NEXT TO NATURE CERTIFICATION SCORECARD

Nature Supporter 100 points Nature Partner 200 points Nature Champion 300 points

Participant: Date:

YES ? NO SITE PLANNING (SP) POSSIBLE POINTS: 16 Conduct a site assessment (slope, topography, pathways, soils, utilities, etc.) 4 Identify your landscape objectives and steps to capture multiple eco-benefits 4 Create a living landscape using soil and vegetation features, e.g. vegetated 4 roofs, walls, or facades; rain gardens or bioswales; native species plantings; and tree canopies Prepare (a) site plan(s) 4 YES ? NO LAND/SOIL QUALITY AND CONSERVATION (L/SQC) POSSIBLE POINTS: 56 Incorporate elements to slow, spread, and capture the surface flow of 8 rainwater for infiltration and/or release, such as rain gardens, bioswales, seasonal pools, etc. (WCQM) Install rain barrels to capture stormwater from structures (WCQM) 8 Orient planting beds parallel to topographic contours to slow surface water 8 flow (WCQM) Stabilize erodible surfaces by planting soil-holding species, applying wattles, or 4 by physical means (grading, terracing, armoring, etc.) Convert landscape (and food) waste into compost, biochar, mulch, etc. for use 4 as a soil amendment (LMM) Determine the texture, soil structure, and pH of garden soils in order to make 4 the best improvements Restore previously disturbed soils 4 Correct instances of soil compaction 4 Reduce or eliminate the use of harmful fertilizers 4 Reduce or eliminate the use of toxic chemicals 4 Implement practices to reduce nutrient runoff (such as slow-release fertilizers, 4 optimized application timing and amount) (WCQM) YES ? NO LIVING THINGS (LT) POSSIBLE POINTS: 72 Incorporate water to the garden to sustain living things, large and small 4 Plant trees; consider carbon capture and storage, and low production of 16 volatile organic carbon (VOC) among other criteria such as water use efficiency and drought tolerance (AQ, WQCM, L/SCQ) Manage vegetation health and use IPM to control pests and diseases 4 Conserve/use native plant species where appopriate 4 Eliminate invasive species 4 Plant species with capacity to survive extreme environments 4 Choose pollinator-supporting plant species 4 Incorporate bird and butterfly feeders 4

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Include nest boxes for owls ad bats 4 Increase the time period habitat resources (such as cover, food) are available 4 Select plant species providing appropriate fruit, seed, and nectar for wildlfe 4 Create a landscape insectary by choosing plant species that invite beneficial 4 insects or repel harmful ones Add a log, build a rock pile, or preserve a snag to generate wildlife habitat 4 Substitute lawn with plantings of drought-tolerant sedges, grasses, cacti 4 (WQCM) Install wildlife-friendly lighting, e.g. products that reduce light pollution or 4 don't interfere with bird migrations; use LED lighting (EC) YES ? NO WATER QUALITY, CONSERVATION, AND MANAGEMENT (WQCM) POSSIBLE POINTS: 32 Manage precipitation on-site (cistern, rain garden, bioswale, rain barrel, bird 4 bath, pond, seasonal pools) Reduce water use for landscape irrigation (efficient system design, nozzles, 4 length and timing of application) Substitute permeable for impermeable surfaces to allow water to be absorbed 4 into the soil Add organic matter to the soil (such as compost, biochar, worm castings, etc.) 4 Avoid/minimize copper and zinc (roofs, gutters, downspouts, siding), 4 galvanized materials (fencing, water storage), and treated lumber Reduce the use of potable water in the garden when safe for plants and 4 animals by substituting less pure water types Create planting beds using tree debris (Hügelkultur), which conserves water 4 and improves soil quality Use the Water Use Classification of Landscape Species checklist (WUCOLS) to 4 select low water-requiring plants for use YES ? NO WILDFIRE PROTECTION (WP) POSSIBLE POINTS: 28 Remove fire-prone vegetation (containing resins, oils, and waxes) and dead 4 vegetation Add fire-resistant vegetation 4 Create the correct types of defensible space/zones on your property, removing 4 plants and other types of fuels Remove dead anddying branches; prune dead branches, palm skirts, etc.; 4 observe local guidelines to avoid destroying nests during nestng seasons

Avoid mulch use within the "Immediate Zone" of defensible space 4 Use fire-resistant materials and products (roofing, vents, eaves, soffits, 4 windows, decks, porches, siding) Store flammable items indoors 4 Inspect structures; repair damaged or missing roof tiles/shingles, screen vents, 4 etc. YES ? NO AIR/ATMOSPHERE QUALITY (AQ) POSSIBLE POINTS: 16 Install insulating green roofs and walls and/or blue roofs 4 Reduce air pollution by covering/planting bare soil 4 Install a vegetated windbreak to reduce air pollution 4 Choose garden products containing no or low volatile organic compounds 4 YES ? NO ENERGY CONSERVATION (EC) POSSIBLE POINTS: 16

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Use minimally processed materials such as salvaged materials from local 4 sources, compressed earth blocks, bamboo, uncut stones, straw bales

Install solar collectors or photovoltaic units to power outdoor landscape 4 elements Plant trees and shrubs as a windbreak to block prevailing cool weather winds 4 or minimize air borne dust Shade dark-colored driveways, roadways, patios, walls, and roof parts that 4 receive significant sunlight YES ? NO LANDSCAPE MATERIAL MANAGEMENT (LMM) POSSIBLE POINTS: 32 Eliminate the use of wood from threatened tree species; use certified wood 4 Re-use salvaged materials and plants 4 Use materials with recycled content (EC) 8 Use locally sourced materials (EC) 4 Repurpose end-of-life local wood by upcycling it into useful products, such as 4 lumber, furniture, household items, art, fuel pellets, biochar (EC)

Divert reusable vegetation, rocks, and soil from landfill disposal 4 Avoid using PVC (polyvinyl chloride) because it cannot be recycled and also 4 releases dioxin during its manufacture and disposal YES ? NO COMMUNITY RESILIENCE (CR) POSSIBLE POINTS: 32 Put in place a plan for your family in case of need to evacuate for wildfire or 4 create protections against other natural emergencies Notify your neighbors and others about your disaster preparedness plan and to 4 encourage them so you can help each other Create peaceful and restfull spaces and share them with others (LT) 8 Share natural resources to help build a circular economy, such as leftover 4 wood, rock, soils, plants, cuttings (LMM) Communicate the value of the Next to Nature Program to others in your 4 neighborhood and community Share your knowledge and successful path to landscape sustainability with 4 others, thereby assisting them to improve their own properties Work to make gardens, landscapes, neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces 4 more wildlife-friendly

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300 points total

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