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Sept. 18 Webinar – Debra Knapke on Fall Garden Management

FLOW is pleased to present Debra Knapke, The Garden Sage, as our Sept. 18 webinar speaker. Debra is an avid horticulturalist, teacher, author, and eclectic gardener, who shares her extensive knowledge of sustainable gardening with organizations all across the U.S.

As fall approaches it is very tempting to follow the established practices of garden and yard cleanup, but these common practices are not necessarily beneficial for wildlife and sustainability. Debra will share information on rethinking our fall garden cleanup as garden management, with ways we can work with nature instead of against her. She will share some of her favorite resources for those who want to learn more. Be sure to visit her website at http://debrathegardensage.com/

This webinar will not be recorded. Please register at the link. Time is 6:00 – 7:00 pm, EDT, and there will be time for questions.

 

REGISTER NOW

Fall asters

Native asters provide late season nectar for pollinators

 

fall foilage

Fallen leaves are an important resource for next year’s generation of beneficial insects

 

FLOW Fall Fundraiser – Perennials for Pollinators

Support our mission by participating in the FLOW fall fundraiser with Riverside Native Perennials.
Go to their page https://riversidenativeperennials.com/shop/
Order plants 🪴
Make sure to use the code FLOW. FLOW receives 33% of the sales!
You can pick plants up at the nursery or on September 16th from 10am-12pm at the Sawmill Wetlands, 2650 Sawmill Place Boulevard.
🍂 Fall is a great time to add plants to your gardens!
 

 

Native Edible Plant Walk with David Williams – Aug. 5 at Sawmill Wetlands

Native Edible Plant Walk with David Williams

Saturday, August 5, 10:00 – 11:30 am

At Sawmill State Wildlife Education Center (Sawmill Wetlands)

2650 Sawmill Place Blvd Columbus, OH

No need to register! Please wear closed toe shoes.

Join David Williams of FLOW for a walk around Sawmill Wetlands, learning about edible plants found in Ohio, and how to responsively harvest them, and some of their historical significance. If you missed David’s webinar in February, this will be a great way to learn more about the food growing around you!
 
 

Wild nettles are an edible herb rich in vitamins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STORM DRAIN ART CONTEST IS BACK!

FLOW is seeking Central Ohio artists to turn storm drains in the Short North into public art! 

Phase One was painting 10 storm drains in the OSU campus area. Phase Two will be 10 storm drains in the Short North area!

ABOUT THE PROJECT:
FLOW is excited to use public art as a tool for storm drain education. We hope to connect the local businesses, residents and general public to more education on storm drains. We want the art to help explain that what goes down the storm drains exits directly into the Olentangy River.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Artists need to be 18 years old or have parental permission. Artists must demonstrate in their application that they have the ability to complete the project.

PROPOSAL DEADLINES:
Round One: Submit application and 3-5 example(s) of current artwork. Deadline: July 14, 2023. Artist chosen for round two will be notified by July 18, 2023.

Round Two: Chosen artists will be selected and asked to submit artwork specifically for the storm drain. Artists are compensated $25 for their design. Deadline: August 9, 2023. Artists chosen to paint on storm drains in the Short North will be notified by August 11, 2023.

Round Three – Selected artists will receive $225 for painting designated storm drain murals. 

October 7th: Paint Storm Drain (October 8th Rain Date)

SELECTION PROCESS:
A panel of community members from FLOW and Short North Alliance will select the finalists at each stage.

WHERE WILL THE ART GO?
All artists will be assigned a specific storm drain. Photo, location and storm drain dimensions will be given to artists. Storm Drains are in high traffic areas along High Street between the Short North area. Each storm drain will be marked so artists do not exceed the storm drain art boundaries.

FLOW will have an art storm drain tour on their website as well as do publicity for residents to experience the different artwork and get more information about individual artists.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE ARTISTS?
FLOW volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide support during the whole process. All artists will need to sign a waiver for the painting event. Traffic cones and safety vests will be provided. Artists are allowed to bring an assistant on the day of painting.

FLOW is given permission by all selected artists to use pictures of the chosen artist’s artwork on social media, FLOW’s website, the project report and any other outlets.

Round one: Submit application and 3-5 example(s) of current artwork.

Round two: Chosen artists are selected and paid $25 to design storm drain specific artwork.

Round Three: Chosen artist will receive $225 for painting their storm drain mural on the designated storm drain.

 

The storm drain areas will be power washed before painting day. Paint and mixing containers. Artists need to bring their own paint brushes and any additional supplies they want. Once done the art will be sealed and an anti-graffiti coat applied.

DESIGNING YOUR ARTWORK:

Our theme this year is:

The Olentangy River starts here! Only rain down the drain!

Artwork should connect the public to the Olentangy River. You may be surprised to know that the storm drain empties directly into the Olentangy River and we are trying to bring attention to the fact that what goes down the drain goes to the river.

STORM DRAIN DESIGNS MUST ALSO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

  • The physical storm drain must be incorporated into the painting but the metal storm drain will not be painted on.
  • The artwork must contain no business logos, brands, trademarks or illegal activities depicted.
  • All artwork must be public friendly.
  • FLOWOHIO.ORG must be painted at your location.
  • We also welcome you to put your signature on your artwork.

SUBMITTING YOUR ARTWORK CHECKLIST: ROUND 1 CHECKLIST:

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE

You can view the walking tour of the OSU campus storm drains here


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
FLOW is committed to creating and promoting an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture across in their selection process.


Spring Field Day at Sawmill Wetlands is April 15

SPRING FIELD DAY AT SAWMILL WETLANDS

April 15, 2023, 10am-noon

Come and join us to observe life awakening in early spring!

 
As the seasonal wetland fills with spring rain, many small creatures emerge in the temporary water. Their life cycle depends on the coming and going of water. We will find small insect larvae and tiny crustaceans including bright red daphnia, copepods and ostracods. We hope to see the beautiful but elusive fairy shrimp. Many larger animals such as amphibians and birds depend on these small creatures for food.
 
As it warms up, the forest floor also abounds with spring wildflowers: bloodroot, cut-leaved toothwort, violets, wild ginger, mayapple, trout lilies, Jacob’s ladder and wild geranium are all seen at Sawmill Wetlands. Sawmill Wetlands is also home to many birds, and several species nest here.
 
This is an event for the whole family. We will have tables with microscopes so you can get a close-up view of the small animals and guides to show you the different wildflowers. We also have several permanent displays. Organized by: Friends of Sawmill Wetlands (Facebook)
ODNR: Sawmill Wetlands Educational Area, 2650 Sawmill Place Blvd, Columbus