The Learning Gardens of Oak Park will host a meeting on trees, plants and gardens on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Place, in Oak Park. Rob Sproule, Oak Park’s Village Forester, will discuss plans for an Oak Park Arboretum. We will also present information on plans for walking tours of front yard gardens in Oak Park, and on Hatch School’s organic vegetable garden and orchard and on OPRFHS’s work to create a student hydroponic research center.
We benefit tremendously from having trees in our yards, parks and along our greenways. They save energy, reduce heating bills and increase the value of our homes. Because they give so much, we should give back to them. How can we? It all starts with the soil, said arborist Dan Krug, who gave a two-hour talk, “Caring for Trees by Caring for the Soil: Good Dirt,” hosted by West Cook Wild Ones on Sept. 21 at Dominican University. Krug covered soil composition and chemistry and the importance of mulching.
Meet Kathryn Jonas, a long time Oak Park, IL, resident, tree expert and advocate. In addition to her many other credentials Kathryn was trained and has served as a “treekeeper” through the Treekeepers program at Openlands.
“Woodpecker Hollow” Nature Play Area:
Balance on logs and build with sticks as you experience unstructured playtime in our nature play area. Every day
Bone Appétit
Join us at feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals: Monday, September 1; Sunday, September 13; Sunday, October 12; Sundays, November 8 & 22; Tuesday, November 11; Saturday, November 30 • 1 pm
Nature Story Time
Nature-inspired stories followed by a craft. Ages 3-6 with adult. $1 per child.: Thursdays, September 4 & 18; October 2 & 16; November 6 & 20 • 10:30 am
Dog Days Walks
Bring your well-mannered, leashed dog on a one-hour guided hike on our trails. Call to register by 2 days prior. Saturdays, September 20, October 18, November 15 • 10 am
Autumn Walks
Explore the changing seasons on a guided walk along our trails and around the pond. Call to register by 2 days prior. Sundays, September 28, October 5 & 19, November 2 & Monday, October 13 • 1 pm
Weekday Nature Walk
Join us as we explore our local trails near Trailside Museum: Tuesdays, September 30, October 28, November 25 • 1 pm
Join other homeschoolers to learn about local nature. Limited space available; register at least 2 days prior to each session. Must be accompanied by adult.
Tree Ecology Learn about trees many important roles in our ecosystems, and learn to identify some of our local trees. Children ages 8 & up; Wednesday, September 24 • 2 – 3:30 pm
Migration Beyond Borders
Learn the migration stories of birds, insects and reptiles connecting to habitat preservation. Children ages 8 and up. Wednesday, October 22 • 2 – 3:30 pm
Ready for Winter
Learn about different animals’ strategies for surviving seasonal changes in order to prepare for winter. Children ages 8 and up. Wednesday, November 19 • 2 – 3:30 pm
Join interested adults and teens to learn about our leaders in conservation. Limited space available; register at least 2 days prior to each session.
Conservation in America: Explore the ideas and practice of conservation from before Thoreau to 21st century conservation biology. Wednesday, September 17 • 7 pm
Origins of the Forest Preserves: Learn how the nation’s first forest preserves were created in a time of great social change. Wednesday, October 1 • 7 pm
Leaders in Conservation: Aldo Leopold, Learn about the man many believe to be the father of the conservation ethic.Wednesday, November 19 • 7 pm
Start Your Nature Journal
Learn and practice tips for starting or enhancing your journal, from pen and paper as well as your favorite smartphone apps. For adults and interested teens; bring your favorite technology if you like. Registration required by 9/4, $15.00/person includes take-home materials. Saturday September 6 • 1 pm
What Leaf Is That? Tree ID for Young People: Enjoy a short nature walk and learn easy ways to identify some trees by leaf, bud, bark and fruit. Children ages 7 – 14, w/adult. Registration required by 9/5. Sunday, September 7 • 1 pm
Killer Plants and Murderous Mushrooms: Learn how some plants and fungi defend themselves, and then follow a naturalist in search of examples in our preserves. For adults and youth 12 and up; registration required by 9/12. Sunday, September 14 • 1 pm
Animal Olympics: Can you leap as far as a frog, or spear fish like a heron? Test your human abilities against amazing animal adaptations. Drop-in family program. Sunday, September 21 • 1 – 2:30 pm
The Endless Garden - Seed Saving: Learn how and when to save and store seeds from your garden plants for next year’s growing season. For adults; register by 9/25. Saturday, September 27 • 1 pm
Fungus Among Us Learn about some common autumn mushrooms then enjoy a short hunt for local examples. For adults & interested teens. Registration required by 10/2. Saturday October 4 • 1 pm
Tree Identification Workshop: In this indoor/outdoor workshop we will discuss features of local trees used for tree identification, such as bud and leaf shape, habitat and bark. Adults & interested teens. Registration required by 10/9. Saturday, October 11 • 1 pm
An Evening at Trailside
Get up close and personal with your neighborhood nature center. Sample a variety of educational programs and crafts, chat with your local naturalists and get an up close view of our entire mammal furs & skulls collection. A rare “behind-the-scenes” program will show you how we prepare food for our display animals.
Friday, October 24 • 5 – 8 pm
Photo Meet-Up at Trailside: Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to enjoy a one-hour tour of Trailside Museum and Thatcher Woods, highlighting the autumn color, scenic vistas and locations frequented by wildlife. During and after, photographers are free to get their best nature shots! Saturday, October 25 • 10 am
The Eyes Have It Drop-In Learn how other animals see: from snake eyes that never close to the compound eyes of insects. Drop-in family program. Sunday, October 26 • 1 – 2:30 pm
What Does the Coyote Say? Bark, howl or yip…discover what the coyote really says and visit with Trailside’s resident coyote. Saturday, November 1 • 1 pm
On the Trail of the White-tailed Deer The white-tailed deer is the largest mammal in Illinois. Join us as we explore the natural history of this native animal. Drop-in family program. Sunday, November 9 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Nature Sketching Explore line, value, shading and form as we practice sketching plants and animals from life. Register by 11/13. $15 materials fee includes take-home artist’s tools. Sunday, November 16 • 1 pm
Skull Detectives - The Mystery of the Missing Lunch Use the clues from real skulls to figure out which animal stole the missing lunch. Drop-in family program. Sunday, November 23 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Turkey Trot Hike Walk off that turkey dinner on a special post-holiday guided hike of the trails around Trailside Museum. Registration required by 11/26. Friday, November 28 • 1 pm
The Flying Meat-eaters: Hawks, Owls, Falcons & Vultures Drop in to learn about the life history of the carnivorous birds of our area. Family drop-in program. Saturday, November 29 • 1 - 2:30 pm
Trailside Museum, Forest Preserves of Cook County, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, (708) 366-6530
If you missed the showing of Jens Jensen the Living Green during the One Earth Film Festival you won't want to miss this. And even if you saw it in March you may want to see it again and bring some friends. The film will be making it's official Chicago debut with showings at Pritzger Pavilion in Millennium Park and on WTTW TV simultaneously on Thursday, June 19, 2014, at 8:00pm.
Today four out of five Americans live in cities. Yet the connection between the urban experience and the physical and emotional need for city and national parks is only just beginning to be made.
Jensen was a conflicted man, his Prairie Style revolutionized park design with 600 democratic and naturalistic landscapes for the workers of Chicago as well as the titans of industry. He predicted the devastating effects of the automobile on the environment, yet he worked for Henry and Edsel Ford. His story dramatizes an environmental battle that lasted five decades culminating in the creation of the nation’s first urban national park. A true conservation hero who used his art as activism, his philosophy and tactics on behalf of saving the land could not be more prescient.
A century ago, a rebellious Dane, JENS JENSEN (1860 - 1951), rose from street sweeper to 'dean of landscape architects’ to pioneering conservationist when he risked his career to stand-up to Andrew Carnegie and JP Morgan whose steel mills threatened to industrialize the entire Indiana shoreline. Jensen staged the “Dunes Pageant” that drew an estimated 40,000 - 70,000 to the dunes. It was Earth Day, Woodstock and Lawrence of Arabia all rolled into one. His pageant whipped-up a conservation fervor that effectively stopped industrial expansion.
Enjoy programs all summer at the Trailside Museum of Natural History, Forest Preserves of Cook County, 738 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305, 708-366-6530 As always; program registration, when required is by phone or in person
“Woodpecker Hollow” Nature Play Area Balance on logs and build with sticks as you experience unstructured playtime in our nature play area.
Summer Strolls Enjoy guided nature walks to explore summer along our trails. Family program, register 2 days prior. Sundays, June 1; July 20; August 3 • 1 pm
Nature Story Time Enjoy nature-inspired stories followed by a craft. Ages 3 – 6 with adult. $1 per child. Thursdays, June 5 & 19; July 3 & 17; August 7 & 21 • 10:30 am
Explore Your Preserves Discover new scenic trails nearby, on naturalist-guided walks in local preserves. Call to register and for meeting place. Family program. Saturday, June 7 (Des Plaines River Trail); Saturday July 5 (Brookfield Prairie); Saturday August 2 (Bemis Woods) • 10 –11:30 am
“Bone” Appétit
Join us at feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor resident animals.
