ALEXANDRIA, Va. /PRNewswire/ — “Backyarding” – the act of taking activities typically associated with the indoors outside into the green space around us – will continue taking root in 2024, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of green space, including our own backyards, community parks, green space, and school yards. But next year, the TurfMutt Foundation expects the practice of “backyarding” to evolve into an ongoing sustainability practice.

As outdoor living has become incorporated into daily life, homeowners are taking care to design cohesive outdoor spaces.

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“Now more than ever, homeowners are recognizing the power of their yards and parks doing environmental good, as well as benefitting their health and well-being,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation and its parent organization the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Homeowners are making improvements in their yards with many goals in mind, thinking about what’s good for their families, pets, and our planet.”

The TurfMutt Foundation predicts these 10 backyarding trends for 2024:

• Improving Existing Space (Rather Than Moving to a New One). High interest rates and low housing inventory mean more homeowners have chosen to renovate rather than move into a new home. With interior improvements complete, the focus turns to backyard improvements that customize the outdoor space and artfully merge indoor and outdoor living.
• Seeking a Home Near a Park or Nature. Even homeowners looking to downsize still want to maintain a connection with nature. They know backyarding can happen in any size yard and seek additional connection to nature through community parks, school yards, and other green space.
• Return of Neighborhood Parties…in the Backyard. Over the last several years, homeowners have invested in their outdoor living areas, and now they are using that space to bring back neighborhood block parties in their own backyards. 
• Creating a Backyard Oasis for Fun. From parents looking for ways to lure their kids away from screens to neighbors wanting to connect with friends, homeowners are turning their backyards into a place for fun and games. Some go all out to install a pool or pickleball court while others take a simpler approach like designating a strip of grass for cornhole or a small soccer pitch.
• Taking Better Care of Living Landscapes. Since homeowners have come to value their lawns, trees, and plants more than ever, they are investing in their care like never before. This means investing in equipment for DIY work and calling in professionals, as needed, for pruning, rescuing diseased trees, and revitalizing turfgrass, just to name a few.
• Choosing Real Grass. The trend of ripping out real grass and replacing it with fake, plastic alternatives is fading as homeowners and communities recognize the limitations – and downsides – of plastic grass. Synthetic turf is hard to clean, hot on feet and paws, and difficult to recycle.
• Planting for Pollinators. Once a niche practice, planting for pollinator support is omnipresent. Homeowners understand the importance of their backyards to provide food and shelter to pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bats year-round. And they are selecting plants for their yards with pollinators in mind.
• Adding Drought Tolerant Plants. Plants that are especially adapted to drier landscapes are better for water-stressed areas in our environment. Homeowners are doing their research and selecting plants that will thrive in their micro-climates.
• Mixing Materials. As outdoor living has become incorporated into daily life, homeowners are taking care to design cohesive outdoor spaces. They factor in landscaping, hardscaping (patios, outdoor kitchens, etc.), and natural aesthetics (trees, boulders, etc.).
• Backyard Birding. The birdwatching craze really took flight during the pandemic, but it’s not a fleeting fad. Birdwatching is not only relaxing; it is a great way to connect with the nature right outside our back doors.

For more, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show.

About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Championed by Foundation spokesdog, Mulligan the TurfMutt, and through education partners such as Weekly Reader, Discovery Education and Scholastic, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” Today, TurfMutt is an official USGBC^® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt’s personal, home habitat was featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation

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In the latest episode of Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report, renowned pickleball enthusiast Mike Sleeves Sliwa takes us on a thrilling journey as he revisits the Maverix Pickleball company. Having previously tested their Power Paddle back in October, Mike now sets his sights on the Havik – 16 mm CONTROL paddle. This eagerly anticipated review aims to provide valuable insights into Maverix’s latest offering.

Diving into the Havik – 16 mm CONTROL Paddle:
Mike Sliwa’s first impressions of the Havik paddle are overwhelmingly positive. The 16 mm CONTROL surface offers exceptional maneuverability and precision, allowing players to achieve greater control over their shots. The paddle’s design, incorporating Maverix’s signature craftsmanship, ensures durability without compromising on performance.

