Free Gardening and Auto Leak Workshops

Free Gardening Classes

It is February and spring time is right around the corner. If you haven't done so already, this is a great time to start planning for a beautiful and functional yard. But don't worry, you don't have to go it alone.  Cascade Water Alliance is offering free gardening classes to help you achieve the healthy landscape you want while using water efficiently. Want to brush up on natural yard care techniques?  Incorporate native plants into your landscape? Install drip irrigation? There is a class for that.

Classes are free but registration is required. Classes take place all throughout the region. Several classes take place near Renton in Issaquah, Tukwila and Skyway—these classes will be listed as they come up under the “Mark Your Calendar” section of this newsletter but the first class taking place in February is listed below. Don’t forget to register if you’re interested in attending! A list of all classes by date and links to registration is available here. A full catalog listed by class along with descriptions is available here.

Sustainable Gardening:
A Better Way to Beautiful
With Peggy Campbell
Saturday, Feb. 25
10:00am - 11:30am
Squak Mountain Nursery
7600 Renton-Issaquah Road SE
Issaquah, WA 98027

Free Auto Leak Workshop

Does your car drip?  Ever wondered if a "spot" on the ground came from your car? Want to learn how to properly maintain your car? Join experts for a Free Auto Leaks Workshop ($125 value) where you will:

* Get a free professional car health assessment from a certified automotive instructor.

* Learn how to identify and prevent leaks.

* Receive tips on repairing minor common leaks.

* Learn preventive maintenance

* Leave the class with a FREE Vehicle Maintenance Check Kit and the confidence to talk to your mechanic.

Fixing a car leak is important because a leak indicates an issue with your car that can reduce the lifespan of your car or be very costly to fix if not addressed right away. Furthermore, car leaks are the largest source of pollution for Puget Sound, hugely impacting the health of our local waters. So don't miss this great opportunity to learn how you can maintain your car, save money and keep our waterways healthy!

There are multiple workshop dates available in February (4, 11, 18, 25), March (11, 18, 25) and April (1, 8, 15) at Renton Technical College, as well as in other locations throughout the region. For more information and to register, visit www.fixcarleaks.org. The free auto leak workshops are provided by the Department of Ecology and the Don't Drip and Drive program.

New  Recycling Services Office

The City of Renton's new waste collection contract with Republic Services started on February 1.  By now, you have probably seen Republic's blue trucks in your neighborhood working hard to collect garbage, recycling and organics from curbside carts and containers. In order to better serve our City, Republic Services has opened a walk-in customer service office in downtown Renton. It is a place where you can ask questions, make changes to your account, pay your bill (cash is not accepted), and see the different sizes of carts available. Great service features such as paying your bill, reporting a missed pick up and managing your account are also available online through Republic's My Resource portal or phone app. Of course, you can still get information on Republic's website or by calling 206-777-6440:

Republic Services, Renton Office
212 Wells Ave S, Suite 104
Monday - Friday  7:00am - 4:30pm 
Saturday, 8:00am - 12:00 noon

Free Gardening Classes

Cascade Water Alliance offers free gardening classes throughout the region February through April. See the class schedule and register here.

Thursday, 3/2, 7pm: Intro to Organic Gardening at Issaquah City Hall

Thursday, 3/16, 7pm: The Unthirsty Landscape at Blakely Hall in Issaquah

Saturday, 3/18, 10am: Designing the NW Garden at Tukwila Community Center

Thursday, 3/23, 7am: Rain Barrels and Drip Irrigation at Issaquah City Hall

Saturday, 3/25, 10am: Natural Yard Care at Squak Mountain Nursery

Thursday, 3/30, 7pm: Favority NW Natives at Skyway Water & Sewer District

Free Auto Leak Workshops

"Don't Drip and Drive" offers free auto leak workshops to help you learn about your car and make sound choices for Puget Sound with the option to get a free car inspection. Learn more and register here.  

Saturday, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25,
1-5pm (1-3pm if skipping car inspection)
Renton Technical College

Plant N'Seed Swap

Saturday, 3/25,
9am - 1pm
Renton Community Center

Bring plants and seeds to swap, and learn about starting or maintaining a garden. Takes place - concurrently with the Community Garage Sale.  Free admission.

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