Sustainable Backyard Series

Are you ready to start composting, but not quite sure how?  Want to practice rainwater harvesting, or attract more wildlife to your property?   Join Michigan Energy Options  for a series of sustainable backyard workshops and learn more about the following areas:

• Backyard Composting – make your own compost bin! (note: see the vermicomposting workshop for building worm bins)

This workshop will go over ways to incorporate backyard composting in your own yard, and talk about the different types of bins available.  We will discuss different composting techniques, and local resources available for composters.  Simple construction of a backyard compost bin will be demonstrated, and plans shared so that the bins can be built at home!

• Rainwater harvesting and using rain-barrels

Harvesting rainwater and slowing the runoff from homes and yards will save on water bills, and lessen the impact on local waterways!  Using techniques such as rain-barrels and rain-gardens will help to save money and water for use in gardens and landscaping.  Learn how to construct a rain-barrel and start harvesting rainwater today!  Participants will make and take home a working rain-barrel.

• Native planting and edible forest gardening

Planting a native garden or using native landscaping has several benefits including reducing the amount of water needed, saving money on expensive and potentially harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and best of all, attracting wildlife, pollinators, and song-birds.  Join us for a tour of the edible forest garden, and learn how to implement the concepts of permaculture and xeriscaping to create a productive and beautiful food-producing garden.

Join us for an individual workshop, or register for the entire series!