April 30, 2006
American Community Gardening Association Conference
The 27th Annual American Community Gardening Association Conference at the University of California in Los Angeles on August 10-13 brings together hundreds of individuals from across the United States, Canada, and abroad, who are engaged in all aspects of gardening and greening. The conference includes hands-on workshops, keynote speakers, a film festival, and visits to parks, school gardens, community gardens, and other green spaces in the Los Angeles area. Workshops will be grouped by the following themes: youth, public policy, food security, growing your organization, horticulture and design and horticulture therapy. Tours will be available to youth/school gardens, communal gardens, political 101 gardens, art and pocket gardens, inner-city community gardens, conservation/gardens and society and historical gardens.
Conference registration will be available after May 1. Early registration (until June 30) will be $200. Air conditioned accommodations at UCLA's Sunset Village have private baths, cable television, telephones, internet access, and daily maid service. The cost will be $115 for a single and $70/person for a double, including breakfast
For conference registration information, go to the following website:
http://www.communitygarden.org/index.php
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:19 AM | Permalink |
April 30, 2006
National Children and Youth Garden Symposium
The 2006 American Horticultural Society's National Children and Youth Garden Symposium will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, July 27-29, 2006. The theme for the 14th annual symposium is "Cultivating a Sense of Place: A Youth Gardening Adventure. The Missouri Botanical Garden is the host for the symposium. Headquarters for the symposium will be the campus of Washington University. On-campus dormitory-style housing will be available for participants and a special symposium rate will be available at the nearby Knight Center.
The symposium offers an impressive lineup of speakers, inspirational garden explorations, and many opportunities for informal networking. If you want to learn more about creating or enhancing educational programs for children and youth in schools, community programs, or at home, the AHS National Children & Youth Garden Symposium is for you!
In addition, a pre-symposium workshop on Wednesday, July 26 will explore the hot topic of "Kids Growing Food," investigating entrepreneurial ventures, along with nutrition and activities to engage children and youth with growing food. An optional post-symposium excursion on Saturday afternoon will take you to the top of the St. Louis Arch to catch a stunning view of the landscape, followed by a wonderful dinner
For registration information go to the following website: http://www.ahs.org/youth_gardening/national_youth_garden_symposium.htm
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:51 AM | Permalink |
April 28, 2006
Urban Gardeners in Chicago
For 23 years I have been involved in Urban Gardening in Chicago. Of all the great people I have worked with over the years Gerald and Lorene Earles of Chicago's South Lawndale neighborhood best represent what the urban gardening movement is all about. I helped them start the Slumbusters Community Garden almost 20 years ago. This is a unique community garden with the "L" running over it. The Earles focus was to get rid of "the beast" and to bring beauty back to Chicago's blighted neighborhoods. Their community garden has won numerous awards including the President's Points of Light Award which we nominated them for in 1993.The Slumbusters were one of 4,000 groups nominated and only one of 30 groups who received awards. They received their award from President Clinton at a White House ceremony. The garden provided the impetus for the Slumbusters to get involved in other neighborhood projects such as the redevelopment and renovation of near-by Douglas Park. Today Gerald and Lorene continue to inspire others through their example to get rid of "the beast" and beautify their neighborhoods.
Listen to an interview of Gerald and Lorene Earles from the WTTW show Eight Forty-Eight-Chicago Public Radio's Morning Magazine. Go to the following link- http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/audio_library/848_rajuly02.asp and scroll down to the July 11, 2002 show and click on the audio for the Slumbusters Community Garden.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:54 AM | Permalink |
April 26, 2006
Soil and Compost Sources
Cubic Yard Needs Calculation: Measure Length x Width x Height (in feet) divided by 27 = amount of cubic yards needed. All prices are per cubic yard.
NOTE: You must keep all measurements the same e.g. in feet (inches must be converted into fractions of a foot).
The Resource Center Provides compost, manure, top soil, mixed soil, bricks and rocks.
222 E. 135th Place Compost $30
Chicago, IL 60627 Soil $20
773.821.1351/fax: 773.821.7462 Compost/soil mix $25
www.resourcecenterchicago.orgDelivery fee $45-$75, dependent upon distance
Lake Street Supply Co. Leaf or Mushroom Compost $ 26
1810 W Lake Street Garden Mix Soil $ 34
Chicago, IL 60612 Delivery fee $60
312-226-0760
Noble Horse Provides free organic manure for pick-up.
1410 N. Orleans Delivery only by the trailer (usually 20 cy).
Chicago, IL 60610 Call for information
312.266.7878/fax: 312.266.2124
Earth Inc. Provides topsoil, construction sand, crushed stone.
1100 N. Ellis Top Soil $149.16 per 5cy to West side of City
Bensonville, IL 60106 Top soil $216 for 20cy to West side of City
630.860.7711 Delivery fee included in price
Call for prices on your estimate of how much soil/crushed stone you need - delivery is in 2-3 days. COD only.
EZ Tree Recycling Shredded Mulch $11
7050 S Dorchester Avenue Playground Woodchips $16
Chicago, IL 60637 Delivery fee: $50-90
(773) 493-8600
(If you are from a tax-exempt institution, please say so when you call!)
Land and Lakes Community groups only:
Wheeling, Willow Ranch, Chicago facilities Will deliver bulk loads (25-30 yards) for free.
River Bend Prairie Landfill Call Phil Donegan at 708-955-0458
1220 East 138th Street
Chicago, IL 60827 Pickup Prices for Compost: $12 per yard
Phone: 773-264-8508
Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:23 PM | Permalink |
April 25, 2006
Free Compost and Wood Chips
I received an email today from Jamie Zaplatosch, Education Projects Coordinator for Openlands with some great news for Chicago greening advocates. Land and Lakes is a company specializing in environmental and construction services and is offering free compost and wood chips for school and community greening projects
At the end of May, Land and Lakes is expanding to 122nd and Stoney Island as a large-scale composter and receiver of yard waste. They will be able to deliver (free of charge) their compost or wood chips in BULK deliveries (by semi-truck) in quantities of 25 - 30 cubic yards to community or school greening sites. They will not deliver smaller amounts, but compost can be picked up for $12.00 per yard.
The contact at Land & Lakes is Phil Donegan at 708-955-0458, if you are interested. Remember they will only deliver large quantities of at least 25-30 cubic yards
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Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:02 PM | Permalink |
