Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, TN » conservation practices http://mghc.org Master Gardeners of Hamilton County, TN Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:36:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Native Plant Symposium Coming in March http://mghc.org/2012/01/12/native-plant-symposium-coming-in-march/ http://mghc.org/2012/01/12/native-plant-symposium-coming-in-march/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:41:13 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3450 The Chattanooga Native Plant & Wildflower Group of the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is proud to present its first annual native plant symposium “Chattanooga’s Native Beauty: Gardening with Native Plants” on Saturday, March 10, 2012.  The symposium will be held at Chattanooga State Community College campus in its Humanities Theatre.  The program will begin [...]]]> The Chattanooga Native Plant & Wildflower Group of the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is proud to present its first annual native plant symposium “Chattanooga’s Native Beauty: Gardening with Native Plants” on Saturday, March 10, 2012.  The symposium will be held at Chattanooga State Community College campus in its Humanities Theatre.  The program will begin with registration at 8:00 am, with speakers to start at 8:30 am.  The $45 registration ($40 if you register before March 1)  includes program materials, refreshments and lunch.   There will be door prizes as well.

The schedule of speakers is as follows:

“Role of Native Plants in Biodiversity”
Richard Clements, PhD
Chattanooga State Community College

“Butterflies and Native Plants”
Paulette Ogard and Sara Bright
Authors of “Butterflies of Alabama”

“Growing Native Plants”
Margie Hunter
Author: “Gardening with the Native Plants of Tennessee”

“Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines”
Speaker: Avi Askey, Owner, Overhill Gardens Native Plant Nursery, Vonore, TN

“Landscape Design Considerations with Native Plants”
Sam Rogers, ASLA
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Authors Margie Hunter and Sara Bright and Paulette Ogard’s books will be available for purchase at the symposium.

Master Gardeners who attend may earn 5 continuing education credits (CEUs).

For more information and to register, go to this website:  www.chattanooganatives.blogspot.com  You may also download a brochure by clicking here.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2012/01/12/native-plant-symposium-coming-in-march/feed/ 0 Gardening with Useful Native Plants Presentation on December 5 http://mghc.org/2011/11/22/gardening-with-useful-native-plants-presentation/ http://mghc.org/2011/11/22/gardening-with-useful-native-plants-presentation/#comments Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:42:18 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3359 The Southern Appalachian region is, next to Southern China, the most botanically rich region on earth. Most of the plants growing around us have been used as food and medicine for hundreds or thousands of years. Some of our native plants risk being overharvested because the global demand for them exceeds the supply. Join Holli [...]]]> The Southern Appalachian region is, next to Southern China, the most botanically rich region on earth. Most of the plants growing around us have been used as food and medicine for hundreds or thousands of years. Some of our native plants risk being overharvested because the global demand for them exceeds the supply. Join Holli Richey, MS, MSW, MAT at 6:00 PM  Monday, December 5 at Green|Spaces to learn about the medicinal properties of plants native to this region and how you can “garden with a mission” by incorporating them into your yard and garden for both personal use and conservation.

Holli Richey is a clinical herbalist, counselor and teacher who practices with an integrative approach to mind-body-spirit healing.  Holli’s philosophy of healing is that our body is wise, and our symptoms are our teacher. Through listening to our symptoms—whether they seem to be speaking from the mind, body or spirit—we gain awareness of our patterned approach to life, and discover new ways in which to shift toward wholeness.

This is a regular monthly meeting of the Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group, a special interest group of the Master Gardeners of Hamilton County.  Educational presentations count as continuing education units.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/11/22/gardening-with-useful-native-plants-presentation/feed/ 0 The Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group http://mghc.org/2011/10/31/the-chattanooga-native-plant-and-wildflower-group/ http://mghc.org/2011/10/31/the-chattanooga-native-plant-and-wildflower-group/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:59:59 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3343 Title: The Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group Location: Green|Spaces Description: The next meeting of the Chattanooga Native Plant & Wildflower Group will be Monday, November 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Green|Spaces, 63 East Main Street.

At the meeting, we will be screening of the movie “Green Fire.”

The first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist [...]]]> Title: The Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group
Location: Green|Spaces
Description: The next meeting of the Chattanooga Native Plant & Wildflower Group will be Monday, November 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Green|Spaces, 63 East Main Street.

