Greetings fromYardSmartMarin! 

At YardSmartMarin, our mission is to reduce the use of pesticides in Marin. One way we can do this is by reducing pesticide use by HOAs (Homeowners Associations).

June 22-28 is National Pollinator Week! Celebrate by learning about pollinators and pollination.

• Watch this video about the importance of pollination.

• Read these fast facts about pollination.

• Revel in the beauty of pollination with this beautifully filmed piece.

• Learn how flowers evolved to attract pollinators.

• We all know bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are pollinators. But did you know bats are important pollinators too? 

Learn how to help pollinators so we don't have to imagine a world without bees. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram! We post timely tips there every week.

WANT MORE TIPS?

Our website is a treasure trove of information. But if you need more help, just ask!

Introducing #AskYardSmartMarin on Facebook and Instagram. 

Have a question about your yard or garden? Post a photo on your Facebook or Instagram feed. Ask your question and include #AskYardSmartMarin. Be sure to follow us @YardSmartMarin to get our response!

Due to physical distancing requirements, these events are all virtual. We hope they help you feel connected to others, to the earth, and to our pesticide-reduction mission during this time.
 

The film, 2040 is streaming now on the Rafael Theater website. "Award-winning Australian director Damon Gameau embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and combat climate change. Structured as a visual letter to his four-year-old daughter, Gameau blends traditional documentary with dramatized sequences and high-end visual effects to artfully demonstrate how these solutions could regenerate the world for future generations. (Australia 2019) 92 min." On June 30, there will be a livestream conversation with the director and several youth climate activists.

Register now through EventBrite for some terrific free events with Suzanne Bontempo, IPM Advocate with Our Water, Our World:

July 2 at 4 pm: Organic Gardening, a less toxic approach to pest management 

July 9 at 4 pm: Attracting Good Bugs To Your Garden (family friendly!)

July 16 at 4 pm: Staying Water-Wise All Summer (summer gardening essentials!) 
 

Do you know of an upcoming event we should promote? Email us: info@yardsmartmarin.org

For many, sheltering at home has sparked a new interest in growing food at home. If this describes you, here are some resources to help you succeed as a backyard farmer.


Are you a beginner? Here is a comprehensive guide to getting started from our friends at Marin Master Gardeners.

Prefer to get your tips from a video? Check out this
5-minute video from the Marin Art & Garden Center’s Garden Manager; it’s packed with great information.

No yard? No problem! Learn how to grow vegetables in containers.
 

Food gardening can be a great activity for the whole family! Here are some ideas on how to get kids involved. 
 

The YardSmartMarin Team