NTMWD supports education and outreach for all ages to develop and support well‐informed environmental partners to protect our most precious resource:  water.

We provide interactive learning experiences through partnerships with local organizations as well as directly to those we serve. Sign up and share a class from the list below or jump to replays of previous classes.

NTMWD Virtual Lunch and Learn Series

*More Classes Coming Soon.

 

Gardening Kit Giveaway – A Special Thank You

As a Thank You for attending a session, one guest from each class will be randomly selected to receive a Know More Water Less gardening kit.

Giveaway Details

Each time you attend one of these free, virtual classes, you can submit your name and email address to a drawing for a Know More Water Less gardening kit. One name will be randomly selected to receive the kit after each session for a total of 3 winners. Each winner will be contacted through email. The winner can pick up the kit at 501 E Brown Street, Wylie or the kit will be mailed to the address they provide. If a winner does not respond to the email within 2 days, a new winner will be selected.

 

Watch Replays

Previous classes:

March 6: Spring Into Backyard Composting – Turn Trash into Treasure 

Compost has so many benefits, it is almost magical. It retails moisture in the soil while improving the soil, increases plant growth and yield, and keeps waste out of our watershed and landfills. Get the tips you will need to make high-quality compost that will benefit your garden. Brad Voss, County Extension Agent for Horticulture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Collin County, will discuss different composting methods you can start with now and share the perfect recipe to turn your organic trash into treasure.

Feb 14: Love Your Lawn and It Will Love You Back

Don’t let misunderstandings and simple spring missteps get in the way of a great relationship with your lawn this year. Come learn some quick basics on selection, weed prevention, fertilization, and more in this 1-hour lunch ‘n’ learn. It’s time to fall in love with a more resilient yard!

Feb 8: Love Your Soils – It’s More Than Just Dirt

‘Tis the season to fall in love with North Texas clay soils and all their wonderful benefits. Embrace their challenging nature and show them you care by learning how to conduct a soil test.  A simple soil test can remove the mystery of our local soils so you can plant and plan your landscape successfully. Join us as we discuss tips and tricks to understanding and managing clay soils in North Texas so you can have the perfect relationship.

Jan 20: Ready to Bloom – Landscaping a Blank Slate

If you’re new to North Texas you may have a bare yard that’s anticipating a gorgeous landscape. However, if you’ve lived here any amount of time, you know our area has peculiar soils and weird weather. In this class, Master Gardener, native plant and Earth-Kind certified expert Janet Smith shows you step by step how to update your landscape to incorporate native plants. Why native plants? They need less water, require fewer chemicals and provide beautiful habitats for birds and butterflies. Join us to learn how to select the right plant for the right place to enhance the beauty of your property and save you time and money.

Nov 18: Fall into Success – North Texas Tree & Shrub Planting Guide

 Did you know that fall through winter is the optimum time to plant trees and shrubs in North Texas? Planting during cooler months is less stressful on our trees and shrubs. Join us as we cover tips and tricks for fall planting success!

Oct 27: 4th Quarter Lawn Care – Top 10 Plays for Success

Fall is a critical time to keep lawns healthy, happy, and water-efficient! Don’t get caught unprepared. In this Lunch and Learn, we will cover the 10 most important practices to prepare your lawn for cooler months and ensure it comes back lean, mean and green in the spring. Fertilization, pest management, and frequently asked questions about fall and winter watering will be covered.

Oct 18: Don’t Waste a Drop – Autumn Adjustments for Outdoor Irrigation Systems

Shorter days, chilly nights, and the scent of pumpkin spice are sure signs summer is over and cooler months are ahead. As the seasons change, so do landscape watering needs. In this Lunch and Learn, we will go over seasonal watering adjustments, find out how much to water, if at all, and hit on a few tasks perfect for fall weather.

  • Speaker: Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Watch Replay

Don’t Waste a Drop – Drip Irrigation Basics

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient ways to water plants, as it follows one of the most important principles of efficient watering: low and slow. Learn how to save water in this class that will provide an overview of drip irrigation including how and where drip can be used in the landscape, different components that can be used to build your custom drip system, and tips for making simple conversions.

  • Speaker: Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Watch replay

What’s in the box? Demystifying Your Sprinkler Controller

Understanding your sprinkler system controller is essential to program your sprinkler system to work best for you and your landscape. In this class, learn how to program your control box and apply those skills to utilizing watering recommendations from tools like the WaterMyYard program.

  • Speaker: Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Watch Replay

Beat the Heat, North Texas Summer Lawn Care Guide

Great lawn management means not only adopting the right practices but implementing them at the right time to work for YOU. This class will offer up a timeline for how to properly care for your turfgrass lawn from spring to fall. Learn the basics on appropriate watering, fertilization, cultivation, and pest management practices year-round. Attendees will also be introduced to useful tools including the WaterMyYard program and more.

  • Speaker: Dr. Becky Bowling, Assistant Professor & Extension Urban Water Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Watch replay

Efficient Irrigation Systems – Easy Repairs and Trouble Shooting

The smallest fixes can make the biggest difference when it comes to your sprinkler system. In this class, learn how to adjust heads, replace heads, and make other small repairs as needed to keep your system running smoothly. By learning these simple tips, you can improve water-use efficiency, and reduce water waste by preventing leaks and evaporation.

  • Speaker: Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Due to technical difficulties, there is no recording

Sprinkler Secrets – What the Spray!

Sprinkler systems don’t have to be a mystery. Getting to know your system is one of the best ways to save time, money, and water in your landscape. In this class, learn more about what sprinkler systems do, how they work, and how much water you might really be putting out. Attendees will have the opportunity to get to know their irrigation system controller, with tips on how to program their system to match with WaterMyYard recommendations.

  • Speaker: Dean Minchillo, Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Watch Replay

Drought Proof Your Landscape

The most successful North Texas landscapes are always prepared for drought to hit. In this class, you will learn about the value of using native and adaptive plants in your landscape, while also learning about easy practices you can adopt to help you save water and protect your plants from some of our harshest weather. Learn about tools such as soil moisture meters, the WaterMyYard program, and the Earth-Kind Plant Selector.

  • Speaker: Brad Voss, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Horticulture Agent for Collin County
  • Watch the replay

Green with Envy – Getting to Know North Texas Turfgrasses

Curious about the grasses most common to North Texas landscapes? This class has you covered. Learn more about dominant turfgrass species, cultivars and their unique characteristics so that you can choose the right grass for you. This class will also cover the benefits of properly-managed turfgrass, and share background on a new 3-year study that will help further guide the most water-efficient lawn practices for North Texas.

  • Speaker: Dr. Becky Bowling, Assistant Professor & Extension Urban Water Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife
  • Watch replay