You are invited to join fellow tree lovers in a rapid forest building workshop, facilitated by Elyse Jurgen, ecological gardener and educator. Explore the experimental restoration technique called the Miyawaki Method by being hands on in the planting of over 300 native tree and shrub saplings of 13 species, including Spicebush, Oak, Redbud, and Serviceberry.
The Miyawaki Method, originated in Japan by acclaimed ecologist Akira Miyawaki, has demonstrated 10 times the growth rate of conventional tree plantings, even in challenging urban conditions. As a result, a multitude of ecological functions are more rapidly realized, such as:
Carbon sequestration to combat climate change
Building biodiversity
Providing supportive habitat for wildlife
Growing botanical medicines and edibles
Capturing stormwater runoff
Regenerating soil health
and more!
Gain the skills and confidence to apply the process practiced on site at Homefields to your next home lawn conversion project or a shared community space.
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Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., is a community collaborator working to rebuild ecological literacy and biodiversity through hands-on ecological gardening experiences in Lancaster/York County, PA.
She is certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and Ecological/Permaculture Designer, along with earning an Ecological Gardening Certification from Mt. Cuba Center. In addition to her ecological design skills, she has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education, 7–12 Biology Teaching Certification, and participated in Cornell University’s Civic Ecology program.
Elyse works alongside homeowners in a participatory approach to their gardening for wildlife needs, infusing educational opportunities during the design, installation, and management process. She invites homeowners to deeply engage with their land to maximize its potential in supporting dwindling bee, butterfly, and bird populations.
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Thank you to Lancaster Community Wildlife Habitat and Lancaster TreeTenders for their generous native tree and shrub seedling donation to make this workshop possible. Each participant will also receive a freebie take home tree or shrub of their choice!
Please inquire about scholarships for underrepresented communities.
Space is limited to 12 participants. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring your favorite planting tool. Workshop will be held outdoors and masks are required.
Raindate: Saturday, November 14th at 1:30-4pm