Help Us Build "Soft Landings" – Community Planting Day for Earth Day
With Phil Carlino
April 18, 2026
What are Soft Landings? Did you know that many of our favorite butterflies and moths start their lives in the canopy of our native trees, but actually finish their life cycle on the ground? “Soft Landings” are intentional plantings of native sedges and flowers beneath trees. They provide a safe, pillowy habitat for beneficial insects to over-winter and transform, rather than falling onto hard turf or being disturbed by mowers.
We Need Your Hands! We are transforming the grounds at St. Raphaela Center into a haven for local biodiversity, and we need volunteers to help us get these plants in the ground. This is a great activity to celebrate Earth Day!
- When: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
- Where: We will meet outside the dining hall.
- What to bring: Garden gloves, a trowel (if you have one), a reusable water bottle, and sun protection.
- What we’re planting: A beautiful mix of Pennsylvania Sedges, Christmas Ferns, and Golden Ragwort.
Please register so we know how many to expect!