Tidy up without destroying wildlife habitat! Join our Garden Tour to learn how to prepare your garden for winter ecologically.About this Event
Title: First Friday Tour: Putting the Garden to Bed (Ecologically!)
Date & Time: Friday, November 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Pollinator Haven Garden at N.C. Cooperative Extension – Lee County Center (2420 Tramway Rd, Sanford, NC 27332)
Cost: $5 per person (Includes a free native pollinator plant or seed packet!)
About This Event:
Put down the leaf blower and pruners! Traditional fall yard cleanups can accidentally destroy critical winter habitat for native bees, caterpillars, fireflies, and beneficial insects. Join the Lee County Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers and Extension Horticulture Agent for a special tour focused on ecological winter garden preparation.
Learn the art of "leaving the leaves," managing standing seed heads for winter bird feeding, and leaving hollow plant stems intact for stem-nesting bees—all while keeping your yard looking intentional, beautiful, and neat throughout the winter months.
What’s Included:
- A 1-hour guided walk led by Extension experts on accessible, flat pathways.
- Live examples of winter bed management and leaf shelter strategies.
- Time for Q&A on balancing suburban aesthetics with wildlife conservation.
- Bonus: A complimentary native pollinator plant or seed packet to take home!
Logistics & Arrival:
- Where to Meet: Please park in the main lot and gather at the Garden Shed by 9:55 AM.
- Walk-Up Payment: $5 cash or check (payable to NCCE-Lee County) at the Garden.
- Weather Policy: Tours run light rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, registered guests will be notified via email by 8:30 AM.
N.C. Cooperative Extension Statements:
- Nondiscrimination Statement: N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, and veteran status.
- Accommodation Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, N.C. Cooperative Extension will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to Amanda Bratcher at [email protected] or 919-775-5624 at least 4 days prior to the event.
- NC Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.
Event venue
2420 Tramway Rd, 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford, United States
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