As people become more knowledgeable about ecosystems, some are turning their lawns into havens for pollinators. A workshop for these nature lovers is now on the schedule in Vancouver.
The City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Bee Project, and the Clark Conservation District are teaming up to present the upcoming free meadowscaping workshop, which will be held at the Water Resources Education Center.
At the workshop, attendees will learn how removing areas of lawn and replacing them with native plants can help provide habitats for birds and pollinators, as well as conserving water. The workshop is a hands-on outing, where people will learn how to convert their lawns to pollinator havens by planting a garden patch. The patch has been in what is known as the “solarization phase” since the spring of 2023. They will go on to remove an adjacent patch, which will then be replanted next year.
When a patch of soil is solarized, it is covered with plastic for a period of six to eight weeks. The sun heats the covered soil to a temperature high enough to kill some insects, weeds, and diseases.
The workshop is an outdoor activity and will go ahead no matter the weather. Participants can expect to cut and remove sod, as well as plant seeds, but will otherwise be stationary. Everyone is welcome, though the day is primarily aimed at adults. Since the event has only 30 spots available, registration is required. Organizers of events like this can use flyer printing to create handouts about the benefits of meadowscaping.
