With a new book (Tag, Toss & Run) and campaign (Lawn Games for LIfe) on the way for the spring of 2012, the SafeLawns spring calendar is quickly filling up and taking shape. Please take a look below and note when we’ll be in your area.
The season gets off to an early start this weekend, Jan. 28, at the Eco-Landscape California symposium in Woodland, Ca., just outside of Sacramento. Focusing on business sustainability, the conference features SafeLawns founder Paul Tukey and natural soil expert Jeff Lowenfels as keynote presenters. A screening of the award-winning film, A Chemical Reaction, will cap off the day.
Registration is nearing capacity according to organizers, but anyone interested in attending can click here: http://www.ecolandscape.org/eventsConference.html. The fee is $179.
Here is a look at the SafeLawns calendar (involving Paul Tukey) through early April (note: if you’re interesting in scheduling a talk, film screening, games festival or consultation, email Paul@SafeLawns.org):
Feb. 4 — Potomac, Md. — The Glenstone Foundation (www.glenstone.org) is hosting a private reception for the environmental community to showcase its landscape sustainability initiatives from 9 a.m. to noon. If you’re a member of the environmental community, an anti-pesticide activist or a curious or concerned environmental citizen who lives in that region, email Paul@SafeLawns.org and we can talk about getting you on the guest list. Paul T. will be a guest of honor, along with the University of Maryland professors who are conducting the organic lawn care study on the Glenstone grounds.
March 5 — Philadelphia — Paul Tukey will showcase some of the games from his new book, Tag, Toss & Run, at the Philadelphia International Flower Show at 7 p.m. Although the official unveiling of the book doesn’t come until March 11 when co-author Victoria Rowell joins him on stage in Philly, word has it the publisher (Storey) will make books available by that evening. The talk is free with a show admission ticket.
March 10 — Portland, Maine — Paul Tukey will be the Saturday morning kickoff speaker at 10:30 a.m. at the Portland Flower Show, a show he used to run when he lived in Maine. The topic, once again, will be the new book, Tag, Toss & Run. If books are available, he’ll do a signing after the talk, which is free with a show admission ticket.
March 11 — Philadelphia — Co-author and actress Victoria Rowell will join Paul Tukey at the Philadelphia International Flower Show for a two-hour presentation beginning at 1 p.m. for the official unveiling of their book, Tag, Toss & Run. The event will include on-stage game demonstrations and a book signing. Have you ever played Quoits? It’s a horseshoe-like game played professionally by some folks in the steel towns of Pennsylvania — some of whom will be on hand for an exhibition. This event is going to be a blast! It’s free, too, with a show admission ticket.
March 18 — Boston — Victoria and Paul will be together again at the Boston Flower Show at the World Trade Center beginning at 3:30 p.m. Just like in Philly, there will be games demonstrations and book signings.
March 27 — Ridgefield, Connecticut — The local garden club in this quaint town on the New York border will host Paul Tukey for a discussion of sustainable landscaping. For more information about fees and times, contact Kitsey Snow at kitsey.snow (at) gmail.com.
March 29 — Madison, Wisconsin — A full day of events is planned, all focusing on pesticide reduction and landscape sustainability. In the morning, Paul Tukey will be meeting with several area schools for assemblies. At lunch, he’ll meet with municipal officials. In the afternoon, the Olbrich Botanic Garden will host a three-hour symposium for land care professionals from 1-4 p.m. A homeowner event is also being planned for that evening. Mark your calendars and check back for more details in the coming weeks.
March 30-31 — Chicago — The Chicago Botanic Gardens will host a two-day symposium focused on landscape sustainability. The first day will be geared for professionals; the second day will be more appropriate for homeowners. Here are more details: http://www.safelawns.org/blog/index.php/2012/01/major-american-lawn-landscape-conference-set-for-chicago-in-march/.
March 30-31 — New Haven, Ct. — SafeLawns is proud to co-sponsor the 30th National Pesticide Forum titled Healthy Communities: Green Solutions for Safe Environments with our friends at Beyond Pesticides at Yale University. A dynamic two-days or tours, lectures and panel discussions is planned for what will surely be an overflow crowd. Here are the details: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/forum/index.htm.
April 2-5 — Orlando, Fla. — Walt Disney World will host a week of SafeLawns talks on landscape sustainability and old-fashioned outdoor games presented by Paul Tukey as a part of its annual Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Hour-long talks, followed by book signings, will be held each day at noon and 3 p.m.
January 23rd, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Any plans to come to the Seattle/Tacoma area?
January 29th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
I’d love to. I was in Seattle last June, but it’s about time for another visit if someone wants to schedule it!
PT
January 29th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Thank you for your presentation yesterday in Woodland at the Ecolandscape Conf. I love to know the how, when and why, so your own history including grandparents (with accent!) was especially meaningful. I teach Composting at the Sacramento COOP and am working up to a class on changing yards & lawns to something beautiful, healthy, nontoxic and water saving. In the back of my mind was the barrier that some people and institutions do not want to give up their gorgeous,lush emerald island, to which I had only an unsatisfying answer. Your story and “makeover” inspired me. I didn’t have time to get your book then, but will order it online. Thank you for the sharing, the stories and the inspiration!
Laura Seuret
January 29th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
I attended the EcoLANDSCAPE Conference in Woodland yesterday and all I can say is . . . You’re a rock star. You transformed the day from something education to something truly unforgettable and inspiring. Your smile, your charisma. We’re truly lucky to have you working in favor of a better planet.
Suzanne W., your new biggest fan
January 29th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I wanted to send this note to thank you for the dynamic presentation you gave at the EcoLandscape Conference in Woodland, Saturday.
It was an eye-opener for regarding the affect chemical fertilizers and killers have on the health of humans. I have stopped using Scott’s and Miracle Gro products since becoming a Certified Master Gardener in 2005. I have tried very hard to maintain a composting program at home and put to use the techniques taught to me by Dr. Ingram and others, like yourself and Jeff.
I know there is still a lot to learning, but now having my autographed Organic Lawn Care book and watching the Chemical Reaction DVD, I can continue to ask questions of myself and others how to minimize the use of harmful products that can and have harmed others, young and old in the past.
I wish you continued success regarding your campaign to limit and hopefully eliminate the use of chemical applications to bring nature back to the balance God intended it to be in the beginning.
Again, thank you for taking time to talk to me and for autograhing the books for me and my horticulture professor, who could not attend.
–
Sincerely,
Timothy D. Inouye
January 29th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
That was the most enthralling talk I’ve ever heard. Period. Amazing that it was ostensibly about organic lawn care.
A.I., Sacramento
January 29th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Your enthusiasm and commitment are contagious; I’m thankful that it’s spread to California.
Cheryl Buckwalter
Executive Director
EcoLandscape California
Mission: Provide Education and Advocacy for Ecologically Sustainable Landscaping
http://www.ecolandscape.org