In the Garden:
Backyard Habitat Builder Series
 Starting this fall, the Arboretum will offer a series of three monthly half-day classes with hands-on outdoor projects where you will learn about and create habitat components for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. After completing each seasonal series, you will have the essential knowledge, practical experience and self-confidence to transform your own yard into an oasis for urban wildlife.
All classes are held on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. with hands-on projects completed on the Arboretum grounds. Most classes also include take-home items assembled in class. Materials and tools needed for each class will be provided.
Educators can receive 4 hours of SBEC credit for class.
Course Instructor: Joe Blanton, the Arboretum's Conservation Director, is certified by National Wildlife Federation as a Backyard Habitat Designer. Before joining the Arboretum staff, Joe designed, implemented and/or managed 16 outdoor environmental education classrooms for Urban Harvest and HISD.
| Course Dates: |
Spring 2010 Series: Classes are on Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. |
February 7
1 - 5 p.m.
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Building Spring Nesting Sites for Wildlife
(Projects: Bird Nest Boxes & Solitary Bee Houses)
Learn the nesting habits for different types of birds to help you know what to provide in your landscape to attract the right species. Class includes 30 minutes in classroom (presentation with handouts), followed by hands-on, "learn by doing" projects. Each participant will have the opportunity to build a bird house (for cavity nesters) or a nesting shelf (for birds that prefer open nests on ledges) and a bee house, which can be taken home or donated back to the Arboretum.
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| March 7
1 - 5 p.m.
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Using Native Plants to Attract Wildlife
This class will focus on habitat gardening. Discover the plants best for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Learn what native plants will work with the sunlight and moisture conditions of your landscape. Arboretum Conservation Director Joe Blanton will lead class in hands-on activities including designing and planting a small garden at the Arboretum. Participants will get to make a hummingbird feeder to take home. All supplies, including handouts, will be provided.
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April 11
1-5 p.m.
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Capturing Rainwater to Benefit Wildlife
This class will focus on creating a rain garden and nature pond. Rain gardens and small nature ponds are water features that not only attract wildlife, including birds, but also benefit the homeowner by helping reduce rainwater runoff.
Learn how easy it is to add a rain garden to your landscape! |
| May |
Check out the "Build Your Own Rain Barrel" Workshop on May 23 |
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