Introduction & Overview
Project GreenER is a free, eight-session adult educational program intended to foster understanding of and build agency for watershed care. Hosted by Plaster Creek Stewards, this program equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to implement creek- and climate-friendly projects within their communities. Meeting twice monthly, participants explore Plaster Creek as a historical and present place, learn watershed ecology within the context of climate resilience, build practical and community connection skills, and be eligible to receive funding to plan and implement green projects in their own neighborhoods.
Who can participate?
Any adults (18+) who are connected in some way to the Plaster Creek watershed – such as living, working, attending worship, or recreating in the area.
Am I qualified?
Yes! No prior knowledge or education is necessary to participate in this program. If you are interested in learning more about Plaster Creek, your watershed neighbors, and how to improve local environmental health through community-based action, then this opportunity may be a good fit for you.
What’s required of participants?
Commitment to regular attendance of the sessions and seeing the project work through to completion.
Timeline
Learning sessions will be scheduled out over 4 months, every other week, typically on weekday evenings. The first half hour of each meeting will be dedicated to building community over a meal. Participants will also be invited to attend extra hands-on experiences outside of normal meeting times, as opportunities arise and participants’ schedules allow. Additional assignments between classes will be offered, as well, to deepen engagement and allow participants to follow their own curiosities.
Logistics
Cost
There is currently no charge for this program. However, if participants would like to contribute to the project fund, those contributions (in addition to grant funding available) will be divided equally among all participants at the program's end to support their projects. The projects might include things like rain gardens, landscaping with native plants, planting trees, hosting educational events, or other activities that interest participants.
Transportation Assistance
If transportation assistance is required, please communicate with leadership to receive bus passes for transportation to and from sessions.
Meeting Locations
We intend for this program to be an in-person experience since so much of our ecological restoration work and community engagement efforts are place-based and hands-on. Meetings will be held at one or both of the following locations: