Upcoming Events at the Accokeek Foundation

Contact: Julie Brunton
Phone: 301.283.2113 ext. 20
Email: outreach@accokeek.org

From organic gardening to bluebirds and colonial foodways, the Accokeek Foundation is offering something for everyone!

The Rain Gardens and Conservation Landscaping class will teach you how to decrease your lawn space, increase soil, attract pollinators, reduce storm water runoff, and improve soil structure. If your interests are of the organic gardening persuasion, then the Seed Starting class is perfect for you. Get a jump on the growing season with this class, the second in the Organic Gardening series. (You need not have taken the first class to benefit from this one.) Sign up today for one or all of the series.

If your interests lie with wildlife, help preserve Maryland's bluebirds by joining us for the Bluebird Trail Volunteer Monitor workshop. Whether you'd like to help us monitor the Bluebird Trail, or want to bring bluebirds to your own backyard, this workshop will show you how.

And finally, on the history front, join us for the monthly Colonial Foodways program, where you'll learn from costumed interpreters the preparation of fashionable foods favored by the tobacco-growing gentry in Prince George's County.

RAIN GARDENS AND CONSERVATION LANDSCAPING
Saturday, March 14, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Education Center, Rain or Shine, $15 Non-Members, $10 Members
Rain gardens increase infiltration, decrease surface run-off from roofs, roads, and paved areas, and reduce the risk of flash flooding. In this workshop, our Horticulturist, Alexia Savold will explore the different factors to consider when designing a rain garden such as cost, plant species, necessary tools, and location. In the Conservation Landscaping section of the class, we will explore xeriscapes, hummingbird gardens, native meadows, and butterfly gardens. Learn about soil, light, and water needs of select plants.

SEED STARTING
Wednesday March 18, 2009
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Education Center, Rain or Shine
Why buy transplants when you can grow your plants from seeds? This class will provide you with the information you will need to grow your own seedlings and get a jump on the growing season. You will learn how to select the seeds, materials, and methods that will work best for you.

This class is part of the organic gardening class series. Cost per class is $30 for Non-Members, $25 for Members. The cost to take the entire series is $175 for Non-Members and $150 for Members.

Classes will take place on the 3rd Wednesday evening of every month from February to August, with occasional weekend, in-the-field, lab sessions to be scheduled by participants and instructors. Take home materials will be provided. Courses will be taught by Accokeek Foundation staff. Classes may be taken as the series, or individually for an additional price.

Other classes in the series include:
Garden Preparation: Wednesday April 15, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Composting and Soil Fertility: Wednesday May 20, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Weed and Pest Management: Wednesday June 17, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Trouble Shooting/Plant Clinic: Wednesday July 15, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Seed Saving and Winterizing Your Garden: Wednesday August 19, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 301.283.2113 or email the Foundation at accofound@accokeek.org.

BLUEBIRD TRAIL MONITOR VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Saturday, March 21, 2009
10:00 a.m. to noon
Education Center, Rain or Shine
Free, Registration Required
Join us as we learn about how to preserve Maryland's bluebirds. Barbara Chambers, of the Virginia Bluebird Society will talk about the importance of bluebirds, their habitat, bluebird boxes, and more. Those interested in becoming volunteers for the Ken Otis Bluebird trail will learn how to monitor the nesting boxes. Volunteer training will include a guided hike. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for walking in tall grasses and on various terrains. Eight volunteers are needed to monitor the nesting boxes from March through August. Contact Tricia Hardin at 301.283.2113, ext. 12 or by email at programs@accokeek.org to register.

COLONIAL FOODWAYS
Saturday, March 21, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3rd Saturdays Monthly from March through November
National Colonial Farm, Rain or Shine
Admission Fee Required, Members Free
Love food? Ever wonder how people cooked before microwaves or what people ate before fast food? Join us the 3rd Saturday monthly as costumed interpreters demonstrate preparation of fashionable foods favored by the tobacco-growing gentry in Prince George's County, Maryland on the eve of the American Revolution. Demonstrations vary monthly, and involve seasonally available foods, colonial implements and methods.