Habitatscaping™ Speaker Series: Sharon Mammoser
Join us for the first installment of our Habitatscaping™ speaker series !
More Habitat, Less Lawn: Getting Started with ReWilding Your Yard - an entertaining and inspirational presentation by one of the most passionate naturalists in our region, Sharon Mammoser.
Sharon is a regular contributor to ConservingCarolina.org, a Blue Ghost Firefly Tour Host (what’s that you might ask), a talented photographer, a Habitatscaping™ expert and so much more!
September 5 6-8 p.m.
Tryon Depot Room, 22 Depot Street, Tryon, NC 28782
Free community event: contributions welcome
Light refreshments served
Space is limited. Please request your seat reservation by emailing corriewds@gmail.com and providing your name and number attending.
More Habitat, Less Lawn: Getting Started with ReWilding Your Yard
Essential Elements of a Habitat Yard: Everything You Need to Know to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Space
In the United States, more than 40 million acres of land is turf grass. The fastest way to destroy an ecosystem is to transform it into lawn/turf grass—an outdated, expensive practice that creates a massive monoculture. Yet every summer, millions of people spend millions of dollars, and thousands of hours maintaining this monoculture. What if I told you there was another way– a way to keep some of your green space, but still welcome wildlife?
If we stop long enough to consider the impact this practice has on our Earth, we might change. 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, 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.
In this program, we’ll explore some ways to make your yards more wildlife friendly, starting with the creation of habitat islands in your lawn. We’ll discuss the caterpillar/bird connection, define some common garden terms, talk about keystone plants and soft landings, look at the needs of some of our local species of butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, and learn how simple changes in the way you maintain your space can have a giant impact. And don’t worry, rewilding your yard doesn’t mean you have to give up your beloved peonies or roses. Instead, it’s about finding a balance and including elements in your space that give wildlife a chance.
About Our Guest Speaker: Sharon Mammoser
Photographer, Teacher, Naturalist
From Sharon …
Nature is my church.
It is what nourishes my soul and makes my heart sing with joy. After a childhood full of time spent exploring the wild lands around my house in western New York state, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY at New Paltz. For the next 12 years I shared nature with people of all ages in Minnesota, Michigan, Rhode Island, Colorado and New York. In 2008 I thru-hiked the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail, an event that prompted me to move to western North Carolina where I now call home.
I aim to inspire in my audiences, no matter the age, a sense of wonder for the amazing world in which we live. I believe people should know their outdoor neighbors and I strive to encourage their interest and spark their curiosity in the natural world for only through understanding comes appreciation. I want to show people the impact of their actions and encourage them to become stewards of ALL things wild–not just the cute, cuddly and beautiful animals, but the hairy, scary, scaly, slimy, furry, feathery, giant, tiny and odd ones too. I believe every animal and plant deserves respect regardless of its place in the food web.
