Wednesdays in 2027
January 13
January 20
January 27
February 3
February 10
February 17
5 - 7pm
Washington Park
Registration required

Event Description
Winter is the perfect time to plan your future naturescaping. This workshop series focuses on the step-by-step process, progressing weekly, to create a landscape design that fits your residential space functionally, aesthetically, and with sustainability in mind. Whether your space is a front yard or a 2-acre property, you will walk away with a plan for implementation.

Each session builds upon the previous.  Fee covers all six sessions including blueprint paper.

Week 1 - January 13, 2027: Why Plant Natives?

Did you know the majority of our beneficial native insects have co-evolved for thousands and/or millions of years to efficiently metabolize our native plants? Learn the many ecological benefits of native plants and why you should incorporate them into your yard. Increase the beauty and function of your yard. Every little habitat helps!

Week 2 – January 20, 2027: Measuring and Drawing Your Existing Yard

Discover how to properly measure the dimensions of your yard and take a site inventory, including sidewalks, elevation, topography, turf grass space, trees, and light conditions. Using this information we will create a 2-dimensional base map where you can draw your design and begin identifying the functional areas of your yard. This session will involve hands-on indoor, possibly outdoor classroom time.

Week 3 – January 27, 2027: From Functional Concepts to Composition 

After developing the physical inventory of your yard, the design phase can begin. We will brainstorm how we can convert functional areas (ie: patio areas, perennial and/or vegetable gardens, etc) from conceptual to solidified form composition. This session will include individual, indoor work time.

Week 4 – February 3, 2027: Design Principles

Design principles, including proportion and function of space; rhythm, balance and views; and plant characteristics such as color, texture, and wildlife attraction, will be the focus of Week 4. After learning the principles, we will practice applying them to your design.  This session will include individual, indoor work time.  

Week 5 – February 10, 2027: Preliminary Blueprint Creation

We will review the design principles. The majority of this session time will be dedicated to individual work, plant selection, and questions you may have for refining the design of your space.

Week 6 – February 17, 2027: Design Completion & Site Preparation + Maintenance for your Master Plan

The goal of this session is to complete your preliminary landscape blueprint transforming it into the final master plan. The second half of this session will be a Q&A on site preparation as well as short- and long-term maintenance with naturescaping practices as the center of the discussion. 

Questions? Feel free to reach out to Augie Rodenbeck, Program Systems Manager, at arodenbeck@urbanecologycenter.org or (414) 626-8518.

Registration is required

Pick your price
Personal financial situations vary widely so we provide multiple pricing options to make our programs accessible. The highest listed price fully covers the cost of the program. Lower prices reflect the generosity of our supporters who help us ensure programs are available to everyone. Please choose the option that best fits you, your family, and your guests.

Confirmation/Cancellation Policy:
If you sign up for a program and your plans change, we kindly request that you let us know at least 10 business days in advance so we have the opportunity to offer a program to others. We will provide refunds as follows: 10 business days or more: full refund, 5-9 business days: 50% refund, 0-4 business days: no refund.

You may receive marketing emails and can opt out at any time.