Hoosier Heartland RC&D Council

   Backyard Trees

Programs 

Yes! Count My Trees !
As You Plant Trees This Spring, Don't Forget to Report Them to HHRCD
As you plant trees this Spring, Don't forget to report them to the Hoosier Heartland RC&D to help us reach our goal of planting a million new trees in central Indiana over the next ten years.  The "Count My Trees Form" is available on our web site in a Adobe pdf file or a Microsoft Word file format.  For more information about planting trees and shrubs in your back yard, check out the Hoosier Heartland RC&D's new booklet- "Your Yard, Your trees- A Homeowners Guide" order form (in pdf format) or (Microsoft Word format)

-Check out the Plant-A-Million web site
At www.plantamillion.org.

Meet the Tiny Guardians of our Forests- Treetures
Learn more about Treetures and how they can schedule an appearance in your community by checking the Treetures Brochure (in pdf format)

Backyard Trees Committee Information-
Check Out the Following Newsletters:
Backyard Trees Summer 2006 Newsletter
Backyard Trees Fall 2005 Newsletter
Backyard Trees Spring 2005 Newsletter
Backyard Trees Fall 2004 Newsletter    

Check Out the Following News Release
HHRCD Backyard Tree Committee- Helps NRCS Host Indy Students Down on the Farm

Growing More Than Trees!
More and more Hoosiers are becoming concerned with their environment and with the roll that trees play in a healthy environment. In Indiana, trees arc an especially valuable resource that benefit Hoosiers in many ways.
-Trees
-Give us personal enjoyment
-Provide habitat and food for wildlife
-Reduce soil pollutants and other contaminants in our water
-Help to reduce soil erosion
-Reduce energy consumption (which means lower heating/cooling bills for you)
-Act as windbreaks
-and the list goes on and on!

If you're interested in how you and your environment can benefit from planting and maintaining trees on your property then read on …

What Is The Backyard Tree Farm?
The Backyard Tree Farm Program is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about trees and how to care for them. The Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council brought the program to Indiana in 1995.

The Council is a not-for-profit, 501©3 volunteer organization that helps people care for, conserve, and protect natural resources in a way that improves the area’s environment, economy, and quality of life. The Council’s Sponsors are Soil and Water Conservation districts (SWCDs), Cooperative County Extension Service Boards, and County Commissioners from the ten counties that make up the Hoosier Heartland RC&D Area (Boone, Brown, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, Monroe, and Shelby Counties).

Why should I become a Backyard Tree Farmer?
The Backyard Tree Farm Program will provide you with pertinent, up-to-date information about how you can help the environment where if affects you the most … in your own back yard.

The resource guide, how-to-articles, how-to-articles in quarterly newsletters, and opportunities to attend workshops and tours will help you to improve your property’s beauty and productivity through proper planning, planting, and maintenance of trees.

How much land do I need to have a Backyard Tree Farm?
There is no minimum size for a backyard tree farm. It can be from the smallest city backyard to a large estate.

Note? If you have more than 10 acres and do not plan on using it for a Christmas tree farm then you may want to consider having your forest classified with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry at the same time. Contact your district forester or SWCD office for more information.

What will I receive as a Backyard Tree Farmer?
-A comprehensive collection of reference materials about planting and pruning trees, attracting/managing wildlife, controlling insects and diseases, composting, and selecting the right site. -Plus, a list of agencies, certified arborists, and other natural resource professionals who can assist you.
-Two Awesome publications – The Woods in Your Backyard and Landscaping for Wildlife.
-A quarterly newsletter.
-The opportunity to specialized workshops and tours taught by professionals to learn land management techniques and talk with other Backyard Tree Farmers, foresters, and private consultants.
-A subscription to the Indiana Woodland Steward, a landowner’s quarterly newsletter from the Indiana Forest Stewardship Organization.
-One free back-issue of “Leaves & Limbs”, a private landowners newsletter form the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association.
-A sign that can be posted in your backyard or used for a license plate – purchase separately for $10 by calling (317) 290- 3250.

What Will I Learn As A Backyard Tree Farmer?
How to select, plant & maintain trees.
How to identify trees.
How to prune landscape trees, ornamentals, and shrubs properly.
How to read soil surveys and select a site.
How to determine the health of your trees and what to do about trees in trouble.
How to tap for maple syrup.
How to manage woodlots; maintain trails, and property lines.
How to maintain proper food and cover for wildlife.
How to build a variety of birdfeeders and know their proper placements.
How to plant windbreaks.
How to plant and manage Christmas trees.
Where to go to find resources.

How Do I become a Backyard Tree Farmer? 
To receive your Backyard Tree Farm Program Kit, call 317-290-3250 and ask for a BYTF Form. Fill out the form and enclose a check or money order made out to Hoosier Heartland RC&D Council, Inc. or send an email to:  hhrcd@hhrcd.org 

The BYTF Manual is $50 plus $6 shipping and handling (if mailed). The BYTF sign/license plate is $10.

If you purchase your kit from your local Soil and Water District we donate $5 to their fund. All you have to do is stop by your local office and ask for a Backyard Tree Farm Form, make out a check to Hoosier Heartland RC&D Council, Inc. and they will send it in for you. The guide will then be mailed to your home. Have your local SWCD sign the form where it says, “I purchased my BYTF Guide from my local SWCD”.

We also invite you to copy and use the same order form to become a member of the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association.  Check out IFWOA’s website at www.inwoodlands.org for more information.

Do you enjoy helping others learn about how to care for and manage resources? If so, please join us as a member of the Backyard Trees Committee. We meet every other month in Indianapolis – call 317-290-3250 or e-mail hhrcd@hhrcd.org for a meeting schedule.

The Hoosier Heartland RC&D Council in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Extension Service and other private businesses sponsors the Back yard Tree Farm Program. 

*County Commissioners, Cooperative Extension Boards and Soil and Water Conservation District Boards of participating counties support Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council.

All programs of the Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability.