We’re revitalizing South Portland, one yard at a time. The Sustainability Department is excited to announce the launch of our 100 Resilient Yards program, a collaboration that will help our city protect the health of our community and its unique ecosystems, and promote a transition to more sustainable land care practices community-wide.

The 100 Resilient Yards program brings together experts, volunteers, and landowners to implement sustainable environmental changes. We’re looking for 100 diverse, public-facing South Portland yards or green spaces to transform into resilient, organic landscapes.

Applications open March 1 on our website: https://tinyurl.com/100-Resilient-Yards. This program is free to participants.

Importance of a resilient yard

Traditional lawns that require the application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not good habitat for many of our most important native pollinator species. They also reduce soil quality and are detrimental to our community watersheds and the greater Casco Bay. Lawn care, like frequent mowing, trimming, and leaf blowing is tedious and unpleasant.

The use of these gas-powered tools also adds climate changing carbon emissions to our city environment.

A resilient yard is a native green space requiring minimal water and maintenance that provides habitat for native species. They also help our community recover more quickly following natural disturbances such as flood, drought, or high heat. Our aim with this program is to bring about a shift toward more resilient yards that will improve overall soil quality, keep our waterways clean, and facilitate vibrant ecosystems within our community.

As part of the 100 Resilient Yards program, property owners will receive a one-hour technical assessment from our experts to understand current features and any issues with their yards or green spaces. Then, recommendations will be made to transform those spaces into one of five resilient outcomes: pollinator, rain, and vegetable gardens, native plantings, and/or organic lawns.

Each outcome creates a pollinator-friendly space, founded on healthy soil, and requiring little to no maintenance, ultimately leading to a healthier community for all.

Trained volunteers will then follow up with property owners to help them implement the recommendations. Participating property owners will also receive a resource package with materials to help start their transition.

Resources may include native plants, seeds, plans, raised beds, compost and more.

Get involved

Applications to participate in 100 Resilient Yards will be open from March 1 through April 1, and we’re looking forward to applications from businesses and residents alike.

We’re also looking for volunteers to help with project implementation this summer/fall. Volunteers should have some knowledge of landscaping (hobby level is fine), a passion for yard-scaping and a willingness to get a little dirty. We’ll train you on the rest. Volunteer applications are also available online from March 1 through May 31.

For more information about 100 Resilient Yards and to apply as a participant or volunteer for the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/100-Resilient-Yards.

Our Sustainable City is a recurring column in the Sentry intended to provide residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram @soposustainability.

Steve Genovese is a Greater Portland Council of Governments Resilience Corps Fellow serving in the South Portland Sustainability Office on an 11-month term. He can be reached at sgenovese@southportland.org. 

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