Watershed Restoration
Mentor Program

HOW THE RESTORATION MENTOR PROGRAM WORKS

• Homeowners interested in eradicating non-native invasives and planting native varieties contact the Tryon Creek Watershed Council.
• Mentors, trained to help facilitate backyard restorations, call on the homeowner and visit the site.
• Homeowners describe goals for their yard.
• Mentors give an assessment of the potential of the site and the issues it presents.
• The owner guided by the mentor develops a restoration plan.
• The owner determines his or her capacity to execute the plan and details where help is required.
• The mentor, the Program supervisor, and the owner agree to a plan; a timeline is set; and, work commences.
• The mentor helps the owner acquire resources, solve problems, and complete the project. When the site qualifies, free native plants and planting materials may be available.

RESTORATION MENTOR PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Remove non-native invasive plants.
• Invasives eventually drive out desirable, attractive species
• Invasives reduce the diversity of wildlife visiting the yard.
• Invasives spread throughout the watershed damaging its health.
• Plant native species.
• Native plants require less water.
• Native plants require little or no fertilizer or pesticides.
• A variety of native plants attracts a variety of songbirds and other wildlife.
• Natives are attractive and long-lived.
• Control storm water runoff
• Well planned landscapes control and filter runoff.
• Top soil erosion is reduced.
• And, contribute to Tryon Creek Watershed’s overall good health.