In urban areas across the country (United States), County Extension offices are
actively working with landscapers to promote greater use of native plants.
Sometimes classes and seminars devoted solely to the topic are held, more often
the information is integrated into presentations on pruning or irrigation. An
ecologist willing to share his/her knowledge about native plants (with a gentle
approach) would be welcomed as a valuable resource.
A good way to reach the average home owner is through the Master Gardener
programs available is all fifty states (United States). Master Gardeners
answer help phone lines and have information booths with booklets and pamphlets
at home shows, county fairs, and at plant sales. MGs also teach short classes
to the general public at places such as public libraries, garden club meetings,
landscaping seminars and public parks. Master Gardener programs are always
associated with a land grant university so most of the literature dispensed is
peer-reviewed and all the literature is research-based.
Ecologists could help by teaching a short seminar (1-2 hours) to Master
Gardeners, by being the guest speaker at a monthly meeting or co-authoring
literature that will be dispensed to landscapers and the general public. Does
this stimulate any other ideas on how you could help? If you think you can
make a contribution through this venue, please contact the local County
Extension Office and ask to speak with the Master Gardener Coordinator
Colleen Grant
(certified Master Gardener but on 6-months leave from Southern Nevada Master
Gardeners)
