JACKSON, Wyo. — Soon, Trout Friendly Lawns signs will start to pop up in yards across the valley! These colorful signs feature a painting of native Snake River cutthroat trout, created by local artist Abby Paffrath. The Snake River cutthroat trout is a symbol of a shared responsibility to protect the waters that support this community and the unique ecosystem we call home. Every lawn in Teton County is part of the Upper Snake River watershed, the pristine habitat these fish rely on, which means everyone has the opportunity to help protect local waters and the many native species that depend on them.

That’s where the Trout Friendly Lawns program comes in. The Trout Friendly Lawns program helps homeowners and landscapers maintain quality lawns and gardens while also limiting herbicide and fertilizer runoff, thereby reducing nutrient pollution in waterways. The program is based on simple, science-based practices including using less fertilizer, watering wisely, planting native species, maintaining streamside buffers and using herbicides and pesticides responsibly.

In April, Teton Conservation District (TCD) hosted the annual Landscaper and Business Certification Event. Landscapers, gardeners and businesses certified for 2025 attended the training and signed an annual agreement outlining their intention incorporate Trout Friendly services on the properties they serve. Many of these local professionals have long offered Trout Friendly services, and this year, TCD is pleased to welcome several new businesses to the program. TCD thanks the following businesses for their leadership and commitment to water quality.

Certified Trout Friendly Businesses for 2025:

TCD encourages homeowners to have open, clear conversations with their lawn care providers about their goals. The “Basic” Trout Friendly principles are a great starting point, and for those looking to take their stewardship a step further, the “Gold” practices can offer additional ideas on how to have an even greater impact. To learn more, visit Teton Conservation District’s website here. 

In addition to landscapers, other local businesses are helping landowners go Trout Friendly. Teton Rental offers organic fertilizer, organic compost and native seed mixes, including a mix of native grass seed for reclamation projects. 

Dan Tolson, owner of Valley Landscape Service, is one of the longtime supporters of the Trout Friendly Lawns program.

“The Trout Friendly Lawns program aligns perfectly with our vision by offering concise practical steps anyone can do to protect our water and soils,” Tolson says. “We are excited to play an important role in improving our community through proactive protection of water quality and natural resources.”

This season, let’s work together to make Jackson Hole a Trout Friendly community—one yard at a time. The community has the power to protect the waters that sustain us and preserve the unique beauty and vitality of this valley for future generations. 

Teton Conservation District is a local government entity whose mission is to work with the community in the conservation of natural resources for the health and benefit of people and the environment.

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