Rebecca Jacobs and Hildy Ellis of Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District will present a lecture series with tips on how you can beautify your home landscape and improve water quality at the same time! The three-part series will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. on July 18 and 25 and August 1 at the Midcoast Friends Meeting at 7 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. To learn more about how you can prevent soil erosion and run-off, eliminate the use of toxic chemicals, and provide food for pollinators and birds all while delighting in flowers and fragrance, join us for one – or all – of the following programs:

July 18: Native Plants for Water Quality, Wildlife, and WOW!

When choosing plants for your home landscape, why not choose a native or native cultivar that will be well-adapted to the environment, provide habitat for wildlife, and add a certain something special to your landscape? Join us to meet native perennials and shrubs that can be found locally - and learn which non-natives to avoid. Learn tips and techniques on how to improve your landscape with all of these elements in mind.

July 25: Lush Lawns without Chemicals

Do you want a healthy, safe, and attractive lawn? Weed and insect controls are designed to be toxic - just because they can be bought at a store doesn't mean they are safe. Fertilizers are often used unnecessarily, wasting money and polluting our waters. We can help you reduce the use of fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides and still have a lush, green lawn!

August 1: Beef Up Your Buffer: More IS Better

Whether you are building a “living fence” along your property or your aim is to improve water quality by reducing erosion and run-off along your waterfront, a buffer is what you need! Vegetated buffers absorb water and nutrients, trap excess soil, provide wildlife habitat, and mimic natural systems to create a dynamic landscape to enjoy in all seasons. This program provides tips on buffer design and techniques for plant selection and successful establishment.

Registration fee is $10 per class or $25 for the series. For more information and directions, you may register and pay online at www.knox-lincoln.org/adult-programs or call or email Hildy: 596-2040 or info@knox-lincoln.org.

Conservation Landscaping Series is offered in partnership with Pemaquid and Damariscotta Lake Watershed Associations and Muscongus Pond Association.