Workshop offers tips on transforming your lawn into a pollinator oasis

The Lynnwood Fish Hatchery hosted a workshop on June 13, where community members explored alternatives to traditional lawns. Paisley Blume from the Snohomish Conservation District highlighted the environmental costs of turf lawns, which represent nearly one-third of residential water consumption in the U. S. Blume explained that these lawns provide minimal support for pollinators, crucial for biodiversity, as North American pollinator populations decline. She encouraged participants to consider planting native, pollinator-friendly species that require less water and support local wildlife.

Practical tips were shared on converting existing lawns into thriving native gardens, including the effective use of sheet mulching for soil health. Blume also suggested creating rain gardens to manage excess water and reduce runoff pollution. Attendees received valuable resources, including links to native plant nurseries and information on certification with the National Wildlife Federation. The workshop aimed to empower individuals to enhance biodiversity in their own backyards.