Learn to Naturalize Your Backyard at Lecture Series

NARBERTH, PA – Homeowners can learn how to improve water quality, reduce pollution and enhance the beauty of their yard during the upcoming lecture series “Sustainable Living: Naturalizing Your Backyard.” Presented by the Lower Merion Conservancy and The Narberth Area Gardening Club, the three part event educates homeowners on the environmental costs of lawn care, pesticide use and gardening practices. Guests will learn how to reduce the impacts of storm water runoff through sustainable and “native” yard care tips from environmental experts. Each event is free to members of the Lower Merion Conservancy and Narberth Area Garden Club, $5 for non-members. The lectures will take place on Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. at Narberth Borough Hall, 100 Conway Ave, Narberth. Registration is available online at the LMconservancy.org or by calling or call 610-645-9030.

Topics will focus on the following:

The American Lawn – Oct. 4, 7:15 – 8:30 pm

On Thursday, Oct. 4, Karen Snetselaar, professor of biology at Saint Joseph’s University, will share her expertise during, “The American Lawn: Where It Comes From, What It Costs and Ways to Make It More Environmentally Friendly.” It turns out that the cultural norm of a green, weed free lawn is not so green for the environment. Maintaining a lush lawn comes with a price. The chemicals and pesticides used to keep lawns green, weed less and pest free, can contaminate both soil and water quality. Snetselaar tackles the peer-pressure homeowners may feel to maintain a conventional lawn and provides environmentally friendly alternatives. To register, visit: https://conta.cc/2MjQhRv or call or call 610-645-9030.

Spray and Pray – Nov. 1, 7:15 – 8:30 pm

On Thursday, Nov. 1, Dan Duran, evolutionary biologist and associate teaching professor at Rowan University, will tackle the impact of pesticide use during “Spray and Pray: Misguided Faith in Pesticides Isn’t the Answer to Our Mosquito and Tick Problems.” Pesticides take a toll on human health, water quality and the environment. With a growing fear of Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus and Zika, pesticides use has skyrocketed, but has not been effective in stopping or preventing vector-borne illness. Duran presents environmentally-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control. To register, visit: https://conta.cc/2QkoiUY or call 610-645-9030.

Experimenting with Native Plants – Dec. 6, 7:15 – 8:30 pm

The importance of gardening with native plants will be presented by John Janick, owner of Good Host Plants, on Thursday Dec. 6 at “Experimenting with Native Plants in the Home Landscape.” Because these plants have adapted to local soils, they do not require extra fertilizer or water. Their deep and extensive root systems, which prevent erosion and offer extra filtration, play a role in reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff. Native plants also attract certain animals and insects that are drawn to a recognizable food source. Homeowners can learn more about organic gardening techniques and native plants during this presentation. To register, visit: https://conta.cc/2CFJL7N or call 610-645-9030.

“We hope this series will debunk some of the myths about lawn care, like needing to use pesticides to control backyard bugs, and help the community to understand that they don't have to maintain a standard grass lawn on their property. Planting a beautiful, native backyard can be easy and is healthier for humans, our water sources, and attracts desirable wildlife." said Amy Chapkovich, program and communications coordinator for the Lower Merion Conservancy.

About Lower Merion Conservancy

The Lower Merion Conservancy protects and enhances the community’s character and quality of life, recognizing that the sustainable management of environmental and historic resources is inextricably intertwined with both conservation and change. The Conservancy advocates for policies, programs, and projects that support its vision for the community and builds an informed constituency that can actively support this vision.

About Narberth Area Garden Club

Formed in 2004, The Narberth Area Garden Club is a “community of gardeners” who plan a series of monthly programs that provide valuable horticultural education, and even more importantly, provide a friendly forum for local gardening enthusiasts to get to know one another.