At the meeting, we will be screening of the movie “Green Fire.”

The first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold, “Green Fire” highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. The film will be introduced with a reading from Aldo Leopold by storyteller Jim Pfitzer.

There is no charge to attend, although a donation of $7 will be appreciated. Those making a contribution will receive a copy of Leopold’s book, A Sand County Almanac, a classic of nature writing, widely cited as one of the most influential nature books ever published.

Our meetings are open to all who are interested.
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2011-11-07

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/10/31/the-chattanooga-native-plant-and-wildflower-group/feed/ 0 September Rain Barrel Workshop http://mghc.org/2011/09/01/september-rain-barrel-workshop/ http://mghc.org/2011/09/01/september-rain-barrel-workshop/#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:58:25 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3309 There is one new rain barrel workshop now scheduled for Saturday, September 10 at 11 am at the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center.  These build your own rain barrel workshops offer the opportunity to construct your own 55-gallon plastic rain barrel that will be ready to hook up to your home’s rain gutter system.

Advance registration [...]]]> There is one new rain barrel workshop now scheduled for Saturday, September 10 at 11 am at the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center.  These build your own rain barrel workshops offer the opportunity to construct your own 55-gallon plastic rain barrel that will be ready to hook up to your home’s rain gutter system.

Advance registration is required using the registration forms below.  Class sizes are limited and spots go quickly so don’t delay.  The fee is $25 which covers all costs to build a 55-gallon rain barrel.  You don’t need to bring any tools, but be prepared to get a little dirty and have a vehicle capable of transporting your rain barrel home with you.   For information on painting your rain barrel, go to this post.

If you are interested in signing up for one of the workshops listed above, please fill out the form for the date you would like to attend.  Please fill out just one form.  If the form for the date you want does not appear, it means the class is full and registration is closed.  Class size is limited, and advance registration is required.  You can contact the workshop organizers here if you have specific questions about the workshop.

 

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/09/01/september-rain-barrel-workshop/feed/ 0 September Natives Meeting http://mghc.org/2011/08/28/september-natives-meeting/ http://mghc.org/2011/08/28/september-natives-meeting/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:07:03 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3302 Title: Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group Location: Chattanooga Area Food Bank Conference Room Description: The monthly meeting of the Natives will feature a presentation by Sean Crimmins, talking to us about “Native Plants in Erosion Control.”

Sean Crimmins is President of TPG Green Solutions, LLC and a nationally recognized erosion control specialist. TPG Green Solutions provides support [...]]]> Title: Chattanooga Native Plant and Wildflower Group
Location: Chattanooga Area Food Bank Conference Room
Description: The monthly meeting of the Natives will feature a presentation by Sean Crimmins, talking to us about “Native Plants in Erosion Control.”

Sean Crimmins is President of TPG Green Solutions, LLC and a nationally recognized erosion control specialist. TPG Green Solutions provides support for projects related to erosion prevention, porous pavement, green roofs, rain gardens, shoreline stabilization, wetland enhancement and stormwater management. Sean received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Shortly after college Sean held positions in which he: managed over 8,000 lakes and ponds for fish surveys, fish stocking, aeration, and weed and algae control, and designed and supplied bioengineered solutions for shoreline projects. Later Sean was regional sales manager for North American Green (the world’s largest rolled erosion control blanket manufacturer) in TN, KY, IN, MI, OH and PA. Before starting TPG Green Solutions, Sean was the national sales manager for D2 Land and Water Resources, Inc. for its specialty erosion control materials division. In his position with D2, Sean managed projects designed to utilize specialty materials to control erosion, enhance wetlands and stabilize shorelines.

In October, we will resume our regular meeting schedule — first Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2011-09-12

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/08/28/september-natives-meeting/feed/ 0 Rain Barrel Update http://mghc.org/2011/08/11/rain-barrel-update/ http://mghc.org/2011/08/11/rain-barrel-update/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:00:12 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3258 In case you didn’t get a chance to participate in the rain barrel workshops MGHC offered this year, don’t despair. Building a rain barrel is a relatively easy Do It Yourself job. The University of Tennessee through the Tennessee Yards and Neighborhoods initiative put together a publication that provides clear instructions on building your own [...]]]> In case you didn’t get a chance to participate in the rain barrel workshops MGHC offered this year, don’t despair. Building a rain barrel is a relatively easy Do It Yourself job. The University of Tennessee through the Tennessee Yards and Neighborhoods initiative put together a publication that provides clear instructions on building your own rain barrel. You can access the information here.

