I used to work with the BC branch of Evergreen. A national group that focuses on greening school grounds, preserving and restoring nature in the city. I helped to promote their Lawn and Garden Smart Program. Basically a garden consultation service where a horticultural adviser makes a house call, takes a look at your yard and then suggests ways for you to make it more sustainable, by introducing some drought tolerant or native plants perhaps, instead of (or in addition to) the water-sucking annuals that you insist on planting every year!
For 10 years Evergreen has been hosting the largest Earth Day Celebration in Vancouver at Jericho Beach. Last year 3,000 people planted 4,000 native plants in one day! This year the emphasis shifts from restoration to education. That’s where I come in.
I’ll be hosting a composting table, so come with all your composting questions. The organizers promised me they would have an Earth Machine compost bin and an aerator there for me. So you will be able to see first hand the $25 bin offered by the City of Vancouver and other municipalities. I’ll have a display of various composting materials there – “ including some surprise samples, like the biggest rat poop you’ve ever seen, collected from my very own balcony. Kids can take part too by making “compost in a cup”. I’ll also have some info on the City’s Earth Day roll out of their new food waste collection program.
There’ll be many other exhibits, workshops, food, music and nature walks too. And the Jericho Stewardship Group will be leading some restoration work. Come, compost and celebrate nature in the city. I may even dust off my red wiggler worm earrings for the occasion.
Evergreen Earth Day Event
Jericho Beach Park, east side of the pond area
Saturday, April 24, 2010
11am to 4pm