While we are all dealing with climate change today, 35 years ago there was another environmental threat that was successfully abated. Damage to the ozone layer, that fragile shield of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, was happening at an alarming rate. Caused by a number …
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Read More »
It’s almost National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, celebrated annually on August 15. The holiday is dedicated to a pie that has been around since the late 18th century and through various points in American history was either an extremely popular pie or a pie that few people thought of making. It’s a great way to …
National Water Quality Month is dedicated to making the most of the relatively small amount of fresh water we have – only 3 per cent of the total water on the planet, and two thirds of that is locked up in ice caps! Having clean water is vital to our individual health, our collective agricultural …
Some of the worst invasive plants in California, brooms and yellow starthistle, have caused substantial changes to California’s wildlands. The organism that causes sudden oak death was inadvertently introduced to California forests on nursery stock and is estimated to have killed more than 1 million oak and tanoak trees during the last decade. Insect-carried diseases …
It’s a good time to recognize these natural pest controllers! Gardeners should be glad to see snakes glide through the garden. These much-maligned reptiles consume garden pests, including slugs, grubs, mice, voles, and rats. Garter snakes are the most common type found in our area. They’re medium-sized slender snakes with a head barely wider than …
May 20 is World Bee Day. The United Nations designated this day to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival …
It’s National Pet Day and time to think about our beloved animals as they roam around the garden. Are there possible hazards lurking? Pesticides that may harm them? Here are some things to consider: Weed and feed products for grasses are usually applied across the entire surface of the lawn. Those tiny particles contain fertilizer …
Saturday, March 13, 2021, 10 – 11 a.m. Did you know that 90% of the bugs we see in our gardens are actually good bugs? Encouraging beneficials is one of the best ways to effectively reduce the number of pests in your garden. Want to learn about the most important beneficials, what they do in …
Saturday, February 27, 2021, 10 – 11 a.m. Think before you reach for that weed killer! Want to learn what you can do “now” to ensure fewer weeds all year long? And about organic, eco-friendly techniques for safe and effective weed management? Join us for the second program in our series, “Kick the Chemicals: Caring …
Mark your calendars for our upcoming talk series, “Kick the Chemicals! – Caring for your Garden and Beyond.” Each of the three one-hour talks will focus on how you can successfully manage pest and weed problems while using alternatives that are healthier for your family and better for the environment. Co-sponsored with Marin Master Gardeners …
