This self-guided tour showcases Coppell homes and community gardens that feature drought-tolerant native and adapted plants that require minimal irrigation. Come see what you should plant now for beautiful blooms in the spring from the homeowners of some of the most unique landscapes in Coppell!  Maps will be available 8:30-10:30am at Coppell Town Center, 255 Parkway Blvd, Coppell, TX, 75019.  Free.

Landscape designer and author Bonnie Reese will be the speaker at both sessions. Ms. Reese has more than 20 years experience designing, installing and maintaining landscapes in North Texas and is the owner of her own landscape design and consulting company - Beautiful Landscapes (BeautifulLandscapes.net). First-time seminar attendees at each session will receive a copy of Bonnie’s book, “Common-Sense Landscaping” (limit one per household). Attendees can also enter a drawing to win a bag of Green Sense organic fertilizer from Rohde’s Nursery & Nature Store (BeOrganic.com). There will be 3 drawings per session.

Water-Wise Landscape Design 101

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Whether you have a new landscape or plan to update an existing area, it is critical to begin with a good design. This program teaches the principles of landscape design with an emphasis on how to create a beautiful landscape that will save resources - natural and financial!

Fantastic Plants for North Texas

1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Documentary on the Deepwater Horizon explosion of 2010, the worst oil spill in American history. Refreshments provided. Audience discussion follows. Free. Info: JudAnnWat@sbcglobal.net. 

For a limited time you can buy rain barrels and compost bins at a discounted price: 

RAIN BARREL: The 100 percent recycled Classic Black Ivy is manufactured in the USA. The Ivy rain barrel comes with everything you need to assemble, collect and use rain water. Barrels can easily be daisy chained with no added cost – all components included, even a 6' long overflow hose. Normal Retail Price $149.00 each. Sale price $72.50  

COMPOST BIN: Special Price of $67.50

Order today and pick up Sept. 12. See website for details.

Learn about rainwater harvesting and build own barrel. Find out how to collect and direct the rain in ways that create backyard beauty, lessen the dependence on using city water in the garden and reduce runoff.  

Info: 972-547-7335, Green@McKinneyTexas.org.

Residents are invited to attend the City of Arlington’s Urban Drilling Educational Forum.

In an effort to increase transparency, the Urban Drilling Educational Forum will provide attendees with information on the roles and responsibilities of the local and state regulating authorities in urban drilling.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to listen to panelists, view presentations and ask questions about the regulation of urban drilling.

Representatives from the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the City of Arlington (COA) are scheduled to participate.

Does your rain just run off? Divert it, save it, use it!! Come learn the basics and benefits of rainwater harvesting and the effects stormwater has on the environment. Participants will learn how to collect and utilize rainwater at home and have the opportunity to construct their very own 55 gallon rain barrel.

$50 per barrel. Register on website.

Water slower, deeper and more efficient with every drop. Convert your spray heads and watch your sprinkler system save you money from our hands on drip conversion class. You will learn how to install drip irrigation tubing from your faucet or how to convert an existing zone to drip. Drip irrigation is the most efficient irrigation method and essential to sustainable landscapes. Drip irrigation for foundation watering will also be covered.

Free. Register on website.

Dr. Fouad Jaber, PE of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & Research, will explore the design, installation and benefits of green roof systems and permeable pavement parking lots in the DFW area. The workshop will include a tour of demonstration green roofs as well as four different types of permeable pavement installations. Target audiences include engineers, planners, landscape architects, contractors, stormwater professionals and interested public.

Free.

Learn about BRIT’s research programs, herbarium, libraries, educational programs and sustainable building. BRIT is green from the ground up; learn how and why as you tour BRIT's amazing LEED platinum home. The Fort Worth Sierra Club will be joining a public tour that is given the first Saturday of each month. Must RSVP before July 1. RSVPs will be closed after that date. Meet at the main entrance. Info: Diane Lancaster, at dianelan@gmail.com or 817-845-4139.