From Forest Preserves of Cook County

When the sale commences, trees & shrubs are available by pre-order only.

• Preorder at  West Cook Shopify

• Schedule a pickup time for an order at SignUpGenius. Pick-up is October 5, 2024. 

• Volunteer for the sale at SignUpGenius  

Comprehensive information about the sale at West Cook  2024  Fall Tree and Shrub Sale
 

A healthy landscape has layers: a grass and forb layer, a shrub layer, and a tree or canopy layer. From layering comes strength.

Together, the three layers render nooks, crannies, nest holes, coverts, edge effects, niches, niches, and more niches to encourage biocommunity

From Oak Park Public Library

Interested in greening your home or lifestyle but feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Come join us for this event--part presentation, part information fair--to hear stories and ask questions of your neighbors who have taken various green steps. Brief presentations will be followed by an opportunity to drop by presenters' tables to ask questions and get more information. Topics to be covered include: home audits, insulation, solar panel installation, Community Solar programs for house & condo owners & renters, heat pumps and induction cooking.

Presented by Arbor West Neighbors in collaboration with the library. Registration recommended.

From Oak Park Public Library

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature. All We Can Save, an anthology edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Keeble Wilkinson, is a collection of diverse voices of women asking critical questions and providing insight and solutions. Curated by two climate leaders, this book leads us away from the brink and toward the possibility of a life-giving future.

From Oak Park Public Library

Come join us for an inside look at current climate stories in the Chicago area with Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco. Juanpablo will share highlights of some of his recent news stories involving the local impacts of climate change and community initiatives as well as his insights into the field of climate reporting.

Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco is a reporter covering issues related to climate change and energy for WBEZ Chicago and Grist. His reporting has appeared on All Things Considered, Morning Edition and Marketplace.

From Friends Of The Oak Park Conservatory

Thursday, Sept 19, 7:00-8:00P                    

Not only do shrubs provide a great backdrop for other plants in your garden, but they can also stabilize the soil and create a habitat for wildlife. Join the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory as we welcome a speaker from West Cook Wild Ones to learn about native shrubs and alternatives to those that are invasive. 

Presented by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON)

This is a FREE, virtual event.  A Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants on the day of the lecture.

From West Cook Wild Ones

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

From Congregations Fighting Hunger

Baked goods and refreshments served!

Sunday, September 8th, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Come Join us at our community congregational gardens where we grow fresh produce to help support our local food pantries. Ask us about our volunteer opportunities for supporting local food pantries.

Join our scavenger hunt and find cool vegies across the gardens.

Hope to see you there!

Garden Locations

Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion

1235 N. Harlem, Oak Park, IL

Temple Har Zion

1040 N. Harlem, River Forest, IL

Ascension- St. Edmund Parish

188 S. Oak Park Ave, IL/815 S. East, Oak Park, IL

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Sat, September 7 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a paddling event at Kickapoo Woods! This FREE event offers a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the natural area while engaging in a fun and relaxing paddling experience.

To register please email Gloria Orozco at gloria@fotfp.org

From Oak Park Public Library

Join us for a discussion about emotions and environmentalism. We will spend the first thirty minutes of the program listening to the podcast Think Sustainability: Emotions Let Us Make Better Decisions (S. 6 Ep. 174) and follow that with a discussion on the connections among feeling, story, and environmental action.

(If you'd rather listen on your own, feel free to listen to it wherever you get your podcasts and arrive at 6:30 p.m. for the discussion only.)

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

In partnership with Ride Illinois, join us for a family-friendly event promoting riding bikes. Safety demonstration, techniques, tips, and a guided ride included. Helmets and loaner bikes are available. This event is perfect for cyclists of all skill levels who want to explore beautiful trails and enjoy the great outdoors.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Elevate Your Birdwatching Skills—Join Our Intro to Bird ID Workshop!

Passionate about birds? Whether you’re a novice or looking to sharpen your skills, our Intro to Bird ID workshop is perfect for you. Learn how to identify common bird species and enhance your birdwatching experience with expert guidance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and refine your bird identification skills.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Discover the Impact of Our Choices—Join the Nature Book Club!

Are you curious about the ethical and environmental implications of our food choices? Dive into Jonathan Safran Foer’s provocative book, Eating Animals, and explore these crucial themes with fellow nature enthusiasts. Join us for a lively discussion at Trailside Museum of this book, about consuming meat vs. vegetarianism in the modern world. Ages 18 & up. On August 15th at 7:00 PM (CST).

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Be a part of hands-on conservation efforts and help restore natural habitats. This is a great opportunity to get involved in environmental stewardship while enjoying the outdoors. All skill levels are welcome for ages 12+.

What to Expect:

• Habitat restoration activities

• Learning about local ecology

• Community involvement

We look forward to seeing you there and making a difference together!

From Nature120 and Kinfolk CoLab:

This FREE event is a welcoming space for kids and families, and anyone wanting to connect with their playful side. It will be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Nature120 is committed to providing inclusive, nature-based wellness experiences, especially for those who have been traditionally marginalized. Kinfolk CoLab is committed to working for justice, equity, and belonging in Oak Park and neighboring communities.

Parking available or CTA green line to Pace bus #313 ++ walk 15minutes.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNmobNjE9ujOgNL-XGHj02a75BqDSTkLz28PPX8zPxwJ2hmg/viewform

From One Common Unity:

Viewers will have the chance to catch up with the phenomenal youth showcased in the original documentary, “Fly by Light.” Alumni share what they have been up to since moving on from Fly By Light and the transformative impact the One Common Unity community has had on their lives.

See the trailer here!

Prior to the screening, we will kick-off the night with a brief recap of the original “Fly By Light” film. We’ll conclude with a live-chat featuring the film's producer and director, Hawah Kasat and Ellie Walton, as well as a live performance by two talented youth.

LIVE VIRTUAL SCREENING + DISCUSSION
Hosted by It’s Our Future + One Earth Youth Advisory Council

FILM DESCRIPTION: When a group of DC teens pack into a bus and head into the mountains of West Virginia for eight days, they embark on a journey to break the cycles of violence and rewrite their future. For the first time in their lives, the youth play in mountain streams, sing under the stars, and confront the entrenched abuse, violence and neglect cycles of their past. As the healing power of nature works its magic, each teen becomes filled with new plans and ideas. But when the group returns home, the specters of poverty, violence and homelessness confront them. This award-winning film is a darling of the film festival circuit. Its hopeful vibe chronicles the youths’ struggle, but also their strength.

Teens and young adults encouraged to attend.
May contain heavy themes, graphic images, and strong language.

Stay for thought-provoking post film discussion. Discover how nature heals and the importance of all races connecting with and having access to the great outdoors. Learn about opportunities to take action now.

It’s Our Future and One Earth Film Festival Youth Advisory Council members Jess Senger and Manolo Avolos will host and facilitate this Q&A with Fly By Light filmmaker, Hawah Kasat, and environmental young leaders, Jose Carrillo and Austin (Modisette) Williamson. Hear about their activism in this world and how we can all lift up voices to protect our health and the planet. Jose will even share a rap during this inspiring event. It’s time to open our eyes!

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fly-by-light-virtual-screening-discussion-tickets-113624367542