Recent Work of the Creation Care Team in our Community!
Members of our Creation Care team recently participated in an invasive species plant removal in Durham!
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September Seminars about Creation Care
Thursday evening webinars in September on creation care topics:
- Green Burial: Creation Care at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery - 9/4 7-8pm
- Restoring Harmony with God's Creation: Promoting Life with our Landscaping - 9/11 7-8pm
- Eco-Mission: Serving the Community of All Creation - 9/18 7-8pm
- Climate Change and Health: Keeping our Families and Communities Safe - 9/25 7-8pm
- Green Burial: Creation Care at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery - 9/4 7-8pm
- Restoring Harmony with God's Creation: Promoting Life with our Landscaping - 9/11 7-8pm
- Eco-Mission: Serving the Community of All Creation - 9/18 7-8pm
- Climate Change and Health: Keeping our Families and Communities Safe - 9/25 7-8pm
Fall Resources!
If you missed any of the NC Conference Season of Creation webinars, catch up on the recordings here:
https://vimeo.com/showcase/ncccreationcare
This November, you can drop off your whole or carved (but unpainted) pumpkins and squash at several designated locations every Saturday, starting November 2. The pumpkins will be composted by the City's composting contractor. In addition, residents can also drop off their pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns at no charge at the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center, 2115 E. Club Blvd., from November 2 - December 7 during business hours.
https://www.durhamnc.gov/5155/Pumpkin-Drop-Off-Options
https://vimeo.com/showcase/ncccreationcare
This November, you can drop off your whole or carved (but unpainted) pumpkins and squash at several designated locations every Saturday, starting November 2. The pumpkins will be composted by the City's composting contractor. In addition, residents can also drop off their pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns at no charge at the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center, 2115 E. Club Blvd., from November 2 - December 7 during business hours.
https://www.durhamnc.gov/5155/Pumpkin-Drop-Off-Options
Native Plants and Invasive Species
Native plants are crucial for supporting local pollinator and bird populations, many of which rely solely on particular plant species for food and shelter. Unfortunately, invasive species can overtake native plants and reduce biodiversity without providing benefits to local wildlife.
Here are some resources to help you get started with choosing native plants this spring. In addition to protecting local ecosystems, choosing native plants for your yard or garden reduces the amount of maintenance and watering required - a win/win!
Here are some resources to help you get started with choosing native plants this spring. In addition to protecting local ecosystems, choosing native plants for your yard or garden reduces the amount of maintenance and watering required - a win/win!
Managing Native Plant Landscapes
https://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/managingnative
An informative guide to managing native plant landscapes that highlights the benefits, challenges, and requirements for sites located in the Piedmont region.
Digging Durham Seed Library
https://durhamcountylibrary.org/digging-durham-seed-library/
Did you know that you can check out seeds at the library? The Digging Durham Seed Library offers vegetable, herb, and flower seeds that you can take home and plant. You can take seed packets each season, and if you grow seeds, you can donate them for others to check out. By providing both a repository for seeds and training for the folks who plant them, the seed library helps to improve local sustainable food sources, enhance food security, develop local biodiversity, and boost Durham’s foodie culture.
NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers
https://emgv.ces.ncsu.edu/need-gardening-help/
Use the Garden Help Directory to connect with Extension experts and NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers at your local N.C. Cooperative Extension County Center. Find many other resources to help you garden successfully.
NC Cooperative Extension’s List of Top Native Pollinator Plants
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-Top-25-Pollinator-Plants-1.pdf?fwd=no
NC Invasive Plant Council
https://nc-ipc.weebly.com/
A rich resource with invasive plant lists, tips for management, and educational materials for all ages.
Bradford Pear Bounty Program
As the weather warms, we see blooming trees everywhere, including the Bradford Pear (BP). When first released, BP was sterile (it did not produce fruit or seed), but due to the release of many new varieties that is no longer the case. As a result, BP has become an invasive species, we see it everywhere, and it is very difficult to control.
