Www.Greenscapes.org Greenscapes: Beautiful landscapes that protect our water.

www.Greenscapes.org

Greenscapes:Beautiful landscapes that

protect our water

The 2008 Greenscapes MA program brought to you by:

• Massachusetts Bays Estuary Association

• Massachusetts Bays Program

• Salem Sound Coastwatch

• Ipswich River Watershed Association

• Eight Towns and the Bay Committee

• North & South Rivers Watershed Association

• Many partners, sponsors, supporters and underwriters

Greenscapes Coaltion

30+ Ways the Landscaping Industry Can Participate in the Greenscapes Program

• Five W’s of Greenscapes Massachusetts

• 30+ Ways You Can Get Involved

• Curt Dragon (Earth Landscape)

• Discussion: Please Give Us Your Feedback!

Presentation Overview

Greenscapes Overview

• Outreach campaign focused on “green” landscaping

• Addresses both water conservation and water quality

• Audience: primarily targets homeowners

• Information: recommendations, goods and services

• Delivery: Multiple methods, services, and venues

• Multiple partners, sponsors, supporters, & underwriters

Greenscapes are beautiful landscapes that protect our water.

Greenscaping will save you time and money, and protect our environment by reducing the need for water and chemicals.

What are Greenscapes?

Water Protection

• 150,000 Households (single-family)

• South Shore and North Shore regions

• 31 communities

• For homeowners who take care of their yards themselves or hire contractors to do the work

• Possible expansion to Cape and other regions

Primary Audience

Homeowner Motivation

Greenscaping is good for you and your wallet:

• reduced water bills • less money spent on chemicals • less work for you or contractor • more free time • less exposure to chemicals • more habitat for wildlife• more beautiful landscapes • increased property values

InformationalNot promotional

Mainstream not extreme

Collaborative not confrontational

Positive

Our Message

MaintenanceProducts Services

Maintenance Information

1. Mow high (3" +)2. Leave grass clippings on the lawn3. Check for sharp blade before every mowing4. Test soil before adding fertilizers5. Fertilize in the fall if at all6. Use the "walk test" to determine when to water 7. Water your lawn at dawn (if at all)8. Water to a depth of 6" (if at all)9. Use organic fertilizers/pesticides/weed controls10. Overseed with fescue grasses

Product Information

Service Information

Landscape Consultations, Irrigation Checks, “Hire a Pro” suggestions and links

Sharing the Message

Who Pays for the Program?

Municipalities Organizations Grants

25% Coalition Organizations

25% Grants & Underwriters

50% Towns

31 participating communities in 2007: AndoverBeverlyBoxfordCohassetDanversDuxburyEssexGeorgetownGloucesterHamilton

Community Partners

NorwellPeabodyPembrokePlymouthRowleySalemSalisburyScituateTopsfieldWenhamWeymouth

HanoverHingham Hull IpswichKingstonManchester BTSMarshfieldMiddletonNewburyNewburyport

Sponsors

Since development in 2004, the Greenscapes program has directly and/or indirectly benefited from generous grants by:

Supporters

More than 40 organizations, companies, clubs, institutions, programs, agencies, and

individuals have generously provided in-kind contributions in support of

the Greenscapes program.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Underwriters

Gold Underwriter Partners ($1,000 donation)

Recognition in the 2008 Greenscapes program includes:

1. Listing of your company in Greenscapes Guide2. Listing of your logo/link on www.Greenscapes.org3. Dedicated webpage for your special offer (optional)4. E-newsletter article invitation5. Workshop participation invitation

Underwriters

Platinum Underwriter Partners ($2,000 donation)

Gold benefits plus full-color “ad”in Guide

Why would the landscaping industry want to get involved in the Greenscapes program?

• To learn more about this growing sector of the industry

• Public goodwill

• Unique opportunity to reach educated, motivated market

• Gain new customers, clients, and colleagues

30 Ways To Participate

Guide

• 20-page, full color• Tips and recommendations• Special offers for GS

goods and services• One unified edition in 2008• ~ 85,000 distributed • Download from website

(~500 in 2007)

Guide

Help GS by:• Distribute to others• Share your photos• Suggest and/or peer

review content• Be an Underwriter --

2” x 3.5”color announcement (April 1st deadline)

www.Greenscapes.org

• 300,000 hits in 2007

• 10,000 unique visitors

• 50% “favorite” bookmark

• Promote events, special offers, additional information

• Nursery discounts: 651 visitors

• Rainbarrels: 450 visitors

• Rainwater Recovery: 401 visitors

www.Greenscapes.org

Help GS by:• Link to our website• Share link with others• Be an Underwriter! List

your logo and link• Webpage for your special

offer

E- Newsletter

• 9 monthly issues (spring through fall)

• Timely events, offers and recommendations

• 1200+ subscribers• ~ 2% growth each issue

E- Newsletter

Help GS by:

• Subscribe!

• Encourage others to sign up too

• Suggest content

• Write an article

Workshops

• ~ 10 workshops about a variety of landscaping topics with guest experts

• “Greenscapes 101” in partnering communities

• 200+ attendees in 2007

• Calendar: 1000 visitors

Workshops

Help GS by:

• Promote workshops• Invite others to attend• Propose workshop topics • Be a presenter• Host an info table• Donate door prizes • Host/promote a workshop

Nursery Discounts

• 15% discount on GS plants and products

• Currently offered by 14 retailers on NS & SS

• Promoted in Guide, website, and e-news

• Will you join the list?

Landscape Contest

Help GS by…

• Submit an entry or encourage your others

• donate gift certificates for prizes

• Serve on judging panel

Free Lawn SignsHelp GS by:

• Put one in your yard (personal & business)

• Encourage others to display one

• Use in retail displays of GS plants and products

Tabletop Displays

• 3’ x 4’ tri-fold on foamcore board

• Promotes tips and program offerings

• Help GS by displaying one in your venue!

Professional Trainings

We have partnered with:

• UMass Cooperative Extension

• Ecological Landscaping Association

• NOFA Organic Land Care Committee

Professional Trainings

Help GS by:

• Attending a training

• Sponsor an employee to attend

• Promote to others

• Give us feedback for improvement

• Let us know types of training you would like offered

Help Us Ensure That This…

Photo Credits: Eric Roth

Protects This.

www.Greenscapes.org

Wendy Garpow, Assistant DirectorMassachusetts Bays Estuary Association

[email protected]#781-378-1610

For More Information

Please give us your feedback !

1. What stumbling blocks stop you or others from participating in the GS program?

2. How could we improve our current services?

3. What new services would encourage you or others to participate?

Help Us Improve