One challenge for DIY’ers is finding an appropriate rain barrel.  The ideal barrel is thick walled plastic or other non-reactive material that will hold water.  It is important to find containers that held non-toxic or non-corrosive materials.  For example, look for barrels that held food products or gentle cleaning products like shampoo.  And always rinse your barrel before using.  You can check the classified ads in the paper or Craig’s list; be sure to ask how the barrel was used in its previous life.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/08/11/rain-barrel-update/feed/ 0 Citizen Forester Launch Party http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/citizen-forester-launch-party/ http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/citizen-forester-launch-party/#comments Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:00:44 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3208 Title: Citizen Forester Launch Party Location: The Crash Pad – 29 Johnson Street Link out: Click here for a brochure Description: Trees leave a meaningful legacy, and there are hundreds of legacy trees in and around the city of Chattanooga. These trees represent the individual and collective actions of citizens devoted to bolstering the city’s scenic beauty and [...]]]> Title: Citizen Forester Launch Party
Location: The Crash Pad – 29 Johnson Street
Link out: Click here for a brochure
Description: Trees leave a meaningful legacy, and there are hundreds of legacy trees in and around the city of Chattanooga. These trees represent the individual and collective actions of citizens devoted to bolstering the city’s scenic beauty and improving its environmental health through tree planting. During the Citizen Forester Launch Party, we want to honor the Citizen Foresters of the past and present while promoting and building the Citizen Foresters of the future.

Take Root

Take Root was launched in 2007 by a small but motivated group of local citizens.  The goal of this initiative is simple: to plant more trees in downtown Chattanooga, fortifying the city’s public spaces with environmental health and scenic beauty. Having planted over 1400 trees in just three years, Take Root is bolstering Chatta­nooga’s urban tree canopy. This effort has catalyzed environmental action from dozens of individuals and created broad-scale engage­ment among hundreds of others.

Citizen Forester

Take Root: Citizen Forester will engage an increasingly diverse group of citizens in self-motivated environmental education and activity “rooted” in and around trees. Citizen Forester will increase awareness of the fundamental role that trees play in the local envi­ronment and provide citizens with hands-on training in tree planting and care. In addition, citizen forest­ers will receive two free trees to plant, grow, and sustain. Citizen Forester enables individuals to become knowledgeable stewards of their personal tree canopies, the trees that surround, shade, and beautify their yards and homes.

The Crash Pad

The Crash Pad is Chattanooga’s newest hostel whose mission is to further establish Chattanooga as an ultimate outdoor destination by providing a base camp and community hub for adventurous travelers.  It is an uncommon hostel in the heart of downtown, combining the affordability and camaraderie of a traditional hostel with the charm and cleanliness of a boutique hotel.

Start Time: 17:30
Date: 2011-07-14

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/citizen-forester-launch-party/feed/ 0 Become a Citizen Forester http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/become-a-citizen-forester/ http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/become-a-citizen-forester/#comments Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:57:47 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3196 The Citizen Forester program is looking for self-motivated citizens interested in environmental education and activity “rooted” in and around trees.  With the spring storms and tree damage, planting trees is even more important to help increase the tree canopy in the Chattanooga area.  Persons trained as a citizen forester will become involved in Take [...]]]> The Citizen Forester program is looking for self-motivated citizens interested in environmental education and activity “rooted” in and around trees.  With the spring storms and tree damage, planting trees is even more important to help increase the tree canopy in the Chattanooga area.  Persons trained as a citizen forester will become involved in Take Root’s mission to increase awareness of the fundamental role that trees play in the local environment and provide citizens with hands-on training in tree planting and care.

In addition to the valuable knowledge of planting and caring for trees around their homes and in their neighborhoods, citizen foresters will receive two free trees to plant, grow, and sustain. Citizen Forester enables individuals to become knowledgeable stewards of their personal tree canopies, the trees that surround, shade, and beautify their yards and homes.

