Call for Entries: K-12 Green Life Art Contest

K-12 students in Athens-Clarke County are invited to participate in the Annual Green Life Awards Art, Photography, and Poetry Contest. The theme is based on a fresh start to a new year. 2021 offers us the opportunity to Renew, Reinvent, and Rejoice. Renew our commitment to the environment; Reinvent ways to live a greener life; Rejoice in our environmental successes. We encourage K-12 students to create artwork (painting, drawing, and sculpture), short video (30 seconds – 1 minute), take a photograph, or write a poem to demonstrate how you will live a green life in 2021.

Winners will be notified mid-March and will be recognized at a virtual awards ceremony in April. In addition to being recognized at the ceremony, all winning entries will be displayed in the North Gallery of the Lyndon House Arts Center during the month of April.

Selections will be made based on grade level and medium category. All entries are due to the ACCGov Recycling Division at 725 Hancock Industrial Way, Athens, GA 30605 by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021.

For more information and to download the entry form, visit www.accgov.com/greenlife.

Nominate a Stormwater Steward

We are now accepting nominations for the 2021 Stormwater Steward Award. The Stormwater Steward Award recognizes environmental stewardship in the area
of stormwater management. Organizations, businesses, individuals, design firms, or community groups that have worked to consider the impact of stormwater runoff on the health of area waters through a specific project, practice, or event are encouraged to apply for the award. Full details and instructions can be found at www.accgov.com/stormwater.

Applications are due on Monday, March 1, and winners will be honored at the annual Green Life Awards in April.

Help Stop Water Pollution

ACCGov Stormwater needs your help in reporting water pollution and illegal dumping in Athens-Clarke County. Most storm drains flow directly to rivers, streams, ditches, or ponds without any treatment. Pollutants like paints, oils, litter, and soapy water can have harmful effects on water quality. Please call the Stormwater Hotline at 706-614-1282 if you:

• See someone dumping oil, grease, paint, or other pollutants down a storm drain or into the street
• See someone blowing leaves or grass clippings into the street or a storm drain
• Notice flooding due to clogged storm drains and pipes
• Notice strange colors, suds, or smells in a stream or near a storm drain

Upcoming Events

Virtual Native Plant Symposium
Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Growing and protecting native plants are important for many reasons: they celebrate our state and region, they are well suited to our region’s growing conditions, and they are the foundation of the complex ecosystem that supports insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Join the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to explore the conservation of monarch butterflies. Learn about the plants that attract monarchs and other pollinators to our gardens, their importance to our ecosystems, and how we can continue to protect them. Register online at botgarden.uga.edu/event/native-plant-symposium/. The registration cost is $35.

Green Thumb Lecture Series: Raised Beds and Garden Fences
Wednesday, February 10, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Online via Zoom
 
Join Athens-Clarke County Extension online for a free, educational webinar about raised beds and garden fences. Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome. Register by February 9 at www.accgov.com/gardening to be emailed the Zoom link. 

Online Beekeeping for Beginners
Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Online via Zoom

Join Athens-Clarke County Extension online for a free, informative presentation on topics including what is involved with keeping bees, starting and maintaining a hive, necessary equipment and supplies, and costs, commitments, and benefits associated with beekeeping. Register by February 16 at www.accgov.com/anrclasses.