Sorry there are too many and they are too similar. Regards Chris

Well, let's see...⺠The area that I'm going to do, starts as more sun and goes into more shade. Since the slope goes down and is west of the house, it gets more sun than if it were even land. The slope isn't so bad you can't walk it, it doesn't simple fall off like I've seen elsewhere, but it does start the slope up at the house. So the whole back yard is a slight slope down and goes into the timber, which keeps on slopping, sometimes more steep, then goes back into a gentle slope. The house sits on approximately 2 1/2 acres, the timber is 3 1/2 and at the very bottom, after the slope and the timber, is a field that's cash rented out to a local farmer. The field is 10 acres. I'm sure Don (farmer) uses chemicals on the field and yes, my parents use chemicals on the turf grass. This has to be a compromise. It can't be all what I want, it has to take into consideration how and what they feel. I hope that makes sense to any other person with parents in the age bracket of late 60's to early 70's. My dad feels it's park like and I don't, but that's another story⺠That's why it's very important to do a compromise. I want to start with a 20 ft. long section by about 10 feet deep. Something natural is what I'd like or even the trench as suggested by bobb64. Unfortunately, rocks aren't in or on our soils in this area, so those wouldn't be natural. Fallen trees are very natural in the timber, so those would be natural. Greenhaven, I believe I can get my parents to abide, but you know how that goes sometimes! I thank everyone for their suggestions! Terry

Connect with your local land trust for plant id.and volunteer opportunities. It's a great way to learn and meet the experts. If you don't know which one is on your area, check with Gathering Waters, the umbrella organization for Wisconsin land trusts. www.gatheringwaters.org The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust has experts in plant identification and management of native systems. www.owlt.org

Natural mulch: leaf litter from the surrounding trees It's free. You don't have to go somewhere to get it and haul it back. It never runs out. It won't contain alien organisms. It will affect the soil chemistry, allelopathic interactions, and microfauna in a way consistent with the rest of your woodland. It will look consistent with the rest of your woodland. It will be guaranteed to perform its ecological functions (absorb water, retain moisture, moderate temperature, harbor beneficial insects and other wildlife) in ways that are expected and appreciated by your native plants. By divesting from mass-produced, commercial mulch, you're "voting with your wallet" for better practices in the horticultural industry and horticulture in general. In our area, the leaf litter is mostly "pine straw". It looks great and works its magic.