MEC Earth Month Events 2021
The Madison Environmental Commission (MEC) invites residents to celebrate Earth Month with seven great sustainability events. “This month, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s learning about native plants, checking out the latest electric vehicles or shopping sustainably at our Town-Wide Yard Sale,” says John Hoover, Borough Council liaison to the MEC. “Our volunteers have outdone themselves in coming up with innovative events.”
April 1, 12:00 to 12:45: Pollinator Talk
Hazel English, an educator at the Great Swamp Watershed Association, explains why it is important to plant native species that attract butterflies and moths – and support the birds and wildlife that rely on caterpillars and insects as their food supply. To register (or watch the recording), go to: https://www.greatswamp.org/event/garden-for-pollinators-matters/.
April 1 to 22: Native Pollinator Plant Sale
A partnership with the Great Swamp Watershed Association, 10 towns and seven community groups. Plants can be ordered online and picked up in Madison. Choose individual plants or pre-selected kits and consult with volunteers who are experienced with native plant gardening in yards like yours.www.greatswamp.org/event/native-pollinator-plant-sale/
April 1 to 21 Composter and Rain Barrel Sale
Rescuing rainwater and turning food waste into fertilizers are two easy environmental actions to take at home. Composters, rain barrels and assorted tools are being sold online at wholesale prices, a partnership with the Environmental Commissions of Madison and Morris Township. Order online for pick up on April 22 by visiting https://morristownshipmadison.company.site
April 5: Organic Vegetable Gardening
Brian Monaghan, a Rutgers Master Gardener and MEC member, shares tips on how to create an organic vegetable garden in your yard. He explains how to plant (and where), whether to choose seeds or seedlings, and how to manage crop rotation and successive plantings. He also outlines a plan to keep gardens lush from spring through fall. Sign up the Madison Public Library’s events page.
April 15, 7:30PM Gardening: Paradise for Pollinators with Gail Di Domenico, Rutgers Master Gardener
This Zoom talk will offer tips on attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, dragonflies and other pollinators to your garden. Learn what trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are preferred by pollinators and find out what those plants require for success in your garden. Handouts will include plant lists. Register by visiting https://paradiseforpollinators.eventbrite.com.
April 17, 9am to 1pm, Madison-Chatham Town-Wide Yard Sale
Residents of Madison, Chatham Township and Chatham Borough are invited to host yard sales on the same day. Yard sales may be listed on a digital map that will be shared far and wide. The fee is a $10 tax-deductible donation to the Great Swamp Watershed Association. For details, please visit: https://www.greatswamp.org/event/community-yard-sale-2021/
April 22, 2 to 5pm: EV Expo at Sunday Motor Co.
Dealers from Chevrolet Bolt, Honda Clarity, Tesla, Porsche Taycan, Karma, Volvo, BMW and VW ID.4 are bringing their newest models to Madison for an EV Expo that is co-sponsored by the Environmental Commissions of Madison and the Chathams. In addition, Hilltop Bicycles will showcase an electric bike. Sunday Motor Co. is located at 27 Kings Road, Madison, www.sundaymotorco.com.
