Co-sponsored by Va. Tech Catawba Sustainability Center and the Catawba Valley Ruritans

Gardening ABC-123

February 18th from 1-3pm; Catawba Community Center

Practice good watering skills, get your garden ready, preserve your harvest and/or sell at the farmer’s market.  Bring your favorite vegetable and/or fruit seeds to our 1st Annual Seed Swap!

For more information, email Judy Fielder or call Judy (540) 552-3654 or Louise Garman at (540) 384-6129

Rain Barrel Workshop – An old idea that is making a big splash!

March 24th from 9am-12pm

Cost is $40 for each rain barrel constructed (includes supplies).  Cash or check only.  Please register no later than two days before the workshop.  Observers welcome at no cost.  Click here to download the application.

For more information, contact Kathy Smith (540) 483-5431 x117, or Christy Gabbard (540) 767-6114

Wildflower Tour – Blake Preserve

April 14th from 10am-1pm

This workshop will feature spring wildflowers & beautiful waterfalls along the sparkling Mill Creek.  Bring a bag lunch & sturdy shoes.  The walking is flat with a few rocky spots.  Watch for signs along Catawba Road, Rt. 785.

For more information,email Butch Kelly or call at (540) 384-7249

How Safe is your Well Water?

May 5th from 10am-12pm

Our valley’s karst geology poses challenges to our health from the water we drink.  We’ll examine the water from several wells and springs, and water’s sources.

For more information, contact Ned Yost at (434) 972-2363.

Weeds or Gardener’s Treasures?

June 16th from 10am-12pm

Some plants are everyone’s weeds; others may be weeds to some, but to horticultural gardeners – treasures.  Tour of Guiles’ garden with 100 variety of trees with discussion of weed identification and control of both yard and field weeds.

For more information, contact Rob and Linda Guiles at (540) 384-6786

You Want Fish? You Need Chubs

July 7th from 1pm-3pm

Who builds the little rock mountains in our streams and why?  See ongoing research and hear what these mountains in the water tell us about fish populations in our streams.  Meet at McDonald’s Mill.

For more information, contact Ned Yost at (434) 972-2363.

Celebrate Catawba

August 11th from 10am-3pm

Celebrate the land and lives of the Catawba Valley.

For more information, contact Judy Fielder at (540) 552-3654

Is a Forest on Your Land in your Future?

September 15th from 10am-12pm

Tour of a recently established Tree Farm.  Look at the successes and failures of different trees and planting techniques.  Determine your objectives before you plant and some steps to take based on the area to be planted.

For more information, contact Rob Guiles at (540) 384-6786

Our Valley’s Oldest Structures

October 27th from 1:30pm-3:30pm

Visit three historic structures in the North Fork Rural Historic District and along Catawba Creek.  Learn about dendroarcheology, the science of tree-ring dating, that determined their construction dates.  Meet at McDonald’s Mill UMC Church.

For more information, contact Ned Yost at (434) 972-2363.