Workshop offers tips on transforming your lawn into a pollinator oasis

On June 13, community members participated in a workshop at the Lynnwood Fish Hatchery to learn about alternatives to traditional lawns. Paisley Blume from the Snohomish Conservation District discussed the critical role of native plants and pollinators in ecosystems. She noted that lawns account for nearly one-third of residential water use, totaling around 9 billion gallons daily, despite their purely aesthetic purpose. Blume provided strategies for converting existing lawns into native landscapes, including the effective use of sheet mulching for soil health. Additionally, she encouraged attendees to consider rain gardens for areas prone to excess water runoff.

These gardens not only support pollinators but also help filter pollutants. Resources were shared for sourcing native plants and for certifying transformed gardens with the National Wildlife Federation. This workshop aims to foster environmental stewardship and enhance local biodiversity.