There are several families in our community interested in creating a Natural Habitat Gardening Co-op to help us landscape our yards using plants that attract birds and butterflies. The first hour of the meeting will be spent discussing gardening with native plants and how to set up the co-op. The idea is that instead of the community gathering for a barn raising, we will gather for landscape transformation. We have not worked out the details yet, but we see having several like-minded families who would like to join together to purchase in bulk native plants and help each other out with the labor. We would like to also obtain the services of a landscape designer who has experience with native plants and who could help with the purchase of plants. We have someone in mind and have invited her to speak to us on the subject of gardening with native plants. The long-range goal may be to see how many yards we can get certified with the National Wildlife Federation, or better yet having the Upper Sligo Creek communities certified.The next hour can be spent discussing other issues that relate to the park and environment. Possible subjects include:
Is there an interest in pursuing a partnership with the park in establishing a native meadow in a corner of the Park below Colt Terrace?
A lot of trees in the park are being strangled by invasive vines. Native plants and animals are being adversely impacted by the encroachment of invasive ground plants in the park and community. Is there an interest in organizing invasive plant pulls in the park?
April 3rd is Potomac Watershed clean up day. Is there any interest in organizing an event for the community? Last fall, despite wet weather, the community removed at least 1,000 pounds of trash from upper Sligo Creek Park.
Possibility of setting up a Frogwatch monitor site. An announcement was about this subject already. We can discuss this program if there is an interest. See http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/ for more information.
Would there be any interest in having the civic associations arrange for a botanist lead a botany walk in the Park?