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COLUMBUS—The Gardening for Life Celebration will return to Polk County High School on March 30. This free event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and will explore the many ways that true conservation begins at home, right outside our doors.

The inaugural Celebration occurred in March 2023 when more than 700 people traveled from across the region to hear a presentation by conservationist Doug Tallamy, to shop for native plants and to explore educational exhibits. The day was designed to engage the community in meaningful conversations about the many ways conservation begins at home. 

“The March 2023 event kicked off a tremendous amount of excitement. That was our goal! Attendees left the day asking questions like, What’s next? How can I put this information into action in my yard? Where can I find resources to continue the learning?” says Corrie Woods, who serves on the project’s leadership team. “In response, we created a Learning Center at gardeningforlifeproject.org where folks can discover helpful links to resources on everything from invasive species to backyard ecology to what native plants grow best where. In addition, given the overwhelming response, we decided that another day of celebration was called for.”

The Gardening for Life 2024 Conservation Speaker will be Jim McCormac, an award-winning author, botanist, conservationist and acclaimed photographer. He will take the stage to deliver a captivating presentation on the mysterious world of moths. McCormac will unveil the crucial role moths play in pollination and maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem.

Other highlights of the day will include a native plant sale offering a wide selection of native plants from many of the region’s finest growers, and educational exhibits from organizations and community educators who will provide valuable insights, tips and tools for nurturing habitat at home and in the local area. The event will also highlight student engagement in conservation, spotlighting ways area students are actively participating in conservation lessons and activities.

Attendee perks include free packages of pollinator-friendly seeds and entry into a free drawing for some outdoor fun and adventure.

This free event is made possible by the support of dozens of community partners. Lead partners include The Congregational Church (UCC) Tryon, Conserving Carolina, New View Realty, Claussen Walters Real Estate, Champions for Wildlife, Mast General Store, Wild Birds Unlimited Hendersonville, Modera Wealth, Green Blade Garden Club, Tryon Garden Club and Denny and Skip Crowe.

For more information, visit gardeningforlifeproject.org. and visit conservingcarolina.org for information on event registration.

Gardening for Life Project is an all-volunteer community initiative based out of Polk County. Its mission is to inspire our community to preserve and protect biodiversity in the Carolina Foothills by beginning right outside our doors. Conservation begins at home.

Submitted by Rose Jenkins Lane