Every year, we hold an Annual Planning event to sort out what we’ll be doing in the new year. All of our current projects are up for discussion as to whether to continue or drop. Then there’s the anticipation of what new projects might pop up. It’s a very exciting time. Our community is always an inspiration, always pushing us forward, looking for what’s missing and how to supply it.
This year was no different. Our existing circles like Protecting Biodiversity and the Hemp Study Group had a slew of new ideas for projects. Ideas that had languished last year had new air breathed into them. New ideas stretched our boundaries into new directions. At the end of the day, this is how the white board looked.
Not all of these projects may pan out this year but there’s already loads of things going on. Here’s a sample:
- The Biodiversity/Bee City team is setting up a series of lectures to be held at the Media-Upper Providence Free Library on 2nd Saturdays. The first one will be on Sat, March 11, 1ᴘᴍ. The Park Naturalist will teach kids and adults how to identify creatures who “left their mark”: Animal Tracks and Scat.
- The Hemp Study Group has started planning a series of podcasts to educate listeners on the many economic and environmental benefits of this versatile plant. We’re especially excited that the podcasts will be produced by our Circle of Aunts & Uncles loan recipient, Jean-Pierre Bryce at CMPradio.net.
- A new circle has formed to look into finding a Community Space—a “third place” where community members can gather to meet, talk, play, create, cook, teach, learn, celebrate, get support, and build camaraderie.
- The Media Zero Waste team is organizing a panel of experts to speak as part of the Delaware County Institute of Science lecture series on Mon, April 17th, 7:30ᴘᴍ. We’ll draw together our best resources to explore recycling and composting issues, the circular economy and extended producer responsibility, what Delaware County and Media Borough are working on to reduce the waste we generate.
- Because nothing inspires gardeners better than seeing great examples of beautiful, creative gardens, our Biodiversity gardening experts have come together to support a new Media Garden Tour—“Everybody’s Home Ecosystem.” Participants will visit a variety of gardens in Media Borough and learn how to grow beautiful, ecologically-beneficial gardens, whether you have a small space, poor drainage, too much shade, or other challenges. Learn how to attract beneficial insects and lovely songbirds, kill mosquitoes without killing everything else, and work with your neighbors to create welcoming habitats and vibrant ecosystems. Join us on May 20th.
- Other ongoing groups will also continue. Check out the Foraging Circle to learn what edible plants are all around you, or which ones you should plant in your own yard. The Fire Circles are a great way to relax, recharge, and reconnect. You never know who you might meet or what interesting topics might come up. We’re thinking of having some themed fire circles this year – perhaps one on grief. And of course, there’s the Media FreeStore where we’re building a sharing economy, reducing trash, and creating a more connected community, too. And the Green Sunday Holiday Craft Fair in November where you can buy beautiful, unique, hand-crafted gifts from local artists and support our local economy.
- And so much more!
If something on the list sounds like something you’d like to be a part of or even just sparks your interest, get in touch with us! If you missed our Annual Planning event but have an idea you’d like to run with and could use some support, let us know that too. All it takes is a lead and 2-4 others willing to take it on to get a project underway. Let’s see what we can create together!
Keep in touch—this year is going to be phenomenal!