Residents of Calhoun, Carroll, Greene and Sac 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 community 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 wetland 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 and management techniques
• Safety considerations
• Potential funding sources
The 4 sessions of the Stewards of the Beautiful Land class are scheduled for:
• Tuesday, May 17, 6-9 p.m. at Hagge Park- Sac County Conservation Education Center
• Location and date TBD in Green County for a planting project
• Tuesday, July 12, 6-9 p.m. at Featherstone Park, Twin Lakes- Calhoun County
• Tuesday, August 16, 6-9 p.m. at Buttrick Bluff- Carroll County
The first Stewards of the Beautiful Land meeting will be at the Sac Co. Conservation center at Hagge Park where Rene Stroud, the county Naturalist, will lead us on a tour of the woodlands to look at spring ephemerals. Trees Forever Field Coordinators will also talk about the oak-hickory woods where we'll be along the North Raccoon River. Rene may have folks pick some edible plants for their upcoming wild edible program. We will meet in the Ed Center after the tour.
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.
This course is possible through generous support by the Living Roadway Trust Fund of the Iowa Department of Transportation and partnerships with the Conservation Boards in the following counties: Calhoun, Carroll, Greene and Sac.
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