Training Workshops

Saturdays, July 8, July 15, and July 22, 2006, 9:00 am -3:30 pm. All classes will be held at Garfield Park Conservatory

Learn the art and science of urban home composting and techniques for teaching others. This hands-on intensive 15 hour training program held at Garfield Park Conservatory includes the essentials of basic and worm composting, educational methods practice and a compost bin for participants to use at home. The program is primarily designed for Master Gardeners, volunteers and staff of the Chicago Home Composting Program partner organizations. Please inquire if you are interested and not affiliated with a partner agency. Master Composter training hours can be used to satisfy general Master Gardener education requirements.

Community Outreach

July 2006 -­ June 2007

Thirty hours of community education outreach will be required for participation in the Master Composter program. Ten of these thirty hours will be staffing the Rotline (compost hotline) in the Master Gardener Plant Clinic at the Garfield Park Conservatory on weekends. The additional 20 hours can be completed at one of four compost education centers, or through individual outreach projects. Master Composter outreach hours satisfy general Master Gardener service requirements. