Community Corner
Palm Harbor Families Join in the Green Fun
Explore opportunities in Largo to learn more about Florida wildlife, plants and recycling.
Palm Harbor families enjoyed outdoor fun at the Ecofest and Arbor Day celebration at George McGough Nature Park on Saturday.
Kids climbed trees, saw screech owls, made birdfeeders, learned about recycling and more at the daylong event tucked in the nature park known best for its aquatic turtles.
Ecofest is a "perfect kind of festival for a nature park in a neighborhood. People are into all things green. We are really big about getting kids out into nature," said Largo Recreation Parks and Arts Director, Joan Byrne.
Find out what's happening in Palm Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Children grabbed garden gloves, dug holes, and planted a butterfly garden. The Pinellas County Council PTA sponsored the colorful garden of Florida-friendly and native plants.
"We want to get kids interested in nature and the environment. We want to encourage family engagement and involvement," said Michelle Alfred of the PTA.
Find out what's happening in Palm Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Prefer planting something bigger? As a Tree City Largo helps promote a community forestry program. For Arbor Day families could take home a tree to plant. The city distributed 30 magnolias, 20 bald cypress, and 20 red maples.
The trees, which were given away, were all native species. They are all cold and drought tolerant for this area. The magnolia is a good choice because its pest resistant, likes the full sun and is evergreen, said Apollo O'Neil of O'Neil's Tree Service of Clearwater.
More upcoming "green" opportunities in Largo:
- April 14 - Rain Harvesting. Discover how to save rainwater in a recycled plastic barrel. Rain barrels may be purchased at the time of registration. The class is from 9 until 10:30 a.m. It's free but advanced registration is required. , 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2100; www.pinellascountyextension.org.
- April 17- Garden Tour. Learn how to incorporate Florida native and Florida-friendly plants into your home garden. Take a guided stroll through the Florida Botanical Gardens. Learn about light and water conditions plants need. Class is at 9 a.m. It's free but registration is required. Please visit www.pinellascountyextension.org.
- April 21- LarGoing Green Expo. Celebrate Earth Day with the LarGoing Green Expo at the from noon until 6 p.m. Then come out to the to see the best of recycled fashion!
