2012 WORKSHOP SERIES
In an effort to spread the word on ways to keep Indianapolis beautiful, KIB is kicking off its 2012 Workshop series! Workshops will be monthly, from 6-8 p.m. at KIB’s office, located in Fountain Square. Topics vary each month, and no experience is required to participate.
Pre-registration and a $10 registration fee is required to attend.
* Check out the series to find a topic that interests you, and remember; while most workshops are $10, KIB SOLAR, Adopt-A-Block, and green team member will receive a discount. Please contact Ashlee at afujawa@kibi.org to register for the workshop at a discounted price.
February 23
Vermicomposting at Home
Black gold! That’s what worm compost is called. Turn your trash to treasure using the humble red worm. Fruit and veggie waste, pizza boxes, old phonebooks and junk mail will be transformed into nutrient-rich worm compost. All in the privacy of your own home (or garage). This demo will be led by Keith O’Dell, owner of Castaway Compost. He will show you how to set up a worm bin, provide handouts, answer questions and try to convince you to keep over 200 pounds of food waste out of the waste stream.
March 22
Planting Natives Workshop
Learn the benefits of planting local with Bob Eddleman of the Hoosier Heartland RC&D Council, Inc. Come with questions about invasive species and take notes on how-to get rid of as many invasive plants and how-to restore cleaned up areas using natives--you know, letting nature restock itself.
April 17
Edible Weeds Workshop
Join KIB and Greg Monzel, community herbalist, for an in-depth presentation on medicinal and edible weeds. A walking workshop, you will look at any wild plants, whether occupying cracks in sidewalks, lawns or lots, street trees, etc. as you trek through Fountain Square. Along the way, you’ll learn the name of many of the plants you meet; their identifying features, and how you can use them for food and/or medicine. You will sample the flavors of some plants, and learn to treat others with caution. The walking will not be too strenuous with ample time for questions. Kid-friendly, this walking presentation has it all!
May 24
Landscape 101
Learn what you should be doing and not doing in your yard, from “right tree right place” to discerning the difference between an exotic and an invasive plant. This workshop is geared more for the “brown thumb” who wants a better looking landscape, who might want to create a special place outside their house, and increase the value of their home in the process.
June 21
Bird-Friendly Backyards
Join KIB and the Amos W. Butler Audubon Society as we discuss topics like planting natives, establishing nesting and roosting areas, reducing invasive species, reducing structural hazards, and much, much more!
A bird-friendly habitat not only enhances enjoyment of nature, but also adds to the health of the ecosystem. Amanda Smith, of the Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Department will be our special guest speaker.
July 12
How to Kill a Tree Workshop
This presentation will explore the ways that we unintentionally kill trees, sometimes by giving them too much “love” and sometimes by unknowingly inflicting abuse. Learn the proper way to “hug” your tree from certified arborist, Nate Faris.
August 9
Greening Your Home
Through this workshop, you can learn about where energy loss in your home truly occurs and how trees really can impact your pocket book. Guest Speaker Ron Zmyslo, owner of Preserve Restore Maintain Indy, will share updated blower pressure door technology and energy efficiency technology and research.
The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership will present and share how their programs can assist you plan home improvement projects and save money.
September 20
Bike Bucket Workshop
Ever wanted to ride your bike to the market but not have enough room in your backpack to carry all of your items home?
We’ll RE-USE 4 gallon square buckets (better known for holding kitty litter) to make Bike Buckets that attach to the rack on your bicycle. All material, hardware, tools and instructions will be provided (feel free to bring your own buckets if you have them or we can provide them).
October 16
Recycling 101
Come learn the difference between plastics #1 and #2, and find out where you can drop off anything and everything. Bring your reduce, reuse and recycle questions, and get ready to learn the history, and the future of recycling in the Circle City.
November 15
Raising Backyard Chickens
Pop Quiz: What has two legs, a beak, and feathers...and is the latest must-have tool for an urban garden?
Answer: Chickens. Yes, chickens!
The backyard chicken movement is thriving in Indianapolis--don’t miss out any longer! Come join KIB and Nap Town Chickens as we explore the basics of raising a flock of urban biddies.
TBA
Vacant Land can be Integrated into the Neighborhood
KIB is exploring options to help improve a vacant lot after a property is demolished through mowing programs, creation of greenspace and land stabilization for redevelopment into the urban fabric. Come join us to learn about these efforts and what you can do to help your neighborhood address vacant land. Lynn Lynch from the Marion County Division of Health and Hospital and Frank Hagaman founder of the Land Bank of Indianapolis will be special guest speakers.