Unveiling Unmatched Performance:
During his rigorous testing, Mike discovers that the Havik paddle excels in both power and control. The paddle’s unique technology minimizes vibration upon impact, providing players with a comfortable and responsive feel. Its wider sweet spot enhances shot accuracy, making it ideal for players looking to fine-tune their game.

The Maverix Havik – 16 mm CONTROL paddle emerges as a game-changer in the world of pickleball. Mike Sleeves Sliwa’s review showcases its exceptional performance, reaffirming Maverix’s commitment to innovation and quality. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this paddle promises to elevate your game and enhance your overall playing experience. Stay tuned for more exciting pickleball updates from the Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. /PRNewswire/ — hi Seltzer, one of the fastest-growing THC-infused beverage companies in the United States, has partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association, becoming the official THC/hemp-derived beverage of the PPA tour. This partnership includes on-site sampling presence throughout the tour, digital billboard signage, online and broadcast presence and more. Upcoming events where adults can experience the brand and win some swag include OPEN in Lakeville, MN (March 7-10), OPEN in Austin, TX (March 14-17), CUP in North Carolina (April 3-7), OPEN in Houston, TX (April 12-15), OPEN in Dallas (May 30-June 2), CUP in Fort Lauderdale, FL (Oct 2-6), OPEN in Daytona Beach, FL (Oct 24-27), and SLAM in Dallas, TX (Nov 5-10).

“We are thrilled to bring professional pickleball players, amateurs, and fans alike together to celebrate this rising sport with a can of hi Seltzer in hand,” said Lou Police, CEO of hi Seltzer. “It has been an incredible year for the sport and tremendous growth for hi Seltzer, and we can’t wait to see where this engagement takes us.”

“hi Seltzer is a forward-thinking beverage company that prides itself on delivering innovative and high-quality products to consumers, and the PPA Tour is delighted to add hi Seltzer to its ever-growing partnership mix,” said Kim Pettit, Vice President of Partnerships for the PPA Tour. “We continuously strive to join forces with innovators in their respective industries, and hi Seltzer is certainly a leader. We look forward to a productive partnership.”

The zero calorie, zero sugar, zero alcohol, hemp (Delta 8)-infused Seltzer is the first THC beverage to utilize a cutting-edge nano-emulsified base ingredient that allows hi Seltzers to pour clean and clear every single time. Each drink contains 5mg of D8, which offers a more subdued and gentler high than other THC-infused products on the market. This perfect dose makes hi Seltzer an approachable and fun alternative to alcohol, allowing people to enjoy all the fun without the hangover.

hi Seltzer comes in five flavors, including Watermelon, Pineapple, Wild Berry, Real Cherry, and Lemon Lime, and is available in more than 3,000 stores across 23 states with distribution across the U.S. expanding every day – store availability can be found here. hi Seltzer is also available nationally direct-to-consumer through their website.

To learn more about hi Seltzer visit www.hiselzter.com and follow @hiseltzers on social media.

ABOUT hi SELTZER

hi Seltzer is a zero calorie, zero sugar, zero alcohol, hemp (Delta 8)-infused seltzer, made with only three ingredients. It is the first beverage to utilize a cutting-edge nano-emulsified base ingredient that allows for it to pour clean and clear every single time. Each 12oz can contains 5mg of D8, which offers a more subdued and gentler high than other THC-infused products on the market. This perfect dose makes hi Seltzer an approachable and fun alternative to alcohol allowing people to enjoy all the fun without the hangover. hi Seltzer comes in five flavors including Watermelon, Pineapple, Wild Berry, Real Cherry and Lemon Lime and is available in more than 3,000 stores across 23 states and is available nationally direct-to-consumer through their website.

ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION

Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball’s top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and awards over $5.5 million in annual prize money during the 2023 season with equal play and pay. Inviting amateur players to also compete and “play where the pros play,” the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades. For more information, go to www.ppatour.com, and follow us on social: Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

SOURCE hi Seltzer