2025 Webinar Series with St. Louis County Library

February 19 - October 15

Wednesday, February 19, 2:00 p.m.

Front Yard Rain Gardens

Allegra Pierce - Pretty City Gardens & Landscapes

Increased stormwater runoff in our city contributes to water pollution and soil erosion. You can landscape your yard with native plants for both beauty and function to help retain water on your property. In this session, we will dive into native plant selection for water conservation and will discuss elements of rain garden construction and design.

Wednesday, March 5, 2:00 p.m.

Native Garden Design Panel

Susie Van de Riet - St. Louis Native Plants

Scott Woodbury - Cacalia Design

Gabe Presley - DTLS Landscape Architecture, Moderator: Jean Ponzi - Earthways Center

This panel discussion features three experts with unique knowledge and experience in designing beautiful and functional landscapes with native plants.

Wednesday, March 19, 2:00 p.m.

Monarchs and Mosquitoes: Control the Pests, Protect the Pollinators

Jean Ponzi - Earthways Center

Control the pests, protect our pollinators and educate your neighbors! Insect ecology - and your mobile phone - are keys to healthy outdoor habitat for all.

Wednesday, April 2, 2:00 p.m.

Community Care & Conservation: How to Transform Vacant Lots Into Neighborhood Green Spaces

Aisha Muhammed - Missouri Department of Conservation

Having nature close to home allows both human communities and the natural environment to thrive. By implementing conservation practices and increasing native biodiversity, people can enjoy the beauty and benefits of the outdoors, reduce flooding, improve air quality, and reduce temperatures. Join this session to discover the steps, tools, and practices to revitalize vacant spaces in a neighborhood-centric way.

Wednesday, April 16, 2:00 p.m.

Pollinator Powerhouses & Keystone Plant Species

Vivian Bouse - Shaw Nature Reserve

This presentation will discuss the importance of including native keystone plants in your home landscapes. Keystone plants provide necessary sources of food and shelter to butterflies, moths, and bees and benefit birds and other wildlife. Learn about the role native plants play in our ecosystem and how you can garden with them.

Wednesday, April 30, 2:00 p.m.

Oh, Deer: Dealing with Unwanted Guests in Your Landscape

Nancy Newcomer & Diane Donovan, Missouri Master Naturalists

Tips and tricks for creating and maintaining a native garden in a community with a high deer population.

Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 p.m.

SEEDS! Cultivating Native Seeds in the Landscape

Rachel Williams - Missouri Department of Conservation

An overview of seed dispersal mechanisms, types of seed and dormancies, and preparing the seed and landscape for small-scale home projects!

Wednesday, September 17, 2:00 p.m.

No Yard Too Small: Missouri Native Trees and Shrubs for Your Urban Landscape

Billy Haag - Forest ReLeaf

Not all urban lots have room for a large canopy tree, but that doesn’t mean you have to remove trees from your planting pallet. Here we will take a look through a diversity of smaller Missouri Native Trees and Shrubs that are well suited for an urban landscape.

Wednesday, October 1, 2:00 p.m.

Consequences of Change: How Climate Impacts Native Plants in the Saint Louis Region

Dr. Matt Austin, Curator for Biodiversity Data | Missouri Botanical Garden

Climate change is reshaping ecosystems, and the responses of native plants are some of the clearest signs of this transformation. Join us to explore how the Missouri Botanical Garden is studying these changes in our local flora, including at Shaw Nature Reserve and by analyzing a century and a half of herbarium specimens.

Wednesday, October 15, 2:00 p.m.

Native Gardening Maintenance Tips, Tricks & Hacks

Simon Barker - Barker Horticultural Services, Grow Native!

Some ideas that will help keep you, your neighbors and your landscape happy and fun.