Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop - May 4th

What:  Organic Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Presented by: George Mason University Sustainability Institute (MSI)

When: May 4th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA. Room 113

Why: What are the benefits of creating your own organic vegetable garden?

• Organic vegetable gardens are free from chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which helps to create less pollution.
• Organic vegetable gardens yield fruit and vegetables with higher nutritional content.
• Organic vegetable gardening is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables!
• Organic gardening simply makes food taste better.

The workshop will help participants learn basic gardening techniques for creating an at-home organic vegetable garden. The class will cover topics such as soil improvement and preparation through a variety of amendments. Attendees will learn how to prepare both in-ground and raised-bed gardens, as well as container gardens. Vegetable families, seed starting, crop rotation and soil amendments will also be discussed.

Registration: Please visit http://tinyurl.com/msi-registration-form

Or, e-mail Danielle Wyman dwyman@gmu.edu for registration inquiries.

Cost: $20. Please bring cash at time of registration (exact  change requested).

Instructor's Biography:

Adria Bordas has a Master of Science in Plant Pathology from the University of California at Davis. She has been working on diverse programs that include pest detection and diagnosis of plant-insect problems, water quality and nutrient management, and invasive pest management. She also works with both residents and landscape and nursery industry professionals of Fairfax County. Adria is also responsible for two Master Gardener Volunteer programs, comprised of more than 400 volunteers; the Fairfax County Master Gardener Association; and the Green Spring Master Gardener volunteer programs. She lives in Burke with her partner and two rescued dogs-Coco and Pickles.

Help keep our planet healthy and green. Spread the word!

Compost for Healthy Soil & Gardening - Workshops - April 27th & 30th

What:  Compost for Healthy Soil Workshop

Presented by: George Mason University Sustainability Institute (MSI)

When: Workshop 1: Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Time: 6:00-7:30 PM.; Workshop 2: Saturday, April 30, 2011. Time: 10:00-11:30 AM.

Where:  Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA. Room 113

Why: Why do eco-friendly gardeners love compost?

There are few practices which make as much economic and environmental sense as creating compost out of yard wastes and kitchen scraps. Composting yard waste recycles nutrients back into the yard, helps retain moisture and saves landfill space. Composting reduces yard waste volume by 50 to 75 percent. The cost of collecting, hauling, and handling yard trash is a large share of the solid waste management expense.

If you have a space for it, a compost pile or bin can be used to recycle yard wastes and kitchen scraps to make a perfect, nutrient rich soil additive. Not only can you add leaves and clippings from your yard, but fruit and vegetable peelings, fruit pulp from a juicer, dryer lint, coffee grounds, teabags, eggshells, shredded paper and sawdust can all be recycled to provide nutrients for your plants.

To learn more:

The MSI compost workshop will introduce attendees to the basics of at-home composting. Participants will be instructed on creating a simple compost system, and how to use kitchen and lawn waste to make compost. Workshop participants will leave the course with a list of materials needed to start an at-home project. The other half of the lecture will introduce participants to vermiculture, or worm composting; a fascinating, fun and easy way to recycle your kitchen waste into some of the best fertilizer on Earth. Composting Workshop 1 and 2 offer the same educational content.

Registration: Please visit http://tinyurl.com/msi-registration-form
Or, e-mail Danielle Wyman dwyman@gmu.edu for registration inquiries.

Cost: $15. Please bring cash or check at time of registration (exact change requested)

Instructor's Biography:

Dan Schwartz is a graduate of the University of Maryland and holds a B.S. Degree in Environmental Science-Soil Resources. He has been working as a soil scientist for the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District for the last 8 years. His job duties include updating the county soil survey, helping citizens with erosion and drainage problems, and educating the public about soil and storm water issues. He would like everyone to know that it is called soil, not dirt!

Help keep our planet healthy and green. Spread the word!

Trashion Fashion Show - April 30th - Alexandria

On April 30th, as part of Alexandria's 18th annual Earth Day celebration, there will be a fun Trashion Fashion Show showcasing clothing made by local students using recycled materials.

 

Step on by and cheer for your favorite students AND their creations while enjoying other earth day events.

 

Where: Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. 

When: April 30, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information, visit Alexandria Earth Day 2011