12th Annual Sustainability and Landscape Workshop
Are you interested in landscaping with low maintenance plants that are native to Minnesota? Would you like to grow your own food, even if you have only a small area to work with? Have you ever wondered how psychology can influence sustainable behavior?
Learn more about these topics, as well as the impact of the emerald ash borer on our ash trees, at the 12th annual landscape workshop on Saturday, March 20, at Woodbury City Hall. The workshop, now titled the “Sustainability and Landscape Workshop,” is free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary.
The workshop also will be broadcast live in South Washington County on cable television Channel 16 and later replayed. In addition, the program can be viewed on the Internet via Web streaming on the South Washington County Telecommunications Web site at www.swctc.org.
The schedule* and topics are:
8:15 a.m. Doors open for public
8:30 Welcome/Announcements – Environmental Advisory Commission Chair Manali Shah
8:40 Presentation: “The Unexpected Joys of Gardening with Natives” given by Julia Vanatta, gardener and native plant enthusiast. The session will provide information regarding the human impact on native plant communities and considerations for designing your perfect garden with natives. She will also share insights on the evolution, both over time and seasonal, of her own small city garden.
9:30 Presentation: “Superabundant Small Gardens” given by Susan Reed, Susan Reed Design. The session will provide an overview of planting techniques for growing more food in smaller places, and in our climate. Learn how to maximize you harvest with the right varieties and efficient design. Reed’s presentation also will include tips for cost-effective gardening – ways to save money, save seeds and save your harvest.
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30 Presentation: “Psychology of Sustainable Behavior” given by Christie Manning, Assistant Professor of Environmental Psychology, Macalester College. If you are interested in understanding what circumstances, internal and external, are most likely to support sustainable behavior, be sure to attend this session. Dr. Manning will describe the seven recommendations from psychological research that help create situations that encourage sustainable action.
11:20 Presentation: “Emerald Ash Borer & Other Invasive Insects That Really Bug Us” given by Renae Smith, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division. The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in the United States, causing significant damage and economic costs. Her presentation will cover the history and background of the ash borer as well as what Minnesota is doing to slow the spread and how individuals can help. The presentation also will include a brief overview of other invasive insects that pose a risk to Minnesota’s trees.
*Session times are estimates and may be modified at the workshop.
Free non-toxic cleaner All sessions will be followed by a question and answer period. In addition to the presentations, Washington County staff will be at the event to provide information on the new Environmental Center in Woodbury, and to distribute non-toxic household cleaners. There will also be informational displays and handouts throughout the morning.
The Sustainability and Landscape Workshop is sponsored by the Woodbury Environmental Advisory Commission, a volunteer group that advises the City Council on matters relevant to sustainability including solid waste, air, water, land, energy, and other natural resources.
Date and Time: Saturday, March 20, 2010 to Saturday, March 20, 2010 : 8:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
Location
Woodbury City Hall8301 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury MN 55125
Contact Information
City HallPhone: 651-714-3500