Nature's Calling

PURPOSE

Nature's Calling is a component of the Village Wastewater Company located  on Highway 71 North (near the Missouri state line) that processes the biosolids created in the treatment of wastewater.  Because Bella Vista has no industry (metals) or medical waste (hospitals), the sludge has been given a Class A rating by the U.S. EPA, which means it is perfectly safe.  Nature's Calling uses the sludge, mixed with soil and wood chips, to propagate and grow trees, shrubs and flowers.  These plants are sold (at much less than retail cost) to the community and all proceeds are donated to horticultural scholarships at the U of A and NWACC and to local charities. We feel this is a very environmentally responsible method of disposing of bio-solids. Nature's Calling works closely with the Ozark Hills Daylily Club, Bella Vista Garden Club, and other committees within the BCMG organization (Growing Up Green, for one).  Because this is a BCMG sanctioned project, members of these groups get credit for working hours when working with Nature's Calling.   

ACTIVITIES

Nature's Calling holds plant sales in conjunction with the Bella Vista Garden Club twice a year.  Additionally, plants are for sale any time at the treatment plant.  The Ozark Hills Daylily Club has gardens here and they meet and hold work days throughout the year.  Nature's Calling has two greenhouses and we do a lot of propagating in the winter months.  In Spring 2008, Nature's Calling (along with the BV Garden Club and Ozark Hills Daylily Club) will hold plant sales on three or four Saturday mornings. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

When Nature's Calling is holding a work day or a plant sale, the committee chairperson will send an e-mail to Master Gardeners asking for volunteers.

Chair:    Kitty Casanova