Residents of Clayton and Fayette counties and surrounding communities are invited to discover how Iowa’s native plants can make our surroundings more attractive and functional for themselves, others, and their communities through a
program called Stewards of the Beautiful Land.
Trees Forever is offering Stewards of the Beautiful Land as an educational class for participants to learn how to beautify and enhance parks, community entryways, roadsides, schools, backyards or farms by planting native grasses, trees, and wildflowers. There will be a strong emphasis on the use of native plants to help filter stormwater. In addition to learning about prairie wildflowers, native grasses, and trees and their use, people in the class will be able to participate in a planting project.
Trees Forever professionals and invited guest speakers will teach you about:
- Plant identification
- Basic design principles
- What, where, and how to plant
- Establishment practices
- Site management techniques
- Safety considerations
- Potential funding sources
The four sessions of the Stewards of the Beautiful Land class are scheduled for:
- Thursday, July 15, 6-9 p.m. at Motor Hill
- Thursday, August 12, 6-9 p.m. at Osborne Nature Center
- Thursday, September 2, 6-9 p.m. at Becky's Fen
- Thursday, October 7, 6-9 p.m. at Balm's Farm, Wadena
You may register on-line or by phone at 1-800-369-1269. The deadline for registration is July 9. No prior experience or knowledge of prairies and trees is necessary, only a commitment to actively participate. Communities are encouraged to send more than one volunteer to the workshops so that participants can share their knowledge and experience with others. Although there is no registration fee, space is limited.
For more information, please contact Mark Pingenot at mpingenot@treesforever.org or 319-472-3343.
This course is possible through generous support by the Living Roadway Trust Fund of Iowa Department of Transportation and partnerships with the Clayton & Fayette County Conservation Boards, Clayton & Fayette County SWCDs, Turkey River Recreational Corridor, Upper Explorerland RC&D and Pheasants Forever |
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