This season, check out these home and garden-related happenings on the North Fork. As always, visit northforker.com/events for additional events.
Earth Day Planting Celebration
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to noon
New Suffolk Waterfront
Help plant materials on the meadow in front of the former Galley Ho building, which will soon house the New Suffolk Waterfront Association’s new café, Case’s Place. Children will be invited to help plant grasses and the like.
For more information, visit newsuffolkwaterfront.org.
Located off First Street in New Suffolk
Third annual Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine)
Downs Farm Preserve, Group for the East End
Head to Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue to play nature-related games, participate in a guided hike, listen to live music, learn about native plants, purchase local artisanal products and enjoy animal demonstrations — all while celebrating Earth Day. For more information, email Jessica Kennelly: [email protected].
54895 Main Road, Cutchogue
East End Garden Festival to benefit Peconic Bay Medical Center
Thursday, May 5, through Sunday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call 631-548-6166 or visit pbmchealth.org.
Tanger Outlets, 1770 W. Main St., Riverhead
The Great Lawn, Westhampton Beach
Keeping Backyard Chickens
Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. to noon
A workshop for anyone interested in raising their own chickens. Nicole and Jared Jeanotte of From Scratch Farm, participants in the Peconic Land Trust’s Farms for the Future program, will share their knowledge about raising chickens for meat and eggs. Participants will learn how to buy or build a coop, what kind of chickens to get and from where, and common health issues and remedies. Meet Nicole and Jared, get an up-close look at their laying hens and get started with your own backyard birds.
$5 per person; reservations requested.
For more information and to reserve, call 631-283-3195, ext. 19, or email [email protected].
Ag Center, 3005 Youngs Ave., Southold
New Suffolk Waterfront Fund Chowderfest and Perennial Plant Sale
Saturday, May 28, noon to 3 p.m.
This fun family-friendly event features a variety of locally prepared chowders, a full barbecue lunch, music, kids’ activities and a huge perennial plant sale. Over 50 varieties of plants will be available for purchase. Stock up on deer-resistant plants, ground covers, natives, herbaceous, and popular woodies and vines at great prices. All proceeds go toward the maintenance and revitalization of the New Suffolk Waterfront property. A limited number of Chowderfest tickets will be sold. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newsuffolkwaterfront.org or call 631-566-0806.
Located off First Street in New Suffolk
The Write Way to De-Clutter
Wednesday, June 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Riverhead Free Library
Certified journal instructor Sarabelle Prince will use personal writing as a powerful motivational resource to unblock obstacles that inhibit living in a clutter-free environment. Using Prince’s insights, tips, tools and simple techniques, you will be guided to a more tranquil lifestyle. This program is for writers and anyone who wants to get organized.
Free. Register in person, 631-727-3228, ext. 100, or at riverheadlibrary.org.
330 Court St., Riverhead
Rain Gardens and Native Plants for a Beachside Landscape
Saturday, June 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Native plants and rain gardens play a critically important role in buffering the impact of runoff from the Peconic Estuary. Meet Lillian Ball, eco-artist, land steward and environmental actionist, for a guided walk through her gardens and restored pond shoreline to see how she uses native plants to filter stormwater runoff before it makes its way into local waters. While there, meet Tim Caufield of Peconic Land Trust for a visit to the Trust’s Harper Preserve located next door. Conserved in 2005, participants will see the globally rare Iris prismatica, the carnivorous sundew and native cranberry mats. Hear the conservation story of this fragile environment from Tim, along with ongoing efforts to protect additional land in the Southold community.
$5 per person. Park on Lake Drive; carpooling is encouraged. Rain cancels.
For more information and to reserve, call 631-283-3195, ext. 19, or email [email protected].
2045 Lake Drive, Southold
Foraging: Finding Forgotten Vegetables at The Farm Beyond
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m. to noon
Join Peconic Land Trust farmers Melissa and Edward Henrey of The Farm Beyond for an inspiring spring walk among their rows of certified organic vegetables, flowers and cover crops to forage for edible plants. Learn about the Henreys’ beloved “forgotten vegetables,” the hows and whys of their growing practices and why farm foraging is being written into the next chapter of sustainable farming and the farm-to-table movement. On this walking tour, Melissa and Edward will discuss plant identification, peak harvest periods for various crops and the best methods for cooking and enjoying these hyper-seasonal foods. You will leave with your own farm-foraged salad.
$5 per person; dress appropriately for walking in a farm field. Space is limited and reservations are requested. Heavy rain cancels.
For more information and to reserve, call 631-283-3195, ext. 19, or email [email protected].
Ag Center, 3005 Youngs Ave., Southold
Open House and Garden Tours
Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Long Island Horticulture Research and Extension Center
During this annual event, the dedicated volunteer group The Cornell Gardeners leads tours of the perennial gardens. Enjoy escorted wagon rides to see the research projects at the farm, including the field crops and vineyard.
For more information, visit longislandhort.cornell.edu.
3059 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Plant Science Day
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 4 to 9 p.m.
Long Island Horticulture Research and Extension Center
This annual event features presentations, updates on research programs and a barbecue for local growers and agricultural supporters. Credits for certified pesticide applicators are available.
For more information, visit longislandhort.cornell.edu.
3059 Sound Ave., Riverhead
