Once again the Southside Master Gardener Association is offering gardening classes at the South Boston – Halifax County Museum. The Friday March 9 and 23 programs are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. These programs are free and open to the public. Registration is requested by calling 434-476-2147 option 0 or emailing ask@ssmga.org.
First up on March 9 is A Walk Through the Woods with naturalist and wildlife photographer Mike Roberts. Mike is known to local school children through his Return to Nature program. Having visited a natural history museum and hearing teachers give their students incorrect information was troubling. That night he had an epiphany, what if he could visit schools and speak to students about nature and conservation presenting factual information in a way that could keep them engaged. Return to Nature was born in 1991 and it would not be unusual for Mike to bring a rattlesnake to the classroom to get the students’ attention.
Mike enjoys the outdoors, a passion that is shared with his now centenarian Dad. They continue to partake in the love of hunt that provides “a source of personal hope for another season”. Mike also writes a column in the Virginia Wildlife Magazine called “A Walk Through the Woods” on which this presentation is based. Mike will take us for a walk through his camera lens with dialogue to explain the creatures and plant life we encounter. He will provide some photography tips on how to these intriguing photos. Mike will show us how nature works in symbiotic relationship to help each other. You will come away wanting to take your own walk through the woods and see what you can discover.
On March 23 Southside Master Gardener Janice Aulisio will share with us Alternative Gardening Methods from Around the World. Janice learned about the topic at last year’s Master Gardener College and was so intrigued by the information she offered to do her own research to share with others. Most of these methods are designed to save space and resources. Japan is a good example of a country that if forced to use a small amount of space to feed the population. Janice will demonstrate some of their very innovation techniques. Through Janice’s presentation you will get ideas on ways to grow primarily vegetables and fruits to get maximum yield from small spaces.
The Museum is located at 1540 Wilborn Avenue in South Boston. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Halifax Extension Office to make your reservation at 434-476-2147 option 0 or email ask@ssmga.org. Come on out, learn something new and have fun doing it!
