Native Wildflower Meadow Planting at Mosquito Control

2100 Leon C Simon Drive,New Orleans LA 70122

16 April, 2021

Description

Help plant a native wildflower meadow and take home an illustrated wildflower field guide. The New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control Board (NOMRTCB) is working with Civic Studio, the Water Leaders Institute, Antenna, the Native Plant Initiative of GNO, and artist Courtney Egan to plant a native wildflower meadow at Mosquito Control headquarters, located at 2100 Leon C. Simon. The public is invited to join the planting process, and to engage a diverse array of opportunities for hands-on learning, dialog, art, and music from April to June as part of Seeds & Beats 2021: Reflections and Explorations on Water, Ecology, and Infrastructure. The planting is taking place during two periods of time: Friday, April 16, 4 to 6 p.m.Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.DETAILS: NOMRTCB is replacing 1,200 square feet of turf grass with a native wildflower meadow. This will be a chance for project partners and the public to explore how native plants can be integrated into urban landscapes in order to improve biodiversity, create pollinator habitat, reduce runoff, and develop more sustainable practices for designing and maintaining urban green spaces. Participants will learn from plants experts about different native wildflowers, and how they interact with soils, bugs, and water. Participants will receive an illustrated field guide to the wildflowers that make up the meadow, as well as common weeds to look out for as the meadow gets established. COVID 19: Please dress for the weather, and follow all public health guidelines for masks and social distancing, and do not join if you’re experiencing any symptoms of illness. We will have hand sanitizer and extra masks on hand. Questions? Please contact [email protected] or call (949) 981-9159. -- STEWARDSHIP: In May and June, there will be additional opportunities to contribute to the Native Wildflower Meadow, paired with community conversations, science talks, and arts and culture events. These include a talk on Mosquitoes and Water and performances by Sly Watts and chamber music group Les Cenelles. The Meraux Foundation, Tulane’s River and Coastal Center, Delta Flora, New Orleans Botanical Garden, and the Native Plant Initiative of GNO are providing plants and seeds. The site is part of the City of New Orleans Gentilly Resilience District.