Entire nursery is about 20 acres. 1. Bioswale and Rain Garden: 3 Bioswale (2,200 total sq. ft) and 1 Rain Garden (900 total sq ft) These features aid in water filtration by slowing runoff water, cleaning out extra nutrients and impurities and recharging ground water while reducing the total water runoff. These planting areas also allow for trials of various wet site tolerant plants, as well as providing food for native birds, insects and bees. 2. Nursery Roads (account for approximately 2 acres): Our numerous roadways into and around the nursery are ¾” clean gravel, to help reduce the speed of rainwater runoff and allow for infiltration into our ground water. This also aids with erosion control. The gravel also filters silt so the water is cleaner. 3. Over 97 growing fields and container houses (accounts for approximately 12 acres), all fully permeable surfaces for irrigation and rain water. 4. Landscape display beds (accounts for approximately 2 acres): These areas are not being utilized for production use, landscaped display beds feature native plants for wildlife habitat, and also reduce turf and turf maintenance. 5. IPM Management: Beneficial insects (various species of predatory wasps) used in the propagation house to help reduce pesticide use. Routine Scouting: Our Production Manager regularly walks the nursery scouting for disease and pest issues. In addition, we hire a Nursery IPM Scout through Rutgers Cooperative Extension who visits the nursery on a weekly basis throughout the growing season. We receive a report on his findings listing severity level and recommending treatment steps. By regularly scouting and identifying specific plant issues, this greatly reduces the need for nursery wide pesticide applications. We are able to target specific disease/pest issues more effectively. Also, by understanding insect life cycles and timing, we are able to target pests more effectively with fewer chemicals in order to protect beneficial insects. For example, if beneficial insects like Lady Beetle larvae or Green Lacewing are found on a crop with Aphids, it does not make sense to spray for aphids or let the beneficial insect naturally correct the problems. We also scout for cultural issues at the nursery that would increase the chance of plant disease (i.e., water/sun requirements and airflow). By detecting issues early and using preventative microrhizomes, we reduce fungicide applications. 6. Sustainment of wildlife habitat placed throughout the nursery: 6 Bat houses, 7 Purple Martin houses containing 92 nesting boxes. In 2014, we had 80 nesting pairs of Purple Martins at the nursery. 9 maintained beehives, with honey being shared with all employees and some clients. 36 Bluebird houses which are tracked twice a year. In addition to Bluebirds, the houses are also occupied throughout the season by Tree Swallows, House Wrens and Chickadees. 55 Chickens co-habitat with the two Sicilian donkeys, allowing for better pasture management. The donkey/chicken pen is 28,000 sq ft. All these animals, birds and insects help with monitoring IPM. Due to these established habitats, we are very committed to the use of pesticides which are less harmful to our natural predators and pollinators. 7. Root Dip/Root Shield/Actino-iron: Organics are used to reduce root diseases and promote vigorous growth of root systems and tops, limiting the use or need for synthetic fungicides. 8. Native Plants: We continue to remove aggressive invasive plant that border the nursery property (Acer platanoides (Norway Maple), Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose), Artemisia vulgaris (Chrysanthemum weed/Mugwort), etc. and introduce a broad spectrum of native plant species into our landscape beds. Our goal is to increase diversity in our landscape and nursery, while showcasing garden-worthy natives. This helps to attract native beneficial insects and song birds, and create healthy habitats for our wildlife.