Philadelphia Green Skills Conference

Posted by on January 13, 2006

Philadelphia Green Skills Conference

This one-day conference is designed for volunteers who are engaged in neighborhood greening projects, which strengthen and build their community. The three tracks of interest this year are Youth, Advocacy, and Tree Stewardship. It will be held at Moore College of Art and Design, 20th and Race Street on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

Concurrent Sessions I

A. Youth as Community Resources
Increasingly, youth are getting involved in environmental activities and programs. How do these young people help their communities? How can you help them? This interactive session will feature grass roots educators and youth presenting their experiences using gardening and environmental awareness to motivate and inspire through hands on activities.

B. Tree Care 101
Leery of picking up a spade or saw to plant, trim or tend a tree? Let the experts in ?best-practices? for tree planting (b&bs, container or bare root), pruning ?dos and don?ts? and root care techniques give you the basics in minutes without pain to you or your tree.

C. Getting Greener with Government
What government resources are available for green initiatives? How can tax dollars be used to fund greening projects on the city, state, and federal government level? What are the missions, goals, and objectives of government agencies focused on greening? How do greening initiatives fit into their agencies agenda? Meet government officials who can answer these questions and more.

Concurrent Session II

A. School Gardens as Community Resources
Several Philadelphia schools have gardens, and many more have some form of activities with plants. The ways these garden spaces can benefit the community, and vice versa, are endless. This session will include tips from school teachers highlighting how students and the community benefit in these examples of successful school-community collaborations.

B. Turning the Neighborhood on to Trees
Learn to ?make the case? for why a city neighborhood can?t live well without trees. Hear how some communities are turning concrete streetscapes into new urban forests using local ?people-powered? planting projects. Do your own neighborhood inventory to reveal ?hidden? resources close-at-hand for you to do the same.

C. Getting Out the Vote? for Greening!
Pennsylvania voters made Growing Greener II a reality. So what more can voters do to influence more government greening initiatives? How do we the people effectively support elected officials to obtain more resources for greening? Find out how to better bring your family, friends, schools, and greening groups to be more effective advocates for your community.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Krista Raneri-Cheeseman at 215-988-8760.

In case of inclement weather, please call Krista at 215-988-8760 for further information.

Registration Fee: $5 in advance. Must be postmarked by Friday, Jan 20 to qualify. $10 at the door. Scholarships are available; contact Sally McCabe for more information 215-988-8846 or to register.