This six-part educational series explores practical, science-based approaches to creating more sustainable home landscapes in southeastern North Carolina. Each session features a local expert and focuses on actionable strategies homeowners can apply immediately. Participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions, though individual registrations are welcome. Each talk will begin at 5:30 PM and end at 6:30 PM.
Backyard Sustainability Series – Spring 2026
(Updated: May 18, 2026, 1:34 p.m.)
| Date | Session | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Our Ecological Backyard | Ecological principles of sustainable home landscapes | Amy Mead |
| Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Stormwater Solutions | Stormwater runoff, rain gardens, and water quality | Matt Collogan |
| Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Importance of Pollinators | Native plants, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem support | Gabriella de Souza |
| Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | Backyard Composting | Composting methods, soil health, and waste reduction | Sarah Dousharm, New Hanover County Recycling & Waste |
| Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | Trees for Resiliency | Tree selection, climate resilience, and long-term landscape value | Amy Mead |
| Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | Recycling Right | Recycling best practices and contamination reduction | Feletia Lee, UNCW Recycling |
All sessions are held at the New Hanover County Arboretum | N.C. Cooperative Extension, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. Doors open at 5:15–5:20 PM. Free parking is available. Each talk will begin at 5:30 PM and end at 6:30 PM.
Registration
Each session is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Register for individual sessions using the links in the schedule above.
Continuing Education Credits
We have exciting news! The Backyard Sustainability Series has been officially approved for up to 6 continuing education hours (1 hour per session) by the NC Board of Landscape Architects. If you are looking for engaging, research-based continuing education opportunities to fulfill your requirements, this 6-session series is the perfect fit.
Accommodations
Accommodation requests should be directed to Gabriella de Souza at gadesouz@ncsu.edu at least 15 days before the event. NC State University is an equal opportunity institution.
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