Hands-On Fall Gardening Event Set for October 5th in Downtown Plattsburgh

(PLATTSBURGH September 18th, 2024) — The City of Plattsburgh, its Climate Task Force, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Clinton County Master Gardener Volunteers are excited to invite the community to a hands-on fall gardening event on Saturday, October 5th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the Betty Little Arts Park at 2 Margaret St. in Plattsburgh.

This free event is open to everyone interested in learning more about fall gardening techniques, caring for native plants, and preparing their garden for the colder months.

Hands-On Learning and Expert Demonstrations

Whether you are a novice gardener or have a seasoned green thumb, this interactive event will provide valuable insights into key fall gardening tasks, including mulching, weeding, and perennial care. Community members are invited to stop by with their gardening gloves—though extra gloves will be available for those without them. If attendees have tools they would like to clean and care for, they’re welcome to bring those along.

“Fall is the perfect time to prepare your garden for next season. We’ll be demonstrating techniques like dividing perennials and showing why mulching is so important for protecting plants through the winter. This is a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on experience and learn from our experts,” said Linda Noyes, Master Gardener and member of the Plattsburgh Climate Task Force.

In addition to hands-on gardening, expert gardeners will be available to provide demonstrations on garden tool care and the benefits of using native plants in your garden. Handouts will be provided to educate attendees on various types of mulch and its role in improving soil health and moisture retention.

“We’re excited to host this event in the heart of Plattsburgh, offering community members a chance to learn practical skills that contribute to sustainable gardening practices,” said Courtney Meisenheimer, Director of Community Development for the City of Plattsburgh. “This is not only about gardening, but about fostering a deeper connection with our environment and local ecology.”

Participants can drop in at any time during the event to take part in the activities. The casual, come-and-go format ensures flexibility, so attendees can learn at their own pace and leave with new skills to enhance their home gardens.

Rain Date

In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for October 12th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. For more information, please contact the Plattsburgh Climate Task Force at cctfcoordinator@gmail.com.

About the City of Plattsburgh Climate Task Force

Re-established in 2021, the City of Plattsburgh Climate Task Force works to help the City of Plattsburgh achieve New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) and NYS Clean Energy Communities (CEC) goals. These state programs assist municipalities’ efforts to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The City Climate Task Force is continuing efforts, which were first made in 2019, to reduce carbon emissions in city operations and to adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

About Clinton County Master Gardener Volunteers

The Clinton County Master Gardener Volunteers are part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, offering gardening advice, education, and support to help residents develop their gardening skills while contributing to a healthier environment.

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