The NC Extension Service in cooperation with NC Forest Service, NC Urban Forest Council and the NC Wildlife Federation offers a bounty for all BP removed. You can replace BP with a native species provided by the program that will enhance your yard both in terms of beauty, tree longevity and increased use by birds, bees and others.
For more information go to: https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/02/nc-bradford-pear-bounty/
Durham Master Gardener blog
https://durhammastergardeners.com/
This blog is updated by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV) from Durham County, NC. Their goal is to provide research-based gardening information to the public.
Need a dose of inspiration?
Duke Gardens, the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, and the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh are beautiful sites to see native plantings. Check out their events or just go for a stroll.
Ready to take the next step beyond your own yard? Join others to volunteer or advocate for protection of our state’s natural resources! Here are a few non-partisan organizations that offer opportunities to volunteer, sign petitions, contact elected representatives, and other ways to advocate for conservation efforts:
NC Conservation Network: https://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/
NC League of Conservation Voters: https://nclcv.org/
Durham Environmental Coalition: https://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/dec
Eno River Association: https://www.enoriver.org/
https://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/managingnative
An informative guide to managing native plant landscapes that highlights the benefits, challenges, and requirements for sites located in the Piedmont region.
Digging Durham Seed Library
https://durhamcountylibrary.org/digging-durham-seed-library/
Did you know that you can check out seeds at the library? The Digging Durham Seed Library offers vegetable, herb, and flower seeds that you can take home and plant. You can take seed packets each season, and if you grow seeds, you can donate them for others to check out. By providing both a repository for seeds and training for the folks who plant them, the seed library helps to improve local sustainable food sources, enhance food security, develop local biodiversity, and boost Durham’s foodie culture.
NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers
https://emgv.ces.ncsu.edu/need-gardening-help/
Use the Garden Help Directory to connect with Extension experts and NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers at your local N.C. Cooperative Extension County Center. Find many other resources to help you garden successfully.
NC Cooperative Extension’s List of Top Native Pollinator Plants
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-Top-25-Pollinator-Plants-1.pdf?fwd=no
NC Invasive Plant Council
https://nc-ipc.weebly.com/
A rich resource with invasive plant lists, tips for management, and educational materials for all ages.
Bradford Pear Bounty Program
As the weather warms, we see blooming trees everywhere, including the Bradford Pear (BP). When first released, BP was sterile (it did not produce fruit or seed), but due to the release of many new varieties that is no longer the case. As a result, BP has become an invasive species, we see it everywhere, and it is very difficult to control.
The NC Extension Service in cooperation with NC Forest Service, NC Urban Forest Council and the NC Wildlife Federation offers a bounty for all BP removed. You can replace BP with a native species provided by the program that will enhance your yard both in terms of beauty, tree longevity and increased use by birds, bees and others.
For more information go to: https://forestry.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/02/nc-bradford-pear-bounty/
Durham Master Gardener blog
https://durhammastergardeners.com/
This blog is updated by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV) from Durham County, NC. Their goal is to provide research-based gardening information to the public.
Need a dose of inspiration?
Duke Gardens, the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, and the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh are beautiful sites to see native plantings. Check out their events or just go for a stroll.
Ready to take the next step beyond your own yard? Join others to volunteer or advocate for protection of our state’s natural resources! Here are a few non-partisan organizations that offer opportunities to volunteer, sign petitions, contact elected representatives, and other ways to advocate for conservation efforts:
NC Conservation Network: https://www.ncconservationnetwork.org/
NC League of Conservation Voters: https://nclcv.org/
Durham Environmental Coalition: https://www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/dec
Eno River Association: https://www.enoriver.org/
Joining the Creation Care team!
If you are interested in joining the Creation Care team, or learning more about the work they are doing around our building and in the community, reach out to Jennifer Shingleton or [email protected] for more information!