Restoring our Backyards with Native Plants

 

Our natural world is in trouble. We can help create diversity, support native pollinators and make our regions more resilient to climate change by taking small actions in our own backyards! It doesn’t matter if you have a small backyard or many acres; there are always things that you can do!

Through our workshop, you will create your own plan of action for your backyard! The workshop is divided into three sessions. Each session builds upon the last, and you will need to attend all three in order to complete your full plan.

 

Workshop sessions – March 7th, March 21st, April 9th

Session 1 – March 7th, 7:15pm to 8:45pm

Session 2 – March 21st, 7:15pm to 8:45pm

Session 3 – April 9th, 10am to 11:30am

Cost – $150 + HST

Location – 805 Stisted Rd, Burk’s Falls

RSVP: sweetfernconsulting@gmail.com

 

Session 1 – March 7th

  • Overview of why we need to restore 
  • Introduction to native plants
  • Discussion of restoration purpose and methods
  • Figuring out site conditions
  • Homework assignment!

Session 2 – March 21st

  • Creation of your plan
  • Discussion of site preparation

Session 3 – April 9th

  • Field walk
  • Creation of your long-term goals and maintenance plan

 

Workshop Leader – Julia Sutton, Sweetfern Consulting

Julia started working in the environmental field in 2006 in eastern Ontario where she worked for Conservation Authorities, carrying out native plant inventories and coordinating a fish and stream monitoring program.  After moving to the Almaguin Highlands area, Julia worked in Georgian Bay for four years as the Executive Director for the Eastern Georgian Bay Stewardship Council which included an intensive two year fish habitat assessment project on eight rivers and a variety of fish habitat restoration projects. Throughout her career, she has been involved with invasive species removal, stream restoration projects, stream garbage clean-ups and landscape restoration. Julia has run her own environmental consulting company since 2012 and specializes in native plant work. She operates Santosha Farm, an organic market garden, where she integrates ecological principles and farming.