Dialogue #4 is Tuesday, January 13 @ 6:30pm

Why January?

January is the quiet power season of gardening. It’s when seed catalogs arrive, ideas start to form, and the biggest climate-friendly decisions are made - before money is spent or soil is turned.

This DeCarbon Dialogue meets you exactly where you are: cozy, curious, and planning ahead.

What We’ll Cover (Double Feature!)

Wild with Intention

Why Native Gardens Need Design

Native gardens don’t have to feel messy, chaotic, or overwhelming. Local DeKalb neighbors will walk through how thoughtful design makes native landscapes:

• more beautiful and intentional

• easier to maintain

• better for pollinators and wildlife

• more resilient to heat, drought, and heavy rain
  

You’ll learn how planning - not just plant choice - helps native gardens thrive in Northern Illinois.

Veggies with Benefits

Carbon-Smart Gardening at Home

Food gardens can do more than grow dinner. This session focuses on regenerative, soil-first strategies that improve yields and support the climate, including:

• soil blocks and low-plastic seed starting

• compost-centered garden beds

• native and regionally adapted varieties

• water-wise, low-input growing systems
  

You’ll leave with ideas for a food garden that builds soil health, stores carbon, saves water, and grows stronger plants from the ground up.

Why It Matters

Climate-friendly gardening starts long before planting season.

By designing native and regenerative gardens now, we can:

• save money

• expand biodiversity

• reduce water use

• cut plastic and waste

• support healthier soil

• and make our homes small but meaningful climate solutions
  

This Dialogue is about planning with purpose — and doing it together.

How Partners Can Help

• Spread the word — share on your organization’s newsletter or social channels.

• Co-host or sponsor refreshments, print materials, or signage.

• Invite your networks — civic groups, classes, businesses, and faith communities.

• Collaborate on upcoming dialogues or project pilots.

Reach out for partnership opportunities — kendra@decarbondekalb.com.

Tuesday, January 13
6:30–8:00 PM
Yusunas Room — DeKalb Public Library
Free + open to all
Snacks provided (because climate action runs on carbs)

One RSVP gets you the whole evening.
Come for one talk or stay for both! You won’t want to miss either.

Presented by

DeCarbon DeKalb
Real Talk. Real Neighbors. Real Change.

In partnership with:
Third Annual DeKalb County Earth Fest, NIU Sustainability, Nettle Composting, Together for Taft, DeKalb Public Library