About this Event
Backyard Sustainability Series – Spring 2026
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.
All sessions are held Wednesdays from 5:30–6:45 PM.
Series Schedule & Speakers:
- May 6, 2026 – Our Ecological Backyard
Ecological principles of sustainable home landscapes
Speaker: Amy Mead - May 13, 2026 – Stormwater Solutions
Stormwater runoff, rain gardens, and water quality
Speaker: Matt Collogan - May 20, 2026 – Importance of Pollinators
Native plants, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem support
Speaker: Gabriella de Souza - May 27, 2026 – Backyard Composting
Composting methods, soil health, and waste reduction
Speaker: Sarah Dousharm, New Hanover County Recycling & Waste - June 3, 2026 – Trees for Resiliency
Tree selection, climate resilience, and long-term landscape value
Speaker: Amy Mead - June 10, 2026 – Recycling Right
Recycling best practices and contamination reduction
Speaker: UNCW Recycling, Feletia Lee
To maximize educational impact, participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions, though individual registrations are welcome. Together, these programs provide a holistic look at how thoughtful landscape and household choices can support environmental health now and into the future.
Meet Sara Dousharm
Sara is the Program Coordinator for the Garbage to Gardens school composting program with New Hanover County Recycling and Solid Waste. She has a B.S. degree in conservation biology from UNCW and has been working as an environmental educator for the last decade. Her passion for composting is rooted in a deep appreciation for the environment and an interest in gardening. When she isn’t teaching about the wonders of decomposition, Sara enjoys birding, thrifting, and arts and crafts.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Gabriella de Souza, [email protected]. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 15 days before the event.
NC State University is an equal opportunity institution.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New Hanover County Arboretum | N.C. Cooperative Extension, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, United States
USD 0.00
