Green Lawns on the Water's Edge
On Thursday, June 1st, 2006, Russ Hoffman of Beautiful Ponds, Inc. will be speaking on stormwater ponds and runoff pollution. Find out what effects your lawn practices can have on the water qualities of nearby water bodies. Please join us from 7-9pm for a Green World Cafe presentation on "Green Lawns on the Water's Edge."
Green lawns don't have to mean green ponds. Beautiful yards and ponds can go hand in hand. By following a few simple landscaping guidelines designed for our Florida climate you can keep your lawn green and your pond blue. Russ Hoffman has several tips on how to fertilize your lawn without jeopardizing the quality of your pond or lake environment. Aquatic plants that are suitable for planting in and around lakes and ponds will also be discussed. These plants can serve vitals roles in filtering pollution, controlling nutrient levels, and serving as habitat for other wildlife.
Russ Hoffman BA, MA, is a trained Lake Manager. His environmental roots go back to Iowa State University where he studied fish management, animal ecology, ornithology, environmental design and limnology (the study of lakes, ponds and streams). In dealing with invasive weeds, he is very familiar with the toxic treatments that many lawn services use at great cost to the pond's ecosystem. "At Beautiful Ponds, we believe in controlling invasive weeds without sacrificing the natural surroundings."
After learning how to sustainably manage your pond, learn how to sustainably manage your lawn at July's Green World Cafe! Mark Shelby of Bella Terra will be presenting on the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program on July 6, 2006.
These events are brought to you by Sarasota Green Connection, Inc. in celebration of the Earth Charter.
The Green World Cafe is held the first Thursday of every month at the Whole Foods Market Whole Lifestyle Center, from 7 to 9 pm, on the corner of 1st Street and Lemon. The Green World Cafe is free and open to the public.