TURN YOUR BACK YARD INTO A SUPERMARKET WITH 'HOW TO' PROGRAMS IN CLEVELAND METROPARKS

May 6, 2014

The �farm to table� movement is gaining popularity with more consumers and restaurants purchasing food grown from local farmers. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are healthier, fresher and taste better, too. Take buying local one step further and grow your own fruits and vegetables right in your back yard. And, have you ever considered raising chickens in your back yard to get fresh eggs? Find out what you need to know to get started from upcoming programs in Cleveland Metroparks.

Learn tips and tricks to turn your back yard into your own supermarket with these programs at Cleveland Metroparks:

YOUR PIECE OF THE PLANET - WEST: BACKYARD CHICKENS

Saturday, May 10 � 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation

Learn how easy it is to raise chickens in your back yard from Cleveland Metroparks naturalist Kathy Schmidt. Kathy currently raises hens and will answer questions about appropriate space, egg production and city permits. Kathy will show off a few of her prized chickens. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-734-6660.

HOW TO GROW IT: SQUASH & MELONS

Saturday, May 17 � 10 - 11 a.m.

Garfield Park Nature Center � Garfield Park Reservation

A lot of your favorite summer produce belongs to the cucurbits plant family, including watermelon, cucumbers and honeydew. These plants can be challenging to grow at home, especially if you are inexperienced. Learn how to increase your bounty, manage space and fight off pests. Then take home your own seed to plant. Registration, beginning May 1, and $2 fee are required. Garfield Park Nature Center is located off the Broadway Avenue entrance of Garfield Park Reservation in Garfield Heights. For more information and to register, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-341-3152.

GROWING PERENNIAL VEGETABLES

Sunday, May 18 � 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

CanalWay Center � Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation

Perennial vegetables are the foundation of your garden. Grow vegetables that will come back year after year. Find out how to plant and care for asparagus, rhubarb and more from an Ohio State University Extension educator. Registration, beginning May 1, is required. CanalWay Center is located on Whittlesey Way, off the East 49th Street entrance of Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, between Grant Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Heights. For more information and registration, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-206-1000.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338,sja@clevelandmetroparks.com

ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com