Nativity Lutheran Church is in the process of redesigning our green space. We want to expand our vegetable gardens to grow more produce for Little Kitchen Food Shelf and transition our hillsides to pollinator gardens.

Our hillsides pose several challenges:

• We have a problem with invasive species and we have steep hills that are difficult to work on.
• Buckthorn is growing in our west hillside between the church and neighboring homes. Buckthorn out-competes native plants for nutrients, light and moisture. It serves as host to pests and it threatens the future of forests, wetlands, prairies and natural habitats.
• Canadian thistle is growing on our north and east hillsides. It is classified as a noxious weed, spreading quickly and displacing native species.
• Our steep hills are particularly challenging. They are hard to work on, prone to erosion if we disturb the soil with weeding and if we were to use chemicals there is a chance the chemicals will flow downhill to our neighbors and into the watershed.

In researching our landscaping challenges, we have found an innovative solution to our problem that will allow us to demonstrate responsible stewardship, expand our outreach and provide a learning opportunity for the youth and adults within our community. Experts in land management are turning to goat grazing to help manage sensitive landscape. Over the past few years, there have been an increasing number of park and watershed managers who are turning to goats to help control buckthorn and other invasive species.

We are bringing in goats to graze our hillsides and serve as a model of responsible stewardship.

• They will draw attention to natural spaces,
• Raise awareness of invasive species,
• Allow us to control our problem without chemicals,
• Begin transition of our hillsides to low-maintenance, native plants which will also serve as pollinator gardens.

We plan to host learning events to provide an opportunity for local preschools and scouting groups. We feel this will be an ideal opportunity to help teach our children about:

1. caring for creation,
2. caring for animals, and
3. invasive species and the importance of biodiversity.

We will hire Goat Dispatch, a family-owned business that provides goats for temporary grazing. The goats will be coming in August and will be with use for 10-14 days.

Stay tuned for updates and an event schedule.

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UPCOMING SUSTAINABILITY/ENVIRONMENT EVENTS

Nativity Garden Vision

Our vision for Nativity front entry: We see a front entry experience that is welcoming, safe, and easily accessible to everyone; where nature spills into the street creating a lovely backdrop for people to celebrate, gather, linger, play, laugh and sit while enjoying nature in each season; with inspiring and interactive lighting and artistic features in a space that reflects a noticeable and dynamic presence that stewards God’s creation and embodies our commitment to love courageously.

You Can Help – Sign up to…

• Weed
• Build another raised vegetable garden bed
• Plant for pollinators
• Participate in a gardening discussion/answer your questions

Phase 1: concept and garden design – engaged landscape architect, moved many perennials

Phase 2: transition garden space surrounding the front entrance, including Peace Pole

Phase 3: transition hillside extending to north parking lot and boulevard

There are many ways you can help…

Sponsor an item:

• Bicycle Rack ($1,000)
• Bench ($5,000)
• Lighting ($2,000)
• Pots ($250 each)
• Plants ($5-$60 each)
• Decorative Screen ($2,000)
• Seasonal Plants ($50-$100)

Volunteer to help:

• Gardeners
• General Labor
• Painters
• Architect
• Cement work / footers
• Electricians

The new garden will feature:

• 16 foot bench
• ADA compliant path
• Focal point plantings
• Easy maintenance plantings
• Peace pole
• Relocated Dragonfly Bench
• Photography opportunities

On June 20 we had a great group of people join us at Nativity to help assemble DRAGONFLY PROJECT PACKETS. This event was sponsored by a Thrivent Action Team. The DRAGONFLY PROJECT is a mission partner with our Nativity Community Outreach, Care and Support Team.

If you are interested in getting involved with the DRAGONFLY PROJECT or one of our other Outreach Teams contact Gail Bergsven, Director of Community Partnerships: 651-329-4446 or ggantz1@aol.com

• Lydia Kalenze attending Gustavus Adolphus College
• Ian Bachmayer, attending Gustavus Adolphus College
• Noah Livingston attending St. Olaf College
• Marcus Papasodora attending Augsburg College
• Emilie Tomas attending Augsburg College
• Mackenzie Wild attending Concordia College – Moorhead

“Dear Scholarship Committee,

I’m writing to express my deep gratitude for the scholarships you have given me, not only this year, but throughout all four years of my college education.  The financial assistance you have provided has granted me access many transformative experiences at St Olaf, allowing me to develop the skills I need to be successful in my chosen profession as well as encouraging me to learn and grow as a person.  Thank you for your continuing generosity as I head into my senior year!”

-Sincerely,

Noah Livingston

Dear Nativity Scholarship Committee,

“I am writing to express muy sincere gratitude for your generous scholarship. The financial assistance which you have provided will allow me to focus on my education, and pursue the career of my dreams.

The Augsburg community has inspired me to pursue a BA degree in Theater, and bring my acting career to life. My passion for acting began in high school when I performed in class plays and musicals. I enjoyed performing in front of a large audience, and sensed that I had a meaningful talent to share with the world. My education at Augsburg University will improve my acting ability to succeed in this highly competitive field.

This scholarship is truly a blessing! I want to set an example about the importance of a college degree, and why it is essentially a precursor to a fulfilling life. The road to success is never straight, but I’m willing to take the journey with the Lord as my guide.

Thank you for your generosity and support!”

Sincerely,

Marcus Papasodora