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Alter-NATIVE Landscaping
On your way to Fairview Farm, you can’t help but notice the changes in the countryside. Our scenic landscapes are vanishing so quickly that a ride down a familiar road may leave you wondering where it all went. Housing developments and industrial parks have replaced many of the meadows and woods that made this region so unique. Although sad for us, can you imagine what effect our rapidly expanding world has had on the local wildlife? One of URWA’s missions is to preserve land within the Upper Raritan watershed. Fairview Farm acts as an oasis for wildlife away from the rapidly developing towns and cities. Not everyone can provide this sort of idyllic environment for wildlife in their own backyard. However, a small garden or a collection of planted containers on an urban patio with a bird feeder nearby can offer a wonderful source of food and shelter for birds and butterflies. By protecting, restoring and managing natural habitats in your own backyard, you can help protect our precious wildlife.There are 4 stewardship projects on Fairview Farm that were designed as landscape alternatives to traditional lawns. These areas not only attract wildlife, but serve as a food source for them, provide protection and offer possible nesting sites. These areas are also low maintenance on the part of the caretaker and only require upkeep a few times throughout the year. They utilize plants that are native to our New Jersey environment, thereby diminishing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. A project goal is for visitors to be inspired to add specific plants to their own backyard, creating needed habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. Click on the links below to learn more about our projects, including methods for implementing similar projects on your own landscape.
Bird and Butterfly Garden
Native Shrub Border
Native Wildflower Meadow
Native Warm-Season Grass Meadow
Native Tree and Shrub List
