Hellstrip/Boulevard Gardening

Hellstrip/Boulevard Gardening

Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Location: Your Computer

Instructor: Jen Ehlert

Traditional turfgrass boulevards are often planted with turfgrass and mounded such that the height of the vegetation is taller than that of the sidewalk and the curb cut. Unfortunately, this creates a situation where water can easily flow over the top of boulevards and enter our streets, where the water picks up all sorts of contaminants that eventually enter our nearby bodies of water. This contaminated water, often called stormwater runoff, is one of the leading contributors to poor water quality in Minnesota. In this class, we will teach you how we can redesign boulevards to add beauty to our communities, protect our pollinators, and of course, reduce stormwater runoff to protect local water quality.

Co-Director of Design, Metro Blooms Design+Build

Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science + Sustainable Agriculture from Cornell University and a Masters of Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University. She has worked on merging ecological and aesthetic principles in site design for 16 years, including commercial and public projects at CLH Design in Raleigh, NC, as well as stormwater-focused residential and commercial design in North Carolina and Minnesota. Her work at Metro Blooms combines her passions for plants and planting design with engaging and educating people about creating resilient and beautiful landscapes. Jen leads the design team at Metro Blooms Design+Build, ensuring that equity principles are incorporated throughout company culture and projects. She has a strong passion for this work, leading design on numerous affordable housing projects, ensuring that design processes and implementation center resident voice, values and needs.

*After registering for the event, you will receive an email confirming your registration. Please click on the virtual meeting URL and enter your name and email address to complete the registration process.