Urban Sustainability

Topics covered include: benefits and uses of rainwater, methods of harvesting, rain storage options, optimizing use of rainwater. Free.

Learn the benefits of using organic materials, such as yard waste and left over food items, to create rich compost. Learn how organic compost replenishes nutrients in soil and establishes a healthy foundation for plants. Free. Class follows "Soil Love" class.

Learn the features of good soil, how to organically develop and maintain those features and the best time to upgrade. Free. "Composting Basics" follows class.

Screening is hosted by the Green Sanctuary Committee at Westside UU. "Last Call at the Oasis" sheds light on the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and introduces those who are championing new solutions. Popcorn provided. Free. For more information, email Linda at llswenson@yahoo.com. http://www.lastcallattheoasis.com/

A couple who built a straw bale home in Grayson County will be the speakers for this month's Dallas Sierra Club meeting.

Learn gardening techniques that can be applied in a variety of settings, including square-foot gardening, container gardening, gardening in small spaces and edible landscapes. Free.

Learn about the quality of Irving’s creeks, ponds, streams, and the Trinity River at stream sampling demonstrations every third Saturday of the month at five convenient locations throughout the city. Watch a representative of the Texas Stream Team program perform basic water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment, obtain training and become a part of the long-term stream monitoring in Irving.

10 to 11 a.m.:
North Sundance Canal,
Red River Trail at Casa Drive
(meet at the far 5756 Riverside Drive).

11 a.m. to noon:
Bird's Fort Trail Park (meet at the river's edge behind the pavilion),
5756 Riverside Drive.

1 to 2 p.m.:
Jaycee Park,
1975 Puritan Drive (meet at the low-water crossing).

2 to 3 p.m.:
Centennial Park,
444 W. Second St. (meet at the low-water crossing beneath Sixth St.)
Convenient parking is located just east of the bridge on Sixth St.

3 to 4 p.m.:
Towne Lake Park,
800 Esters Road (meet at the Gazebo)

Learn about creating healthy soil, the key to a successful garden. Free.

Learn about the best plants, shrubs and trees for our area. Afterwards, stroll through the teaching garden while to learn appropriate care. $9/nonresidents, $5/residents.

Learn the secrets to successful seed sowing from VegetableGardener.com contributor and seed master, Greg Holdsworth. $9/nonresidents, $5 residents.