Students Create Monarch Garden at Morton Freshman Center

Students Create Monarch Garden at Morton Freshman Center

Students at Morton High School worked to solve the real-world problem of the declining monarch population by building a 5,000-square-foot monarch habitat and native garden at the Freshman Center in late April.

Volunteers Needed for Monarch Habitat Construction

Volunteers Needed for Monarch Habitat Construction

Join the workday for the Student Citizen Science Monarch Ecological Engineering Project beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 28, and continuing throughout the day at the Morton Freshman Center, 1801 South 55th Ave., in Cicero. Stay for just the morning, the afternoon, or all day.

A Crash Course in Garden History

A Crash Course in Garden History

Landscape Historian Barbara Geiger, will teach "A Crash Course in Garden History" from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Dole Library, 225 Augusta in Oak Park.

In this lecture full of images Barbara will hit high points in the story of gardening through the ages. How the constraints of water, gravity, soil, and climate shaped design. How major design styles leapt national boundaries to take root in new environments.

Take Action for Clean Air, Public Transit, and Wildlife

Take Action for Clean Air, Public Transit, and Wildlife

Since 1975, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has promoted sound environmental laws and policies in Illinois. More than 80 affiliate organizations across the state collaborate through the IEC to create policies that protect Illinois’ air, water, and natural areas. IEC is the only organization that provides regular updates on the issues affecting the environment at the state level. We encourage Green Community Connections readers to sign up for the updates at the IEC website: https://ilenviro.org

Happy News! Together We are Making a Difference for Monarchs!

Happy News! Together We are Making a Difference for Monarchs!

Oak Park resident, Gina Orlando, recently shared the happy news that she saw at least 10 monarchs at the same time on a patch of the swamp/rose milkweed at Mills Park.

“Their playfulness and beauty are a joy,” Orlando said. “It was wonderful to see!  And it's hopeful. They are coming back.”

Youth Learn Leadership via Gardening

Youth Learn Leadership via Gardening

This summer a new youth leadership program gave a cohort of Chicago teens a safe and nurturing environment to learn lessons that enriched their lives, as well as the neighborhood where they live. During July, teens in the “I Can Fly” Youth Leadership Program focused on the richness of the soil, not the economic poverty around them; the sweet fruits of labor, not the bitterness of systemic discrimination.

'The Genius of Birds' Book Discussion at Austin Gardens

'The Genius of Birds' Book Discussion at Austin Gardens

Recent research shows that birds are far more capable than we once thought. They have keen visual intelligence, navigation skills, and empathy. They solve problems, make tools, and even innovate.

“The Genius of Birds” by Jennifer Ackerman, which observes this first-hand, will be the subject of the next four meetings of the Austin Gardens Book Club. All are welcome to this free book discussion.

Native Shrub & Tree Sale: Order by end of day Sunday, 9/24

Native Shrub & Tree Sale:  Order by end of day Sunday, 9/24

We have many trees and shrubs that are hard to find. Most nurseries and garden centers do not carry these plants. Order online by end of day on Sunday, Sep 24th at wild-ones-west-cook.myshopify.com

Pick-up is September 30th at Euclid Methodist Church's parking lot, 405 S Euclid Ave, Oak Park, 9am-1pm.

Join Us! 'I Can Fly' Youth Program Graduation & Zero Waste Block Party

Join Us! 'I Can Fly' Youth Program Graduation & Zero Waste Block Party

Green Community Connections was pleased to partner with so many incredible partners for its inaugural I Can Fly Youth Leadership Program this summer. Learn about I Can Fly! See photos from the program, review the program backgrounder, and meet the wonderful partners and supporters who made it all possible.