The Environmental Learning Center at Clackamas Community College is once again offering a free series of Zoom classes on wildlife-and-water-friendly gardens.

Back by popular demand, this series will provide tips on how to garden with less water, manage too much stormwater, and generally provide a healthier habitat for birds, pollinating insects, and more. Each week, a different expert presenter will share their experience, stories, and best practices. There will be plenty of time for discussion, so questions are encouraged.

The classes will take place from noon–1 p.m. Thursdays on Zoom, starting January 26, and all are free. Each session stands alone, so participants can sign up for any that interest them. Scheduled topics are as follows:

• Jan. 26: How to Grow a Sustainable Lawn
• Feb. 2: Encouraging Beneficial Insects, Spiders, and Mini-Creatures
• Feb. 9: Avoiding Invasives in the Garden
• Feb. 16: Drought Tolerant Native Plants for Pollinators
• Feb. 23: Attracting Birds While Protecting Watershed Health
• March 2: Ways That We Impact Watersheds in Our Garden Decisions
• March 9: Garden Design Considerations for Managing Stormwater and Erosion

The series is sponsored by Clackamas Water Environment Services, and supported by community partners Clackamas River Basin Council, Clackamas River Water Providers, Oak Lodge Water Services and North Clackamas Watersheds Council. Speakers and session descriptions are available here.

Those interested must register online in advance to reveive the Zoom link and participate. For more information or questions, email Michelle Scholz at michelle.scholz@clackamas.edu.