Community Education Programs

We are working on future programs.  Here's what we offered in 2025:

Rewild Delmarva with Holly Dempsey

Are native plants different? Why the concern about pollinators? How can we practice sustainable gardening and landscaping?  Holly Fluty Dempsey, founder of ReWild DELMARVA, will lead an interactive talk to explore our past and present relationship with nature and the ecological landscape movement that is spreading rapidly in our area and across North America. ReWild DELMARVA is based at the Island Bays Garden Center and supports Homegrown National Parks, started by University of Delaware Professor Doug Tallamy. 

Invasive Plants & Habitat Management with Gregg Woolston

Invasive species pose a threat to our ecosystems.  Plant biodiversity is important for our well being. How can we make a difference in our own lawns & gardens by choosing landscape plants that provide an ecological function?  

Pocket Meadows with Sussex Master Gardeners

Turf grass makes up more than 40 million acres in the USA, providing little value to the ecosystem.  Care and management of turf grass is expensive and time consuming.  Studies show that bees, birds, and other pollinators continue to decline due to loss of habitat, use of pesticides, etc.  Increasing habitat using native plants is critical to stop this decline. Sussex County Master Gardeners will review and provide examples of steps homeowners can take to reduce turf grass, add beauty and interest to yards and gardens while helping the pollinators we depend upon.   For a step-by-step guide, see Lose the Lawn.