Reduce your garden’s environmental footprint at free workshop

A free, sustainable gardening and Indigenous agriculture workshop will take place at Utilities Kingston’s Water Conservation Garden later this month.

Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (KNCLN) and Utilities Kingston have partnered to offer this free workshop at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Water Conservation Garden at 1211 John Counter Blvd.

According to a release from Utilities Kingston, at the workshop, participants will learn how to reduce the environmental footprint within their garden, through Indigenous techniques of understanding plant relations within our community. An Indigenous worldview considers that plants and animals are of equal value to humans and other living things.

The company stated that the workshop aligns with Utilities Kingston’s climate action goals, providing public education on the connection between gardening practices and carbon emissions.

Utilities Kingston provided the following highlights of this free, 2.5-hour workshop:

• Participate in a voluntary Indigenous smudging ceremony (this will take place in a well-ventilated area for those who choose to smudge)
• Learn about the Indigenous worldview on plants and nature
• Learn about sustainable and organic gardening
• Participate in hands-on water-wise gardening activities

The Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (formerly Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest or KILN) was started at the grassroots level by a local group of Indigenous language-lovers and learners, according to the release. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/KingstonIndigenousLanguageNest.

Those interested in attending are asked to register by Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Registration is free and everyone is welcome. Utilities Kingston noted that in the event of rain, participants will be contacted regarding cancellations.

Contents of the workshop are recommended for participants aged 12 years and older, according to the release. Participants must register by email. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Utilities Kingston asks those who would like to register to email [email protected] with the following information:

• Contact name
• Number of participants and names of each
• Best way to contact you in the event of a weather cancellation
• Accessibility requirements, if any

For more information, get in touch with Utilities Kingston customer service by calling 613-546-0000, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit www.UtilitiesKingston.com.