ITHACA, N.Y. — Everyone with a garden or yard can be “climate wise” by adopting practices that protect the earth and support wildlife. Now in its second year, “Climate Wise Gardening: An Earthkeeping Fair” will return on Saturday, April 4th from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Boynton Middle School, 1601 N. Cayuga Street in Ithaca, NY. This free event will showcase practical ways gardeners and property owners can improve soils, manage water, and make the right plant choices, building upon the premise that drawing carbon dioxide down from the atmosphere through plant biology is key to protecting the earth.
More than 30 local groups and businesses will provide information or demonstrations on soils, biochar, composting, permaculture, native plants, cover crops, tree planting, invasive species, grafting, and more. Five 30-minute presentations offered throughout the day will focus on building healthy soil, cover crops, rain gardens, native plants and meadows, and best practices for changing weather patterns.
Admission is free and the public is invited to drop in at any time, or stay for an entire day of learning and inspiration. Bring a small baggie of dry soil to get a free soil pH test done by Master Gardener volunteers. Free tree or shrub seedlings will be given away to all visitors.
“Climate Wise Gardening: An Earthkeeping Fair” has been planned by members of Fossil Free Tompkins in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. Many additional sponsors and supporters represent a wide range of local climate action and gardening groups.
A map to the location and more details can be found at: http://ccetompkins.org/climatewise-garden-fair. Contact Monika Roth, Agriculture Specialist P/T, at mr55@cornell.edu or call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County at (607) 272-2292 ext. 126 with questions.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
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