Green Thumb Expo will focus on gardening, conservation

ThisWeek CW 06/25/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/06/22/green-thumb-expo-will-focus-on-gardening-conservation.html

Canal Winchester’s Green Thumb Expo will include hands-on workshops and information about gardening, lawn care, conservation and environmentally responsible living.

City officials hope the free event, planned for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the Frances Steube Community Center, 22 S. Trine St., will become an annual one.

In addition to the workshops, the expo will include a visit from “The Bug Doctor — Dr. Insecta,” who will have his “creepy friends” on display.

The Green Thumb Expo is sponsored by the city and the Canal Winchester Area Chamber of Commerce.

Events and Communications Director Amanda Lemke said the event is one of several inspired by a survey in which residents expressed interest in beautifying their properties and the community.

“Our residents’ taking part in gardening, conservation and other outdoor activities demonstrates community pride,” Lemke said. “We’re expecting a crowd of several hundred to visit throughout the three-hour event.”

According to Lemke, the Green Thumb Expo is one of many ways that residents and businesses can show their care for community and its resources.

“Earlier this year, many residents attended a conservation and composting workshop made available through our partnership with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, and numerous businesses have signed a water quality partner pledge to help keep the streams throughout our community healthy,” she said.

“The city also recently completed its annual tree giveaway and made upgrades to its downtown recycling location. We’re pleased to be part of another great opportunity to help encourage conservation and keep our community beautiful.”

Thanks to its partnership with the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, Lemke said Canal Winchester has access to programming, educational and technical support to help with stormwater and conservation efforts.

“Although the Green Thumb Expo is not associated with the county program, we’ve chosen to add additional green programming because of the interest within our community,” she said.

Additional information is available online at canalwinchesterohio.gov.