Northwest Natural Yard Days: April 15 to May 15

Northwest Natural Yard Days (NNYD) is a partnership of local government agencies, cities and local water providers. The goal of this popular program is to encourage residents of King County and surrounding areas to practice natural yard care. This is done through discounts on natural yard care product sales in the spring each year. For more information, see King County's Northwest Natural Yard Days website.

Backyard Habitat workshop and two Evening Classes at Woodland Park Zoo

Backyard Habitat Workshop
Four-part Workshop:
Monday, April 7, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, April 14, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, April 21, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Would you like to attract wildlife to your backyard? Please join Woodland Park Zoo, National Wildlife Federation, Seattle Audubon Society and Washington Native Plant Society for a workshop on creating a backyard wildlife habitat. A "backyard habitat" can be a small space, schoolyard or community garden.

YOU can make a difference for Wildlife - Habitat Begins at Home!
Cost: $55 (or $100 per couple); $35 for Phinney Neighborhood Association members

Water Features for Wildlife
Evening class: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $20
Clean, fresh water is a crucial part of any habitat. Join Woodland Park Zoo and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff in learning about the variety of ways you can provide water for urban wildlife in your own backyard. You'll see examples of different types of water features, such as ponds, birdbaths and fountains. You'll also learn about the natural history of local amphibians and how to provide habitat for these sensitive animals.

Are Weeds Taking Over Your Backyard?
Evening class: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Cost: $20
Weeds are tough invaders that can quickly dominate your backyard. These non-native, invasive plants crowd out native plants that provide habitat for wildlife and some of them can harm you and your children and even your pets. All noxious weeds are hard to control and will only get worse if you leave them alone. Join Woodland Park Zoo and King County's Noxious Weed Control Program to learn more about the threats noxious weeds pose, as well as how to identify and eradicate some of our area's worst noxious weeds.

To register for the workshop or classes: download application form from Woodland Park Zoo's website: http://www.zoo.org/educate/adult/workshops.html

Questions? Call or email Jenny Mears at 206-548-2557 or jenny.mears@zoo.org

Living with Wildlife: Open House

Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

In light of the recent developments at Discovery Park regarding coyote encounters with humans, several state and local agencies have joined together to bring you helpful information designed to reduce conflicts with urban wildlife. Partners at the Open House include: Seattle Parks and Recreation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Animal Shelter. These agencies will be able to:

• answer questions about coyotes, including addressing your concerns
• discuss how to peacefully co-exist with many types of urban wildlife
• instruct you on how to humanely provide care for feral cats
• show you how to make your backyard a wildlife friendly environment and much more

Light snacks will be provided. Please join us! Catharine Blaine K-8, 2550 34th Ave. W

Are Noxious Weeds Taking Over Your Backyard?

Noxious weeds are tough invaders that can quickly dominate your backyard. These non-native, invasive plants crowd out native plants that provide habitat for wildlife and some of them can harm you, your children and even your pets. All noxious weeds are hard to control and will only get worse if you leave them alone. Join Woodland Park Zoo and King County's Noxious Weed Control Program to learn more about the threats noxious weeds pose, as well as how to identify and eradicate some of our area's worst noxious weeds.

Date and time: Monday, November 12th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $20 ($15 for Woodland Park Zoo staff and volunteers)
Location: Woodland Park Zoo

To register: Download a registration form here or contact Jenny Mears at (206) 615-1027 or jenny.mears@zoo.org

Savvy Gardener Classes and Discounted Plants!

The Saving Water Partnership has partnered with several area nurseries to offer discounts (at least 25% off) on plants that will thrive in different conditions. This plant promotion is designed to help you match the right plants with the conditions you have in your garden (right place). See the Saving Water Partnership Web site for more info.

The Saving Water Partnership is also sponsoring FREE Savvy Gardener Classes this fall from a variety of gardening and horticulture professionals. See the Saving Water Partnership Web site for class topics, locations, dates and times.

Warning about Backyard Bird Feeders

"After reports of sick or dead birds at backyard feeders in Washington, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended that people temporarily discontinue bird feeding or take extra steps to keep their feeders clean."

Details here:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Dead_Birds.html

Backyard Habitat Workshop in September

The next Backyard Habitat Workshop will be:

Thursday, September 6th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Monday, September 10th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, September 15th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

For more information on this three-part workshop, please visit the zoo's Backyard Habitat workshops page or email jenny.mears@zoo.org