Finding the future with a little grass
Conservation plan showcased at area rest stop
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Thursday, May 22, 2008 11:02 AM PDT
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| Jan Irving, Emmett (left), Tabby Tester, Ontario, Kathy Hale, Fruitland, and Tony McCammon (background), University of Idaho Extension Service remove unwanted grass from demonstration plots at the Ontario Welcome Center. The project is designed to show what turf species grow best with less water. |
ONTARIO — Bluegrass lawns can be nice to look at, but a local conservationist believes because of growing demand for water and drier conditions, home owners and landscapers need to look at planting grasses that use less water.
Terry Finnerty, water quality resource conservationist with the Payette Soil and Water Conservation District, is utilizing a series of demonstration plots to demonstrate and deliver his conservation message to the public.
One clear example of Finnerty’s intent is a project at the Ontario Welcome Center and rest area and other locations to determine which grass species do best under stress.
One plot has already been established on the east side of the rest area, away from the main public areas, and a second one is being established at the south end, next to where motorists drive in. Another demonstration plot is near the Clay Peak Landfill.
Finnerty said he hopes motorists will take notice of the project and like something that they see and use it either in their own landscaping or spread the word to neighbors and friends.
“It’s both research and educational,” he said. “There are eight different alternatives that are being tested against Kentucky Bluegrass.”
Those alternative grasses include: Sodar Streambank Wheat grass; Ephraim Crest Wheatgrass; Hycrest Crested Wheat grass; Covar sheep Fesuce; Roadcrest Crested Wheat grass; Manchar Smooth Brome; “Vailov” Sibertian Wheat grass and Rosanna Western Wheat grass.
The grasses have been planted and were given a full-complement of water to get them started, Finnerty said, and though they all look healthy now, the differences should become apparent as soon as the water is decreased.
This effort is part of a project called “Living on the Land’ Stewardship Education introduced in 2002. The project was designed to address the issues surrounding the growth in the Treasure Valley and increased conversion of rural land to urban land.
While a person may not see any particular grass they like, Finnerty said, “You don’t have to go with one species.”
He pointed out some of the grasses do not provide good cover by themselves.
The University of Idaho is helping provide funding for the program, Finnerty said.
Tony McCammon, UI Extension educator, is assisting with the project, along with members of his advanced master gardener classes. Seed was obtained through the USDA Plant Materials Centers. The kiosk at the welcome center will have information explaining the project to visitors.
