Look outside! Birds and butterflies are on the wing, early blooms are splashing the valley with vibrant colors and community members across the region are preparing their soon-to-be-flourishing gardens. Spring has finally arrived and the Eastern Sierra is filled with life.

To celebrate this season of new growth, Bishop-based nonprofit Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) invites community members of all ages to ring in spring at their 10th annualGardenFest Celebration.

This free, family-friendly celebration will take place from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th in ESLT’s office backyard, located at 250 N. Fowler St. in Bishop.

 

This year’s GardenFest also celebrates the statewide movement called Take it Outside California! On this day each year, Californians get outdoors and connect with the natural world. At GardenFest, Eastern Sierra residents will find a great opportunity to do just that and much more.

For those eager to get planting this spring, Bristlecone Chapter of California Native Plant Society will be selling native plants, and we will be selling vegetable plants provided by Chalfant Big Trees Farm and Feed. Are you looking to start your own sprouts? The Bishop Paiute Tribe Food Sovereignty Program will be sharing seeds. Or do you just want some questions answered? Local Master Gardeners and birding experts from Eastern Sierra Audubon will be there to provide gardening tips and answer any birding questions.

Opportunities to purchase a delicious lunch also await you at GardenFest. All are encouraged to stop by for brick-oven pizza made onsite by Pi√±on Pizza. While kids enjoy children’s activities, adults can sample beers offered by Bishop’s own Mountain Rambler Brewery. There will also be a chance to win raffle prizes donated by ESLT and Spellbinder Books. Don’t miss out on this festive spring celebration and the chance to celebrate Take itOutside California!

GardenFest will also offer opportunities to learn about Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s Eastside Pollinator Garden Project, which helps local gardeners bring their gardens to life by attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other important pollinators. At GardenFest, everyone can learn about the benefits for signing up for this free project including how to receive a complimentary voucher for $125 worth of native plants.

For more information about GardenFest, please contact Marie Ring, ESLT’s Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member at or call (760) 873 4554.