Naturescaping Basics

Date: Sat, May. 9
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Please see notes below

This class is being held as a webinar. Please register here and keep an eye out for the registration confirmation email from us with information on accessing the webinar.

We are partnering with the Bureau of Environmental Services’ Neighborhood to the River program to put on this workshop!

Learn to Naturescape! “Naturescaping” is the practice of designing (or redesigning) your landscape so that it reduces water use and decreases storm-water runoff while saving you time, money and energy. This introductory workshop introduces the core concepts of naturescaping, and also explores:

pollution prevention through the reduction/elimination of chemical use
how native plants naturally resist pests & tolerate drought conditions while attracting native birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden
basic site planning principals, and many other great natural gardening & design tips

Even if you decide to enlist the help of a contractor, you’ll have the framework to make decisions and effectively communicate the vision you have for your yard.

Please contact Rhesa at (503) 935-5368 or rhesa@emswcd.org for information on accessibility or accommodation

Spaces Available: 30 (of 150 max)

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Category: Naturescaping & Site Planning

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Featured Articles

"It is always far more instructive (and inspiring) to visit gardens in person rather than view photos online or in books. It is even more so when the gardens are in the exact same climate."-on Yard Tour

"Native species can create beautiful and wildlife supporting gardens in small yards."-on Yard Tour

"They showed up when they were scheduled, performed their work unobtrusively, and followed up in accordance with the agreement. I would highly recommend the StreamCare program to any landowner who would like to improve the quality of a river or creek on their property." -Sarah and Peter Benfit
on Streamcare program

"The beauty that can be created in such a small area that not only attracts animals and insects but is much more water wise and more fun to work with than a lawn."-on Yard Tour

"I loved that the gardens were so lush and that the lawns had been transformed. It was amazing how the spaces were used, whether large or small, sloped or flat."-on Yard Tour

"I have been reluctant to get rid of my lawn, as I fear that planting things all over my yard may appear trashy. I saw some very good examples of yards with no lawn at all in front, and I am a little more inspired to go ahead and do it."-on Yard Tour

"I'm learning that what I see as a obstacle or problem area in my yard, others have created something unique with the same area."-on Yard Tour

"The StreamCare project is proving to be a great learning opportunity for my students at West Orient Middle School. We get to work along with the EMSWCD to improve the stream that runs right through our school property." -on StreamCare program

"I loved the way most of the yards had a cool and airy feeling even on that hot day. It felt like you could pull up a chair and sit down anywhere and not be baking in the sun." -on Yard Tour

"It was really about inspiration for me. I felt that I had reached the end of my gardening possibilities and this gave me new inspiration. I also got to see more mature versions of some of the plants I have." -on Yard Tour

"It is a cool project that taught us how to identify native plants in a small area next to our school so that when we go on hikes we can already identify a lot of them on our own. Being able to learn about native plants is a skill I'm glad I've learned because I can share it with my friends." - Jory, 12th grade

"I just came to this class to accompany my wife. She's the gardener in the family. I had no idea that gardening could play such an important role in watershed restoration!" -husband attending a
rain garden class with his wife

"When people think about yard work, they think it's really hard, but when you are working with classmates, it gets done so much faster and didn't seem as difficult. It helped me realize that teamwork is a lot easier than doing it by myself. The project helped us bond together as friends and I'm glad for that." -Missy, 12th Grade
Alpha Native Project

"I loved the variety of styles of naturescaping - from overgrown edible maze to peaceful tea garden to formal manicured naturescape."-on Yard Tour

"I think that all landowners along the creek should use the StreamCare program. It’s free and beneficial to the fish population and the wildlife.”-on StreamCare program