admin posted on February 12, 2010 06:01
NEWS RELEASE
MECKLENBURG COUNTY LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AGENCY
COUNTY YARD CARE AND COMPOSTING CLASSES
CAN HELP GARDENERS GET A JUMP-START ON SPRING
Charlotte, N.C. – It has been an unusually cold winter, and it might not seem like spring is around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your garden and yard care for this year.
Mecklenburg County wants to help! The County’s popular Piedmont Landscape and Naturescape Training (PLANT) program is back with a fresh series of four-hour composting classes that begin on February 27. These classes offer hands-on training in yard care that is aesthetically pleasing, affordable and eco-friendly.
PLANT schedule for spring 2010
February 27 Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, 704-875-1391
March 17 McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, 704-588-5224
March 20 Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road, 704-598-8857
March 20 Steele Creek Library, 13620 Steele Creek Road, 704-416-6800
March 27 UNCC Botanical Garden, 9201 University City Blvd., 704-687-2555
April 10 McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, 704-588-5224
April 17 Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road, 704-372-6261 ext 300 or 605
($12 for members; $15 for nonmembers)
May 8 Matthews Public Works, 1600 Tank Town Road, 704-847-3640
All classes are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Call class location to register. Registration costs $10 unless otherwise noted. Registration is free for employees of Mecklenburg County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Bring a snack, and wear comfortable clothing. Participants will receive a book and a wire bin.
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In addition to the PLANT classes, the County is offering its master composter (MCPLANT) course for qualifying participants starting March 9. The 40-hour class, which meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings through March and April, teaches participants how to turn yard and kitchen waste into compost – a nutrient-rich gardening compound that’s cheaper to make than to buy. Training doesn’t stop there: The course also includes sessions on:
● Soil science
● Mulching
● Recycling and resource management
● Water protection and reduction of toxic chemicals
● Vermiculture gardening
● Native and invasive plants
● Habitat gardening
Master composters are asked to participate in community projects that promote sustainable gardening.The sessions will take place at Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary at 248 Ridgewood Ave. The registration form is available at www.wipeoutwaste.com. Registration for the MCPLANT course closes Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
The County’s mission is to promote wise and sustainable management of natural resources through responsible stewardship, working with individuals, neighborhoods, schools and community organizations.
These classes are popular, so act quickly! For more information, go to www.wipeoutwaste.com or contact E. Nadine Ford at 704-432-1970.