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Show Volume XVI Issue VII The Ogden Valley news Page 9 April 1, 2009 Going Green By Laurie Van Zandt In an effort to define standards for environmentally sustainable construction, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 1994. LEED was created to define “green building” by establishing a common standard of measurement and to raise consumer awareness of green building benefits. Points are awarded for meeting various criteria with the ultimate goal of receiving a Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level of certification. The bottom line is to create a more sustainable built environment through site development, water efficiency, energy optimization, and use of reused and recycled products. The benefits of “going green” are numerous and include the reduction and prevention of pollutants, conservation of natural resources, and maximization of ecological function. While members of the “green industry”—landscape designers, architects, and builders, nurseries and growers, maintenance companies, tree care specialists, and pesticide applicators—are becoming more aware, it is ironic that this industry is often not “green” at all in the sustainable sense. One hour of mowing equates to 20 miles in the car according to www.epa.gov , and mowers use 580 million gallons of gas each year. Over or misuse of pesticides and fertilizers upset a delicate ecosystem. Non-native plants can “escape,” becoming invasive, competing with the native landscape. Plants unsuitable for our environment put strains on our limited water supply. Becoming more conscience of our choices with respect to our landscapes is the first step. LEED standards can be applied to in an existing garden or new construction project by considering the following ideas: • Composting – Plant material and kitchen wastes are broken down by microorganisms that give off carbon dioxide and heat, and can be added back into the soil as a rich amendment. Avoid using weeds that have gone to seed, diseased plants, or those exposed to weed killers or systemic insecticides. • Replace dead, dying, or too large plants with more drought tolerant choices that are appropriately sized for the space available to allow the plant to reach its optimal size. • Change spray sprinkler heads, that are only about 50% efficient, to rotary stream or drip, which are up to 85% efficient if installed properly. • Add a Smart technology controller to your sprinkler system. These are generally under $200 and are programmable to reduce water consumption significantly. • Use non-chemical pesticides such as a mixture of Tabasco Sauce and Dr. Bonner’s Peppermint soap. Keep in mind that what goes into our soil, goes into our water supply. • Diversity in plant material discourages diseases. • If building a new home, make every effort to protect as much of the existing native landscape as possible. Dr. Phil Allen, Professor at BYU, spoke recently at the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association’s annual Green Conference. His research has indicated that even with diligence, it can take from three to seven years or more for a native landscape to become re-established. • At that same conference, Peter Lassig, designer of the gardens at Temple Square, talked about the predator/prey cycle, and noted that in a healthy garden, “bad” bugs are kept in check. Encourage birds into your garden by providing plants with seeds and berries, water, and places to hide. Birds are a natural pest control. • Reduce lawn or replace with a drought tolerant species. Native grasses have significantly deeper root systems than traditional turf grasses • Use porous surfaces for hardscapes as these allow water to drain from the site and percolate through the soil • Native plants maintain a sense of place, survive in our heavy, salty soil, and provide habitats for native birds, insects, and animals. • Use of local materials reduces fuel consumption and vehicle use. • Reduce night-time lighting to retain the integrity of our night sky. Use down lights instead of up lights, and reduce wattage and quantity of lights. • Use recycled materials as unique planters or garden art. Reuse lumber for building structures and try products such as ‘Trex’ type decking or lawn edging. • Recycle your trash. • Grow your own vegetables and herbs. Heirloom vegetables have less biological engineering and are generally tastier. As with any landscape, a garden that is intended to attain a level of sustainability should be well designed, attractive, and functional. It should also be in balance with the local climate and require minimal resources to maintain. Laurie Van Zandt is owner/designer of The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design in Huntsville and can be reached at 801.388.8103. Visit her website at <www. theardentgardener.net> HAF Announces Summer Camps— Gym and Ogden Valley Montessori team up to offer unique summer experiences It’s never too early to start thinking about summer vacation. While kids are daydreaming about the free time, parents are left wondering how to find their children safe and supervised activities that keep their minds and bodies active. High Altitude Fitness (HAF) says, “Look no further.” For the second year in a row, High Altitude Fitness will be hosting an array of children’s summer camps to provide both physical and mental stimulation during the summer months. After losing many daycare options in Ogden Valley last year, High Altitude Fitness and Ogden Valley Montessori have teamed up to offer an alternative to daycare and provide parents with more choices for summer. “We wanted to provide healthy and unique programs that would be memorable to the kids and offer daycare solutions to parents,” said Caralee Burton, co-owner of High Altitude Fitness. “By partnering with Ogden Valley Montessori, we’ve ensured that the children participating will be keeping not only their bodies fit this summer, but their minds as well.” High Altitude Fitness will be offering several of last year’s most popular programs. Back by popular demand is the princess camp, star wars camp, cooking camp, art camp, outdoor games and water wars. Hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities will also be offered. Children ages 3 to 11 are welcome to par- Not valid with other offers or promotions. $1.00 OFF 50 C OFF 1/2 OFF Any Specialty Drink or Sandwich Any Farr’s Ice Cream Cone After 5 p.m. Dinner Deal Buy one dinner entree and get a second entree of equal or lesser value at 1/2 off. BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER - TAKE OUT HOURS 2429 N. Hwy 158, Eden Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 801-452-7425 Spring Learn to Ski When: Monday - Thursday **Starting March 16, 2009 Through end of 08/09 Season What: Beginner Lesson, Little Cat Lift ticket and Basic Rental Pkg. (Offered through Snow Sports) Price: $39.00 Info line: 801.620.1015 *Childrens Center ***Discounted Day Care Available with this program, Participants must pre-arrange with Day Care by calling 801.620.1111 5 Ride Little Cat Lift Ticket Parent Program (Great Program for stay-at-home parents to come and enjoy the slopes with the kids during the day) When: Monday - Thursday **Starting March 16, 2009 Through end of 08/09 Season What: 5 ride Adult Little Cat Lift ticket and FREE Lift ticket for kids 6 and under (Through the ticket window) Price: $10.00 - 5 Ride Little Cat Lift Ticket **Must Purchase 5 ride ticket to receive discount on rentals. $10.00 - Basic Adult Rental Package $5.00 - Rental for kids 6 and under Info Line: 801.620.1000 High Altitude Fitness is renowned for its small, personal classes. With its owners heavily involved in the gym’s programs, HAF is continually committed to changing lives by helping people reach their individual potential. For more information or to sign up for summer camp, contact HAF at 801-745-2653 or the Ogden Valley Montessori at 801-7453383. Arkive Skate & Snow Stosh Lemberes Skateboards t Snowboards t Streetboards t Clothing t Owner Shoes t Outerwear Phone: 801-737-1213 t Accessories Cell: 801-660-5577 t And More! Fax: 801-737-1013 t Arkiveskate@gmail.com DAILY SPECIALS ticipate in this summer’s activities. All participants will be separated into age appropriate groups. Both half-day and all-day options are available to parents from the beginning of June until the end of August. High Altitude will be running the summer camps during the first two weeks of June and for the month of August. Ogden Valley Montessori will run the summer camps the last two weeks of June and for the month of July. “Our programs are designed to meet the needs and schedules of today’s busy families,” Burton said. “We are constantly striving to make each child’s experience personal and enriching. Limited spots are available, however, so we encourage parents to sign-up as soon as possible.” High Altitude Fitness has been serving the Ogden Valley for over two and a half years. Continuing its mission to help its members achieve their optimal health and fitness goals, HAF offers custom-tailored classes, exercise programs, and personal training to assist people in attaining the highest results. 428 E. 2600 N. #2, Ogden UT |