Sundays, June 8 & 22; Friday, July 4& Saturday, July 26; Sunday, August 24, & Saturday, August 30 • 1 pm
Neighborhood Tree Walks Explore nature in your front yard on this naturalist-led walk through River Forest. Meet at Trailside Museum. Adult program; register 2 days prior. Saturdays, June 14 & August 23 • 10 am
Dog Days of Summer Hikes Bring your well-mannered, leashed dog on a one-hour guided hike on our trails. Family program. Saturdays, June 21, July 19, August 16 • 10 am
Weekday Nature Walks Join us as we explore our local trails near Trailside Museum. Tuesdays, June 24, July 29, August 26 • 1 pm
Father’s Day Walk Dads and their families enjoy a guided walk by our pond and through the woods. Register by 6/13. Sunday, June 15 • 1 pm
Photo Meet-Up at Bemis Woods South Enter Bemis Woods from Ogden Ave., in Western Springs. Call for meeting place. Saturday, June 28 10 am
What Does the Fox Say? Bark, scream or cry… discover what the fox really says and visit up close with Trailside’s resident fox. Family program. Sunday, June 29 • 1 pm
Walk with Dragons and Damsels Dragonflies and damselflies are dipping and dashing in Trailside’s pond. Learn to identify them by color and behaviors. Bring binoculars; a limited amount of binoculars available to lend. Saturday, July 12 • 1 pm
Parent/Child Woodland Ramble Enjoy a woodland walk as we look at trees, wildflowers and creatures great and small. Family program, register by 7/11. Sunday, July 13 • 1 pm
Reptiles Revealed Enjoy an up-close visit with some of our local reptiles. Drop-in family program. Sunday, July 27 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Evening Storytelling Join us on a summer’s night for stories and campfire snacks. Family program; $2; register by Aug. 4. Wednesday, August 6 • 7 pm
An Afternoon Walk with Ernest Hemingway Hear how Hemingway experienced and used nature in his writings, then follow in his footsteps on a guided nature walk. Adults & families with children ages 5 & up. Presented with the Ernest Hemingway Foundation; call 708-848-2222 to register. Saturday, August 9 • 1 – 2:30pm
Creature Feature Learn about an animal that makes its home within the Forest Preserve Dist. of Cook County. Drop-in family program. Sunday, August 10 • 1 – 2:30 pm
Songs of Summer Stroll Whirr, chirp, creeeek. Learn to identify common insect mating calls and test your listening skills on a naturalist-led walk. Family program. Sunday, August 17, 1 – 2:30 pm
Bats: Night Stalkers Learn about these mysterious flying mammals, and see live bats outside using special equipment. Adults & children 8 & up; register by 8/17. Wednesday, August 20 • 7:30 pm
Plants and Their Pals Learn about plant’s special adaptations, and the birds, mammals and insects that work together to help plants survive and thrive. For adults and children 8+; register by 8/28. Sunday, August 31 • 1 pm
Take this 10 question survey and enter a drawing to win a $100 prepaid debit card!
Green Community Connections is conducting a sustainability survey which is open to all community members in the Oak Park and River Forest Area. It is not required that survey participants have made changes in their homes or businesses related to sustainability, nor is it necessary for them to have had any experience with Green Community Connections. Results from this survey will help us shape our work going forward.
If you haven't already taken the survey, please take the Oak Park & River Forest Sustainability Survey now. We estimate the survey will take 5 minutes to complete. The last date to submit a survey is November 15th at 5:00pm. Once you have submitted the survey, -- complete the entry form -- to be entered in the drawing for the $100 prepaid debit card drawing. IMPORTANT: You will need the Survey Validation Code in order to complete the entry form. You will find that code in Question #10 at the end of the survey.
Please take a moment and share this survey with 3 friends and neighbors, especially those who may not be aware of Green Community Connections.
If you have any questions, please contact Sally Stovall at sally@greencommunityconnect
West Cook Wild Ones Presents "Why Native Wildflowers? – An Introduction" by Tim Lewis, Wild Ones National President,
Sunday, November 10, 2:30-4:30 in Room 259, Priory Campus of Dominican University, 7200 W. Division Street, River Forest, Dominican's Priory Campus is just west of Harlem on Division Street in River Forest. Park in back and enter on the east side of the building.
Why Natives is an introduction to landscaping using native plants. The presentation explains the history of our ecosystems, how we got to where we are today and why native plants are vital to the environment. The benefits and fallacies of natural landscaping will be explained. Finally, examples of native plant landscapes will inspire you to change your thinking about your own landscapes.
Tim Lewis is the national president of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. He has been on the board of directors for over 10 years. Tim was president of the Rock River Valley chapter in Rockford for several years and served on the board for many more years. He is the past president of Four Rivers Environmental Coalition. Tim was named “Conservationist of the Year” for 2009 by the Sinnissippi Audubon Society. In 2011, he was a finalist for the Seth B. Atwood Memorial Park and Conservation Service Award and in 2012 was the recipient of this award.
He has been growing native plants in his yard since 1991. His yard contains over 100 species of native plants in prairie plots, rain gardens, and savanna and shade gardens.
Dominican's Priory Campus is just west of Harlem on Division Street in River Forest. Park in back and enter on the east side of the building.
Deb Quantock McCarey went to the 2013 Green Living & Learning Tour stop sponsored by West Cook County Chapter of Wild Ones at Cheney Mansion and talked extensively with Head Gardener Charlie Reudebusch. Deb was one of over 30 people who visited the Cheney Mansion stop and/or went on the bike tour of native gardens afterward. Those who attended came away inspired by Charlie's wide-ranging knowledge of the joys and benefits of native plants and his dedication to tending this beautiful landmark. Deb was also able to walk away with "a few new ideas...and a few free seeds they said I could scatter in my evolving 'little patch of Illinois prairie' now for next year."
Read more about Deb's Big Backyard.
