Links
Check out some of the great resources that are available from public and non-profit orgainzations.
10,000 Rain Gardens - A Kansas City Initiative
Kansas City's mayor, Kay Barnes, recently launched the 10,000 Rain Gardens initiative to help educate local citizens about what they can do to improve water quality and manage stormwater on personal and community property. This ambitious area-wide program challenges its area citizens to create 10,000 rain gardens over the next five years to create such a positive impact for the region.
Area professionals interested in taking a one-day training and earning a certificate of completion as well as client referrals should visit http://www.rainkc.com/workshops_pro.asp.
ADA Federal Standards for Accessible Design
Douglas County, Kansas Zoning and Codes Regulations
Grand Prairie Friends
Grand Prairie Friends - Prairie Grove Volunteers is a nonprofit organization composed of people from many walks of life who share a commitment to preserving and restoring tallgrass prairie and woodlands in East-Central Illinois. The group acquires and manages prairie and woodland remnants, conducts prescribed burns, propagates and plants indigenous prairie and woodland species in reconstructions, and generates interest in prairies and woodlands through a variety of educational programs.
Grassland Heritage Foundation
Membership organization based in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, devoted to prairie preservation and education.
Green Build Permit Program
Green building is a term that refers to a wide variety of measures to make a home or other building healthier, safer and both comfortable and energy efficient as well as more durable and environmentally responsible.
The Jackson County Public Works Department developed the Green Build Program as an incentive-based, voluntary initiative to residents and developers who are building homes in unincorporated Jackson County. For more information, or for a copy of the guide and corresponding checklists, please contact Jennifer Berry, jberry@jacksongov.org or 816-881-4530.
Green Landscaping with Native Plants
Excellent information about reducing energy consumption through effective native landscaping.
Grow Native!
This non-profit state government program encourages the effective use of native plants in all landscapes through education and cooperative efforts with private sector businesses.
Grow Native! Plant ID
Use this list to help identify over 40 common native plants in stages from seed, to seedling to full-size plant.
Independence, Missouri City Code
Kansas City Metro Chapter - American Public Works Association
The Kansas City Metropolitan Chapter of the American Public Works Association maintains a comprehensive set of construction specifications and design criteria for public works construction projects in the Kansas City metropolitan area. These specifications are available in either paper or digital form for a modest price.
Kansas City, Kansas Urban Planning and Land Use
Kansas City, Missouri Planning and Development Website
Kansas Native Plant Society
This organization seeks to develop an increased awareness of the beauty of Kansas wildflowers, the value of their use in landscaping public areas and their place in our ecology.
Leavenworth County, Kansas Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
Lenexa, Kansas Planning Website
Missouri Community Forestry Council
This council advises the state on best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve our urban and community forests. The site also includes information on tree care, planting and selection.
Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association
The Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association is one of the top state Green Industry organizations. MLNA provides education, networking opportunity and communication for the Green Industry professional through membership and certification while promoting professionalism, integrity, environmental stewardship and a positive image to the general public.
Missouri Native Plant Society
The Missouri Native Plant Society is dedicated to the conservation and study of native plants as well as public education about native plants and habitat.
Missouri Prairie Foundation
Founded in 1866, this land conservancy and educational organization purchases and preserves prairie tracts through membership fees and donations.
Missouri Prairie Foundation
Founded in 1866, this land conservancy and educational organization purchases and preserves prairie tracts through membership fees and donations.
Missouri Watershed Information Network
University of Missouri-based site dedicated to enhancing awareness of Missouri's watershed resources.
Monarch Watch
National Wildlife Federation
Learn about watchable wildlife and how to attract it to your landscape.
Neararctica
Educational site with information and images on a diverse range of natural history topics including wildflowers, butterflies, birds and insects found in North America.
Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
An excellent resource for Midwestern gardeners including recommended plants, interactive wildflower guide, listing of public gardens and available community grants.
Olathe Unified Development Ordinance
Overland Park Development Process
Plants of Merit
Critsite is a proud sponsor of the Plants of Merit program which promotes plants that offer exceptional benefit for Midwestern gardens. The Plants of Merit program is an educational/outreach program developed by Missouri Botanical Garden in partnership with Powell Gardens and University of Missouri Extention. The program is sponsored by the regional green community and industry with the goal to promote responsible diversity through home landscape use of underused, reliable, non-invasive plants of this region. Visit plantsofmerit.org or call 314-577-9443.
Prairies Forever
An organization devoted to the promotion of native prairies, their ecology and environmental significance.
The Nature Conservancy
This organization's mission is to preserve the Earth's natural communities and ecosystems.
Wild Ones
This non-profit organization works with members and communities to education and share information about environmentally-sound and effective native plant landscaping.
