January 10, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BANISH THE WINTER BLUES BY SIGNING UP FOR SPRING YARD CARE TRAINING CLASS

Charlotte, NC – The calendar may say January, but now is a great time to start thinking about spring yard care. This class teaches the landscaping techniques that reduce the reliance of watering, pesticides and other high maintenance activities. Enroll now in classes to learn how to reshape your landscape in an environmentally friendly manner - and make it an oasis for birds, butterflies and your friends and family.

Mecklenburg County offers two programs in late winter and spring.

- McPLANT: Master Composters Piedmont Landscape and Naturescape Training: The project is available by application only and will train 25 Master Composter volunteers. Attend a 12-week course beginning February 7 to learn about composting, soil stewardship, toxicity reduction, home yard care, piedmont naturescaping and habitat and natural gardening. The training is free, but volunteers will be asked to help with projects in schools, neighborhoods, the Southern Spring Show and others. Classes will be held Thursday evenings 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 248 Ridgewood Avenue, Charlotte. There will be the occasional field trip on Saturday.

- PLANT: Piedmont Landscape and Naturescape Training: Attend Saturday classes March 15 - June 7 to learn the basics of composting, grasscycling, toxicity reduction, Southern xeriscaping, soil testing and habitat. You receive four hours of hands-on instruction, a how-to manual and wire compost bin. Class locations vary and the cost is $10 - $15 per session, depending on the location.

The schedules for both and more information are available at www.wipeoutwaste.com (click on PLANT). To register, visit the Web site or call 704-432-1970.

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Media contact:
Dana Glenn at 704-432-1970 or Dana.Glenn@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or
Alex Burnett at 704-432-0361 or Alex.Burnett@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov