Rethinking Seasonal Cleanup: Why Less Can Be More for Wildlife (in person)

Get outside and soak up the Triangle. Are you unsure about when to cut back dormant plants or how many leaves to leave behind? Perhaps you've heard about stem-nesting bees or insects that overwinter in fallen foliage and want to support them. Traditional garden practice dictated raking leaves and cutting everything back to "tidy up" before winter. Today, delaying cutbacks and leaving fallen leaves has become more common as gardeners appreciate plants' unique winter beauty and prioritize wildlife. The best approach depends on your landscape goals and priorities, and this session will help you navigate seasonal cutbacks and leaf management. Join Shannon Currey, education and outreach at Izel Native Plants, to learn strategies that support local wildlife while maintaining a landscape that looks cared for and intentional. This description is for the in-person attendance option-register separately to attend virtually. Fee: Free; registration required. Parking: Parking fees apply. Location: Pelham-Cullen Classroom inside the Barnes Welcome Center. A recording will be shared with all registrants.

What to Know: When: Tue, Nov 10, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Where: Duke Gardens-Pelham-Cullen Classroom in the Barnes Welcome Center, Durham. Cost: Free. It's always worth confirming the details and any registration before you load up the car.

Last updated September 6, 2026