Tippecanoe Ecological Footprint for Neighbors of the Wabash Katherine Ortegon & Marjorie Blackburn Ecological Footprints

What is wildlife? Wildlife habitat is an area that has all the necessary items to support life of an animal or animals. Necessities including food, water and shelter make up an area that invites wildlife to live and develop. Creating a wildlife habitat is a simple as providing those three necessities in one area. Wildlife habitats can be found anywhere; the forest, a school garden, and even in your own backyard. Hence, BHV is a sustainable initiative consisting in the creation or modification of backyards, gardens, or balconies in order to promote and restore wildlife in commercial and residential areas.

1.Personal Information Basic user information Information about ecological footprints (websites: NRCS, The National Wildlife Federation, and Plant Native) information of community service projects Future evaluation system (users target)

2.Wildlife and habitat information Basic information (e.g. importance of wildlife habitat) Benefits (create a wildlife habitat, energy bills, fresh fruit, and aesthetical values ) Statistics of Tippecanoe County (e.g. regional and county wide statistics on species of animals that are located within the area) Sources of information.

3.Tabs

3.Tabs 3.1 Calculation Tools What is your total property area? (sq.ft) House area? (sq.ft) Number of trees or plants? What kind of food resources do you have? GIS survey (land/ water) Do you have places to raise young? The survey…example

3.Tabs 3.1 Calculation Tools

3.Tabs 3.1 Calculation Tools - Results (0-14)(14-28)(28-42) “You have the basic elements and great opportunities to improve your backyard wildlife habitat” (suggestions). “Good job!, continue working in your backyard habitat” (suggestions) “Congratulations! you are ready for the backyard habitat certification process” Maximum Average My score

3.Tabs 3.1 Calculation Tools-Backyard design This would include a program in which you could input the area of your yard add the area of your house and also add anything that you already have. It would look like a blueprint of your backyard. This database would include many identifying pictures of the animal species and identifying species of the food, water or shelter needed. BeforeAfter

3.Tabs 3.2 Incentives and benefits Advertisement: Landscaping and gardening companies list sales. – At least 14 Lawn and Garden suppliers in Tippecanoe. About 9 architectural services. Promotional coupons and links to plant and garden tool discount stores. – Partner with these businesses and create opportunity for price benefits for residents participating in our website. Green practices. – Rain barrels – Rain gardens – Companion planting vs. fertilizers – Create wind block – Etc. Best Backyard Practices

3.Tabs 3.3 Get Involved Educational opportunities (e.g. seminars) Community service projects. Networks. Learning together Help others to build their backyard Wildlife Habitat networks

3. Tabs 3.3 Get Involved Events & Activities- listed on the Tippecanoe Co. Website Wednesday Mar 24 Sounds of Spring- Wacky Woodcocks!Wednesday Mar 24 Wednesday Mar 31 Planning with POWERWednesday Mar 31 Wednesday Apr 7 Watershed Management, Water QualityWednesday Apr 7 Educational Opportunities Examples Nature Conservancy work days each month Community Projects listed by green initiative groups National Wildlife Federation Networks or Programs that residents can get involved in.

Thanks !!! Questions?