2020 Healthy Yard, Healthy Communities Series at Brightwater Center

Once again, King County is partnering with the Snohomish Conservation District to offer a series of four classes this winter all about creating a healthy, low maintenance landscape. These classes will be geared towards those who are new to the concepts of sustainable yard care practices. New this year – we will be adding another class in the spring focused on sustainable food gardening!

Classes are free to attend, and there will be giveaways! Join us for one or all of the classes at Brightwater Center.  Feel free to contact Kristin.Covey@kingcounty.gov with any questions!

All classes will be held at:

Brightwater Center

22505 State Route 9 SE

Woodinville, WA  98072

Follow the links below to register!

January 11 (10a.m.-12p.m.)
Jumpstart Your Yard: Tips for designing a sustainable landscape
Thinking about transforming your yard this year? A well-planned landscape can do a lot for you, without requiring a lot in return. This introductory class will focus on effective yard design and give you examples of what not to do. Send in questions/photos/maps of your yard prior to the class to get specific advice from the experts.

All participants will receive compost samples and discount coupons for the Snohomish Conservation District plant sale!

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January 25 (10a.m.-12p.m.)
The Foundation of Your Yard: The dirt on soil, compost, and mulch
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful landscape. Learn from a soil scientist about the components of a robust soil system and how to make it work better for your landscape. Then an expert will instruct how to improve the soil by creating compost and mulch systems and applying it effectively to your yard. All participants who attend this class will receive discount coupons for the Snohomish Conservation District plant sale, and be able to scoop compost to take home!

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February 8 (10a.m.-12p.m.)
Plant Right for Your Site: Selecting plants for functionality and wildlife
Did you know you can plant a landscape that has visual interest year round, provides a home for wildlife, AND minimizes water, fertilizer and pesticide use? This class will provide information on choosing the best plants for your needs, and techniques for planting, composting, and mulching that will help your landscape thrive.

All participants will receive free plant starts, pollinator seeds, and compost!

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February 22 (10a.m.-12p.m.)
Watering Wisely: Tips on managing water to reduce use and runoff
Watering your landscape effectively can save you valuable time and money! You will have healthy plants and avoid paying for water that runs into the storm drain. Yard care specialists will provide advice for getting the most out of every drop. You’ll learn about constructing rain gardens and installing rainwater catchment systems. To get you started, the Snohomish Conservation District will be selling rain barrels for $50.

Click or tap here to pre-order one or more!

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April 4 (10a.m.-12p.m.)
Sustainable Food Gardening: Nourish yourself with minimal impact on the environment
Have you been curious about starting a food garden, but not sure how to begin? Or worried it will cost too much? Learn how growing food in your yard can be simple, inexpensive, and provides many other benefits for people and the planet. We will provide plenty of information and resources to get your garden going, as well as free seeds!

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Please share this with people you think might benefit from this program or who might like to subscribe to other environmental education announcements from King County, Washington.