Acreage Living - Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan

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Acreage S division Planning for nicipalities and D lopers flreating and protecting developers of For rural country municipalities, residential developers and subdivisions. Rural homeowners municipalities there is an should importance of encourage the green or development natural areas of residential to our quality settings that of life... mlnlmze disturbance to rural compact development pattern cultivates harmony could be dedicated to preservation of the natural region, wildLife corridors and recreational trails. As with the natural landscape. Carefi,rl planning of these Ucommuniry values is a chalJenge a developer of country residential subdivisions, begin your next developments can significantly reduce for both rural municipalities and project by identifying potential damage to the areas worth protecting. Locate natural landscape, homes, infiastructure and roads at avoiding the need a respectful distance from these for costly repair at protected areas. A compact design can actually be more cost effective for the developer. CurrenLly, typical zoning bylaws tend to mandate sprawl by requiring large individual acreage parcels. While large lots seldom promote a strong sense of rural community, smaller lots with large, natural common areas offer many opportunities to interact with a later date. PlanningYour reage - Your Home Place - Your Legacy Jvery neighbours. The traditional approach has generally been to clear natural bluffs of trees, to flatten land and to create large, high maintenance lawns and gardens. To preserve the natural landscape, we should be promoting smaller lawn areas that minimize disturbance of the prairie. Smaller lawns and traditional garden areas should be combined with an approach that landowner the natural qualities of the land lshould develop a plan that mtegrates and encourage conseration of personal goals native habitat. Development with the natural policies and guidelines should resources on their provide for common areas for land. Walk around walking, horseback riding or other your acreage and community-based recreation. Rural map out features municipalities should encourage such as wetlands designs where rural lanes flow with and streams, the natural topography and groups natural water of homes clustered around a grassy drainage patterns, common area complete with a bluffs, grassy wetland. Land saved by this areas, lnvaslve Plan couftesy of Bnwning Design In.
weed problems and wildlife trails. Note existing human-made features such as roads, power and gas lines, gardens, buildings, wells, and septic fields. If you are starting construction on a new property, take the existing site characteristics into account as you position the house, other buildings, roads and utilities. Consider the impact of construction on the natural Iandscape. You may not eliminate damage, but you can take measures to minimize il. The next step in the design process can be a lot of fun. On your diagram, identifii potential uses for different parts of your acreage, as always, minimizing disturbance. Locate your house where it will be naturally sheltered. Ifyou need a windbreak, try using multiple rows of native trees and shrubs in a meandering pattern with shorter plants on the outside. Make every effort not to displace existing native vegetation. Remember the house and immediately surrounding area does not need to be expansive but rather scaled to suit your lifestyle. Sketch in specific use areas such as a vegetable garden, dog run, pathways, viewing benches, play areas, pastures and corrals. Thke into account how you are currently using the yard. Include existing topographical features such as slopes, hills, well- or poorly drained areas, eristing wildlife habitat in your yard and adjacent areas, soil types, shade and sun and the direction of prevailing winds. Also remember that there is no compelling need to landscape from property line to property line. There is more to living in the country than ridi4g a lawn mowerl It's your choice. A Uisitn lor Gountry liuing Whether you are a municipal policymaker, developer or acreage owner, your vision of country living will have a tremendous influence on how your acreage or acreage subdivision is designed and managed. Discussing your vision and goals with other landowners in the neighbourhood can be informative, generate new ideas and avoid problems ln the long run. The vision of any one developer or owner may differ from that of others. Some goals will have less impact on the environment and community than others. In most cases compromises can be reached. Try and find a compromise for each pair of points in the lists below Gonseruatiun is lliiler Priority[onsenualion is lnlrtter Priority . Low maintenancq low input . Well groomed, irrigated,'weed' free . Quality of lifg healthy living . A place to retreat self-educate " Financial investment . Source of income . Wildflowers, native plants . Wildlife " Flower garden/landscaping . Roaming dogs . Well-managed grazing . Overgrazing by horses and cattle etc. . Natural space . Storage/work space . Hiking skiing biking . All terrain vehicles, motor bikes Low impact walking trail 0n prairie Gardens can be a part 0f acreage living
Page 1 and 2: al Habitats
Page 3 and 4: Published by: Native Plant Society
Page 5 and 6: he Saskatchewan f prairies had I th
Page 7 and 8: n the last 150 I years, most of the
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Page 13 and 14: llanaging an acreage can be very ll
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Page 17 and 18: continuous grazirlg can be harmful
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Page 21 and 22: here are numerous ways to f I enjoy
Page 23 and 24: Selected Publications General Inter
Page 25: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food 3

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