"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 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
"It is now not only useful but enjoyable to look at due to all of the clearing and planting. The team has been knowledgeable, effective, and courteous. Let me take this opportunity to wholeheartedly tell you that this is an amazing program.” -on StreamCare program
"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 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
"Love seeing how people incorporate all the ideals of saving water, using native plants, right plant and right place, fun and interesting yards."-on Yard Tour
The StreamCare program has been amazing at enhancing the wildlife on my property, providing well planned out tree and plant locations, protecting my property from erosion, and restoring the stream bed. All of this increases my property value. -Andrew Collmer
on StreamCare program
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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 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 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
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