Sustainability Symposium Addresses Climate Change and Its Impact on Northeast Ohio
Plant enthusiasts in Northeast Ohio surely have noticed earlier blooms, unexpected freezes, extended droughts and fluctuating weather patterns in recent years. So what’s a gardener to do about hotter, drier summers and seemingly milder winters?
Cleveland Botanical Garden offers some answers at its 8th annual Sustainability Symposium from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, January 26, at the Garden, 11030 East Boulevard. Experts will share advice for how green thumbs can prepare for changes in the climate and seasonality while treading softly on our planet.
Scott Sheridan, Ph.D., professor of climatology at Kent State University, delivers the keynote address: “Climate Change and Our Future Environment.” He’ll discuss new climate trends we’re already seeing in the Greater Cleveland area and what further changes in weather patterns we may see in the coming decades. He’ll specifically discuss how changes in seasonality, floods, droughts and pests could impact the overall landscape of Northeast Ohio in coming years.
Additional topics and speakers include:
Green Gardening for Winter Interest
Larry Giblock, Lead Horticulturist, Cleveland Botanical Garden
From interesting ways to protect your plants from ice and wind to surprise placement of art and plants as focal points, you’ll learn how to make the most of your garden in winter with sustainable practices.
Spring Cleaning: Removing Home-Based Hazardous Materials
Kathleen Rocco, Education Specialist, Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District
Find out what materials in your home and garden may be hazardous and how to properly store and dispose of them. Plus, learn safe substitutes for common cleaning products.
Sustainable Communities Manage Stormwater Using Natural Landscape Features
Linda Mayer, Environmental Education Specialist, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
See how innovative and attractive stormwater management practices are preventing water pollution and restoring a more natural system to the landscape in Northeast Ohio.
Healthy Plants, Healthy You: Caring for Your Tropicals Through the Seasons
Joseph Mehalik, Glasshouse Manager, Cleveland Botanical Garden
Pick up tips for helping your tropical plants to thrive indoors during these winter months, including guidelines for lighting, temperature and watering. Plus, learn why it’s healthier for you to have these plants in your home all year long.
Preserving Your Fall Garden Harvest
Linnette Goard, Assistant Professor/Field Specialist, Food Safety, Selection and Management, The Ohio State University Extension
Extend your season’s bounty by using the most effective home-food preservation techniques. Learn about canning and freezing fruits and vegetables grown in your garden.
Admission to the Sustainability Symposium is $60 per person and $50 for Garden members and includes parking in the Garden’s garage. Registration in advance is encouraged by calling 216-721-1600 ext. 100 or visiting cbgarden.org.
Optional activities include an Introduction to T’ai Chi class from 8:15 to 9 am for $10 and an Introduction to Yoga class from 3:15 to 4:15 pm for $6 per person. Conservation-minded exhibitors will be on hand throughout the Symposium.
Cleveland Botanical Garden is an ever-changing urban escape where you’ll find enrichment and inspiration through fabulous gardens, an exotic Glasshouse and enchanting events. We make our community greener and healthier by growing young lives and restoring land throughout the city.
Cleveland Botanical Garden receives public support through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
MEDIA CONTACT: Tom O'Konowitz, firstname.lastname@example.org, 216.707.2818