Habitat Advocate: Native Plants for Winter Interest and Wildlife

Snow-capped seed heads, coppery grasses, bright berries, evergreen trees, and semi-evergreen sedges - these compose an ecological gardener’s winter landscape. These conscious design choices not only bring visual vibrancy in the dormant season, but an essential source of food and cover for overwintering wildlife.

Participants will explore native plant species that are showstoppers in a winter landscape and a set of compassionate ecological gardening tips and guidance on native species to support overwintering wildlife.

Bring a jar/vase to build a take-home native plant winter bouquet!

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected over 11,000 acres of natural lands, which are critically important to supporting biodiversity. Smaller patches of native habitats spread throughout urban landscapes are also essential to creating corridors of habitat – food and refuge – for wildlife. This is why we are offering our Habitat Advocate classes at Tec Centro in Lancaster City.

The cost of the Habitat Advocate classes covers instructor fees. If the cost of this class is prohibitive, please reach out to Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, at [email protected].

Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., is a community collaborator working to rebuild ecological literacy and biodiversity through hands-on ecological gardening experiences in South Central PA.She is certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and Ecological/Permaculture Designer, along with earning an Ecological Gardening Certification from Mt. Cuba Center. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Education, 7-12 Biology Teaching Certification, and participated in Cornell University’s Civic Ecology program.

Elyse works alongside homeowners in a participatory approach to their gardening for wildlife needs, infusing educational opportunities during the design, installation, and stewarding process. She invites homeowners to deeply engage with their land to maximize its potential in enhancing human well-being and supporting dwindling wildlife populations.

Note, you must have taken the prerequisite “Habitat Advocate: Building Biodiversity in our Community” prior to taking this course. Learn more about Habitat Advocate classes and certification .

Attendees ages 16 and over are invited but must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least two weeks before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation a day in advance for severe weather. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email and refunded.

Photo: Elyse Jurgen of Waxwing EcoWorks Co.

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