Garden School Classes in September Saturday, Sept. 11 11 am – noon 1016 NW 32nd St. $10 per workshop, $15 per couple/pair. Or volunteer on a Saturday morning, and get in free! There is magic in the Monarch chrysalis! Were you one of the lucky children whose teacher kept one in the classroom? Not only is a beautiful experience, raising butterflies is helpful! Fewer than 10 percent of monarch eggs and larvae will survive to become adult butterflies, largely due to predation of the larvae. Raising them in an indoor habitat boosts survival to rates well over 90 percent. A panel of experts will show participants how and where to look for butterfly eggs and larvae and how to support them as they go through their amazing transformation. The first 10 educators get in free and there will be door prizes and giveaways. Instructors: Holly Hunter is a retired IT professional who now spends her time gardening for wildlife. She runs a Monarch Way Station for her local library in Warr Acres, and she works with Okies For Monarchs and the Master Gardeners to install pollinator gardens in public spaces. Jennifer Klein Plato provides habitat for Monarchs and Black Swallowtails at her home garden, Waystation. Last year alone, Jennifer raised and released over 150 monarch butterflies. Stephanie Jordan is the Pollinator Outreach Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma, and she does education and outreach for Okies for Monarchs. She has extensive experience raising, championing, and advocating for Monarchs and other pollinators. For several years she grew native and other pollinator plants to sell at farmers markets and festivals. She lives in the CommonWealth community. Raising Backyard Hens Saturday, Sept. 25 11 am – noon 1016 NW 32nd St. $10 per workshop, $15 per couple/pair. Or volunteer on a Saturday morning, and get in free! Have you ever thought about keeping backyard chickens? Hens are fun and easy pets to include in your life, and they lay eggs, too! Come meet a couple of local hens and learn everything you need to know about raising and taking care of your own flock. Instructor: Sara Braden has been sharing her backyard with chickens since 2009. |