Agenda Packets - 2013/02/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and planters along roadsides will be replaced from turf grass to natural and native plantings, keeping the plants at a low level that will not obstruct the field of vision for road users. For private building and home owners, programs will be in place to encourage the use of natural plantings instead of turf grass. Creating ordinances that require specific square footage of native plantings to be used as part of landscaping is an option for encouraging homeowners to replace turf grass with native plantings. Another option would be establishing programs with local nurseries and garden stores that provide discounts for residents who are replacing turf grass with native and natural plantings. Native plantings are often looked at negatively; as some people think they look too wild and unkempt. In order to change citizens' minds about this negative perception, neighborhoods can have community workshops that provide information on the benefits of native plantings versus turf grass and tips for gardening and upkeep of native plants. The process of implementing native plantings and reducing the amount of turf grass used in landscaping will be a gradual transition, easing the community into a new landscaping aesthetic. As the city and citizens begin to make the transition, it is the hope that those who are reluctant will become accustomed to the new look and gain an appreciation for the environmental benefits that come from reducing turf grass Future Progress • Measure the overall reduction of turf grass in St. Anthony • Track the increase in native plant vegetation around the City in individual lawns and commercial businesses • Track success of natives by measuring: amount of water needed for watering, sediments in runoff, water quality • Create programs that encourage native planting of individual lawns iii. Local Foods Goal: Provide the community with opportunities to produce and sell locally grown foods. Objective: Community focus on local foods It is important to get St. Anthony Village residents thinking about the food they eat, where it comes from, how it is grown, and how their food choices impact their surroundings. The result is consumers advocating for food that is healthy, sustainably produced, and locally grown. Local foods and a strong "local food system" can promote healthy people and communities, equitable distribution of food resources, a sustainable environment and a thriving economy. Possible local food resources: • Farmers' markets and mini markets. • Community gardens. • Natural food grocery co-ops. • Numerous regional CSA (community supported agriculture) farms with local drop-off . am o�ry 15 Villa