Join the North Coast Chapter of the California Native Plant Society this Wednesday at the D Street Neighborhood Center in Arcata. Gretchen Zeigler, former director of the Sequoia Park Zoo, will share her experiences with native gardening. Her talk, “Transforming small garden spaces in suburban Eureka,” starts at 6 p.m., but doors open at 5:45 p.m. Can’t make it in person? You can watch it on Zoom. For the link, visit northcoastcnps.org.
Zeigler has found joy in adding native plants to her backyard, friends’ gardens, and the zoo. She’ll discuss how these plants attract various pollinators and beneficial insects, enriching not just gardens, but our local ecosystems. Research shows that using native plants can increase biodiversity, which is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems. According to a recent study by the National Wildlife Federation, gardens with native plants can support up to 70% more local wildlife than those with non-native species.
On Friday, enjoy “Sax Mastery” at Trinidad Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. The jazz evening features RLA, including Tim Randles on piano, Ken Lawrence on bass, and Mike LaBolle on drums. Doors open at 7 p.m., and admission is on a sliding scale of $10 to $20. Vocalist Francis Vanek, who has a rich musical history and holds a master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, will take the stage. His experience with jazz greats like Ernie Watts adds a special touch to the evening.
For families, the Gene Lucas Community Center Playgroup in Fortuna continues thanks to funding from First 5 Humboldt. This support secures the playgroup’s future through 2026. The program offers a friendly environment for kids up to age 5 and their caregivers to engage in developmental activities, learn about resources, and build community ties. The playgroup runs Monday to Wednesday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 3000 Newburg Road.
Additionally, bird enthusiasts can join the Redwood Region Audubon Society and Ken Burton on a half-day trip to Big Lagoon on January 31. The group will explore the area, looking for ducks, grebes, loons, and more. Meeting time is 9 a.m. at the county park boat launch site, with a $5 parking fee. For those coming from McKinleyville, carpooling details are available for added convenience.
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