Conservation Resources
Native Landscaping Benefits
Smart Gardening: Using Native Plants Is a Smart Choice for Michigan Landscapes
Michigan State University Extension
Explains the many benefits to water conscious landscaping, as well as how to begin the process.
Rethinking the Traditional Lawn
Ottawa County
Department of Strategic Impact
Outlines the history and environmental impacts of turf-grass lawns in Ottawa County.
Drought-Tolerant Plants Save Water, Money and Time
Michigan State University Extension
Explains the many benefits to water conscious landscaping, as well as how to identify water conscious plants.
Grand River Rainscaping
Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW)
Summary of rainscaping and registration portal for rainscaping residential site assessments.
Native Plant Search
Plant Search Tool - Native Plants and Ecosystem Services
Michigan State University Extension
Find plants native to your area.
Southern Lower Peninsula - Native Plants and Ecosystem Services
Michigan State University Extension
More information on native plant species and requirements
Plant Selection - Native Plants and Ecosystem Services
Michigan State University Extension
Find plants to suit your lawn requirements.
How to Design
Native Landscaping Design and Implementation - Wes Landon
Ottawa Conservation District
In depth walk-through of how to design your own native garden at home, as well as successfully implement it.
Water-Smart Landscapes Start with Water Sense
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Explains how to approach water-smart landscaping.
Native Garden Designs - Grand Rapids
Wild Ones
Provides detailed examples of native landscaping design plans as well as plant species.
Implement & Buy
Network of West Michigan Native Landscapes Professionals
Native Plant Guild
Group of businesses and non-profit organizations specializing in native landscape plantings.
Native Plant Information
Ottawa Conservation District
Summary of Michigan native plant species, identifying their common names, growth rates, required soil moisture, shade tolerance, and other features.
Michigan Native Plants Resources
Michigan Master Gardener Association, Inc.
List of locations to buy native plants
Ten Steps to a Successful Wildflower Planting
Michigan Wildflower Farm
Information on how to renovate an area of your yard and install native plant seeds.
Native Plant Sale
Ottawa Conservation District
Buy native plants through an order form or in person.
You can also ask to see the native section at your local garden center!
Tips
10 Ways to Protect Groundwater
Groundwater Foundation
Lists ten methods of reducing household water use, such as fixing leaky toilets, taking shorter showers, and replacing irrigated lawns with native plantings.
Water-Saving Products & Tips
EPA – WaterSense
Comprehensive collection of water-saving products, techniques and methods.
100+ Ways to Conserve Water
Water – Use It Wisely
Comprehensive list of water conservation methods. Methods are separated based on location (EX: laundry room, office, kitchen).
Smart Watering For Lawns: Don’t Let the Lawn Squeeze You Dry
Michigan State University Extension
Learn how much water your turfgrass actually needs. Learn how to water like a pro!
Learn
Understanding Ottawa County's Groundwater Shortage
Ottawa County
Provides graphics of existing groundwater challenges in Ottawa County and the importance of water preservation methods.
Ottawa County Groundwater Study: Phase 1
Michigan State University Institute of Water Research
Completed in 2013, this is a comprehensive scientific study on the groundwater system in Ottawa County.
What's Your Water Footprint?
Water Footprint Calculator by EcoRise
This calculator from EcoRise, an environmental education nonprofit, makes it easy to estimate your total water use, in a fun and engaging way.
Ottawa County Groundwater Study: Phase 2
Michigan State University Institute of Water Research
Completed in 2018, this is a follow-up study on the groundwater system in Ottawa County and the results five years later.