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TRYON—The Gardening For Life Project will present a free talk on Thursday, September 5, at the Tryon Depot as part of its Habitatscaping Speaker Series. The program, entitled “More Habitat, Less Lawn: Getting Started with Rewilding Your Yard,” will feature guest speaker Sharon Mammoser. The talk will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Mammoser, a regular contributor to conservingcarolina.org and a Blue Ghost Firefly tour host, is a talented photographer and a ‘Habitatscaping’ expert. She says that the fastest way to destroy an ecosystem is to transform it into a lawn or turf grass. 

“If we stop long enough to consider the impact this practice has on our Earth, we might change,” Mammoser says. “If we understand how birds are connected to insects and insects to native plants, we might change. If we realize the ecological services habitat provides—like oxygen, clean water, and flowering plants courtesy of pollinators—we might change. Most of all, if we understood that we are a part of nature rather than separated from it, we might change.”

The program will explore ways to make yards more wildlife-friendly, starting with the creation of habitat islands. Keystone plants and the needs of local species of butterflies, moths, and other pollinators will be discussed.

“It’s about finding a balance and including elements in your space that give wildlife a chance,” says Mammoser.

This event is free, but donations are welcome to help cover costs, and space is limited. Reservations should be requested by emailing Corrie Woods at corriewds@gmail.com. 

The Tryon Depot is located at 22 Depot Street. For more information, visit gardeningforlifeproject.org.