Early Spring 2026 e-Newsletter: Free workshops + native plants = spring win

Spring is right around the corner, and so are so many ways to get your hands in the soil, learn something new, and connect with your community.

Whether you want to learn about soil science, harmful weeds, or how to replace your lawn, there’s something for you (and a lot more—Soil School has 10 sessions to choose from!), there are plenty of chances to grow your skills and support healthy land and water this season. We are also opening applications for Ripple and Splash grants to help community-led projects take root. Plus now’s the time to get started if you want to grow native plants or sign up for local fresh food through CSAs. Read on for all the info!

Want this in your inbox? We send e-newsletters like this quarterly. Scroll to the bottom of the page where it says “Newsletter Signup” and enter your email to get the next one sent straight to you!

Upcoming Events

Registration is open for Soil School
Soil School 2026 will be held April 4, 2026, from 8:15am-3pm at PCC Rock Creek.  Join us for a day of classes, networking, and breakfast and lunch.
Registration required, $35. Free registration available upon request. Sign up for Soil School

Stormwater Stars Spring Workshops now Open
At our hands-on, family-friendly workshops, we share practical, sustainable landscaping practices that support healthy watershedswatershed an area of land that channels rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff into a common body of water, such as a nearby lake or river. Multiple streams can be part of the same watershed area, such as the Tryon Creek Watershed which is fed by Oak Creek, Park Creek, Falling Creek, and others.. All participants will go home with a native plant, too! Multiple dates, free, registration required.

Native Plant Sales
Spring is almost here, and you might be thinking about plants. Even though fall is a better time to put many native species in the ground doesn’t mean it’s the wrong time now. Native plants provide more habitat and sustenance to local pollinators and support our unique ecosystem. Check out swaps, sales, and shops here.

Save the Date for Weed Watchers
Every spring, we offer workshops with live plant samples to help community members learn what weeds to look out for. Learn to make natural areas healthier for local plants. Capitol Hill Library Community Room on 4/15, 6-7:30 pm. Free, no registration required. Attendance limited by room capacity. Add it to your calendar!

News from the District

Ripple Grant Applications Open
Partnering with local organizations creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond what we could do on our own. Apply by February 27 for $10,000-$25,000 grants to support community projects like restoration, education, workforce development, and more.

Splash Grant is Here, too!
Want to make a Splash? Apply for our Splash Grant, a program that supports events, sponsorships, and small projects that benefit the residents in our District. Amounts between $100-$3,500. The first application deadline is March 29.

Choose Local Food for Summer
It’s about time to sign up for summer CSAs— Community Supported Agriculture helps local farmers plan their seasons and helps your family eat quality local food. We have a list of local CSAs that have pickup points or delivery to our District. Or, if they’re more your speed, farmers markets and farmstands.