Sustainable gardening.
Does it sound like it would take a lot of time and money? Ironically, however, it does not take any more time than chemical-laden lawn and garden care.
And it’s very cost-effective.
Plus, once the nature-friendly lawn and garden is established, all kinds of birds, bees and butterflies start showing up in droves.
Urbana Park District has “a long history of promoting sustainability through their natural areas and organic garden program” according to Tim Bartlett, Executive Director of UPD.
According to Scott Tess, Environmental Sustainability Manager, “The City of Urbana uses a natural landscape approach without use of chemicals at the south lawn of the City Building where we are also featuring a butterfly and pollinator garden.”
Join the City of Urbana, the Urbana Park District, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC), and others for a weekend packed with natural lawn care and sustainable landscaping demonstrations in Champaign County.
Events include:
Friday, September 7th
14th Annual Jazz Walk, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Visit the Urbana Grows Green Weekend table to learn more about the planned activities while you enjoy jazz soloists and small combos at the Wandell Sculpture Garden at Meadowbrook Park.
Saturday, September 8th
Urbana’s Market at the Square, 9 a.m. to noon: Drop by MPAC’s table while shopping at the Urbana Market at the Square to learn more about the weekend’s activities and take the natural lawn care pledge.
Meadowbrook Garden Kickoff, 1 to 3 p.m.: Brush up on your organic gardening skills by participating in fun and educational games that cover controlling weeds, improving soil fertility and more. The Urbana Park District will discuss their Integrated Pest Management policy following. RSVP for FREE here.
Monday, September 10th
Natural Lawns & Gardens Kickoff, 7-9 pm, Parkland College: Fall lawn care is the best spring lawn care! MPAC staff partner with the Champaign County Master Gardeners on this workshop that will help keep your lawn in tip top shape without using chemicals. RSVP for FREE here.
Wednesday, September 13th
Rain Garden Workshop, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Allerton Park and Retreat Center: Eliana Brown, Extension Stormwater Specialist, and Katy Kraszewska, Department of Landscape Architecture, will lead you through the basics of rain garden design for your home. RSVP for $5 here.
Please direct questions to MPAC’s Ryan Anderson at randerson@pesticideaction.org or visit the Urbana Grows Green website for more information.