York Ready for Climate Action (YRFCA) is proposing the “Grow Native Initiative”, a program based around educating the public on invasive/non-native plant species and low-cost eco-friendly gardening practices. The first part of this initiative will provide households with informational pamphlets. These monthly pamphlets will contain sustainable and low-cost gardening techniques as well as information regarding invasive/non-native and native plant species that are prevalent in the York area. Along with the pamphlets, each household will receive a monthly gift of starter bulbs, seed packets, fertilizers, or other beginner gardening equipment. The products that will be in these gifts will be locally sourced. Starter LED light bulbs will come from our partners; Eldredge Lumber, Efficiency Maine, and MaxLite. The seed packets will come from the Wild Seed Project, an organization that focuses on getting native plants back into the Maine community. The fertilizer will be sourced from individuals active in Waste Reduction and Diversion.
The second part of this initiative involves updating the YRFCA website to include specific educational classes and videos regarding invasive/non-native plant species and eco-friendly gardening practices.
The final part of the initiative focuses on community events. Twice a year, the YRFCA will host an event that focuses on either gardening workshops or local business markets. We hope to make these events free to the public, with the only expenses going towards local vendors and businesses. The YRFCA will also be active within these events through educational booths, compost sites, recycling areas, and EcoHome sign-up information.
