and Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) are undesirables.
The national Firewise Communities program is a multi-agency
effort designed to reach beyond fire service by involving homeowners,
community leaders, planners, developers, and others in the effort to protect
people, property, and natural resources from the risk of wildland fire -
before a fire starts.
Firewise You Can Use is a series of interactive modules to help you prepare your home for wildfire season. On the same website, check out Resources for the Homeowner for checklists and information on construction materials, landscaping, watering and more. Go to the Firewise link to learn more.
The EPA website has lots of information about protecting our waters. When we keep the water clean we stay healthy and enjoy the place we live. Learn about Non-Point Source Pollution and how to keep our rivers clean.
Small Acreage Owners 