[Photo courtesy of Bedford 2020 Healthy Yards Program] Recently I was invited to consult on the landscape management and grounds maintenance of a large condominium complex. The progressive management company was aware of studies that show how continued use of leaf blowers could potentially elevate blood pressure in the elderly. Pretty interesting! See: https://www.alternet.org/2014/08/modern-pestilence-leaf-blowers-generate-infuriating-noise-toxic-gases-and-hazardous-dust/ https://www.salon.com/2017/10/08/noisy-but-that-is-not-all_partner/ https://www.kqed.org/news/11310630/more-pollution-than-cars-gas-powered-gardening-equipment-poses-the-next-air-quality-threat https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2017/09/25/leaf-blowers-flagged-as-polluters-possible-health-threat/68802 In addition to …

Just one week into spring and there is already a noticeable buzz in our communities about an exciting initiative: creating Pollinator Pathways through Fairfield and Westchester counties. Many thanks to the organizers in each town who put together a staggering number of informative events across many towns (see the upcoming events calendar!!). As an ecological landscape service, we thoroughly applaud and support this effort. …

This book is a great example of how we are losing ground in environmental literacy and education especially for children. What kind of world are we exposing our children to if we are eliminating words like dandelion, otter, bramble, acorn etc. [Above: Photo by Alex Smith] We need to reconnect with the natural world and teach our children the value …

Imagine a world without our beautiful trees! One of the huge natural advantages of living in Westchester or Fairfield counties is the tree dominant landscape. Our communities are not only rich in green spaces with forest matrix and secondary remnant forests but an abundance and variety of street trees. Our landscaped properties have an even more diverse collection of flowering and …

Will increased rainfall, more frequent and severe storms wash our sins away? Mother nature has a way, a process for correcting and restoring the natural balance of resources in our landscape environment. Consider the positive aspects of stormwater including flooding: recharging groundwater, hydrating and nourishing trees and plants, flushing contaminates such as gas, oil, pesticide residue, particulate deposits etc. from ground …