Classes will be held on Saturday afternoons from 1-5 PM during the fall months of September and October.  You may select one of the many sessions offered throughout the Chattanooga area.  Class size is limited, so don’t delay.  Sign ups will begin on July 15 through the Take Root website here and will be offered on a first come first serve basis or you can sign up at the Citizen Forester Launch Party on July 14.  For details about the Launch Party, download a brochure here.

When and Where

  • September 3, 2011 1-5 PM UT Agricultural Extension Office (the “Ag Center”)
  • September 10, 2011 1-5 PM Reflection Riding/Chattanooga Nature Center
  • September 17, 2011 1-5 PM. The Bethlehem Center
  • September 24, 2011 1-5 PM Rock City
  • October 1, 2011 1-5 PM Crabtree Farms
  • October 8, 2011 1-5 PM Cleveland, TN, TBA
  • October, 15, 2011 1-5 PM Green|Spaces
  • October 22, 2011 1-5 PM Greenway Farms

Cost

The registration fee is $25 and covers a Citizen Forester T-shirt, tree planting resources, a voucher for two free trees at a $100 value, and much other unique Citizen Forester swag.

For more information about Take Root’s Citizen Forester Program, you can download the brochure here or go to the Take Root website.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/06/21/become-a-citizen-forester/feed/ 0 July Rain Barrel Workshop http://mghc.org/2011/06/01/july-rain-barrel-workshop/ http://mghc.org/2011/06/01/july-rain-barrel-workshop/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:02:09 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3137 There is one new rain barrel workshop now scheduled for Saturday, July 3 at 2 pm at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.  These build your own rain barrel workshops offer the opportunity to construct your own 55-gallon plastic rain barrel that will be ready to hook up to your home’s rain gutter [...]]]> There is one new rain barrel workshop now scheduled for Saturday, July 3 at 2 pm at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.  These build your own rain barrel workshops offer the opportunity to construct your own 55-gallon plastic rain barrel that will be ready to hook up to your home’s rain gutter system.

Advance registration is required using the registration forms below.  Class sizes are limited and spots go quickly so don’t delay.  The fee is $25 which covers all costs to build a 55-gallon rain barrel.  You don’t need to bring any tools, but be prepared to get a little dirty and have a vehicle capable of transporting your rain barrel home with you.   For information on painting your rain barrel, go to this post.

If you are interested in signing up for one of the workshops listed above, please fill out the form for the date you would like to attend.  Please fill out just one form.  If the form for the date you want does not appear, it means the class is full and registration is closed.  Class size is limited, and advance registration is required.  You can contact the workshop organizers here if you have specific questions about the workshop.  Sorry but this workshop is full and registration is closed

The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is located at 2009 Curtain Pole Road, just off of Amnicola Highway.  Weather pending, the workshops will be held in the back at the Greenhouse Teaching Pavilion.

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/06/01/july-rain-barrel-workshop/feed/ 0 May Tennessee Yards & Neighborhoods Class http://mghc.org/2011/05/02/may-tennessee-yards-neighborhoods-class/ http://mghc.org/2011/05/02/may-tennessee-yards-neighborhoods-class/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 18:58:24 +0000 slwencel http://mghc.org/?p=3102 There will be another TN Yards and Neighborhoods class next week.  It is a six hour class that meets May 10th and 12th from 6 to 9 pm at the Hamilton County Agriculture Center, 6138 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga, TN.

The class covers lawn care, landscape design, water management, mulching and soil management for homeowners.  Students get [...]]]> There will be another TN Yards and Neighborhoods class next week.  It is a six hour class that meets May 10th and 12th from 6 to 9 pm at the Hamilton County Agriculture Center, 6138 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga, TN.

The class covers lawn care, landscape design, water management, mulching and soil management for homeowners.  Students get a notebook, rain gauge, hand lens, and two free soil tests all in a nice TN Yards and neighborhoods cloth bag.

Cost for the class is $35 or $50 for a couple.  The class counts as as six hours of continuing education (CEUs) for any intern or Master Gardener.

To register, call the Hamilton County Ag Center 423-855-6113.

 

]]> http://mghc.org/2011/05/02/may-tennessee-yards-neighborhoods-class/feed/ 0