Healthy Gardens without Toxic Chemicals
Learn to create a healthy garden ecosystem, and protect yourself, family, pets, as well as the environment. Hands-on activities will introduce you to smart garden planning to minimize problems and identification of some common pests and beneficial insects. You'll explore least-toxic options for dealing with pests and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. Take home handouts with additional information and resources. Space is limited to 35 registrants. Register with the Community Center or via online registration.

Garden Makeover: A Greener Green!
Join an exciting project to revitalize the landscaping at the El Cerrito Community Center, and learn how to make your own yard more drought tolerant in the process. We’ll discuss site design, plant selection, soils and watering, then you’ll learn great tips and techniques as we sheet mulch and plant beautiful California native and other non-thirsty plants. Take home handouts for reference and additional information, and new inspiration for applying these ideas to your landscape. This project will be a dynamic blend of learning and doing. Space is limited to 30 volunteers. There will be additional opportunities to get involved in this fun project beyond this date -- Call the El Cerrito Public Works Maintenance Division at (510) 215-4369 for more information and to register.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: 101
Join us for a hands-on educational series aimed at reducing your household greenhouse output to curb climate change in just four bi-weekly sessions (class meets 1/28, 2/11, 2/25, and 3/11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). "Reducing Your Carbon Footprint 101" utilizes the Low Carbon Diet Program which is a fun, supportive way to reduce your impact on the environment, save money and foster a greener El Cerrito. The course includes the award winning Low Carbon Diet workbook by David Gershon. The course will walk you through steps to reduce your environmental impact, from calculating your current greenhouse gas "footprint" to tracking your progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is an introductory course – an advanced course is planned for spring 2010. Space is limited to 35 registrants. Register with the Community Center or via online registration.

Healthy Homes
In this lively workshop, you will explore a variety of less-toxic alternatives to common indoor pesticides and cleaning supplies. Learn to assess household products and make informed choices that can protect human and watershed health through fun, hands-on activities. Take home resources for additional information and your own Green Cleaning Kit! Space is limited to 35 registrants. Register with the Community Center or via online registration.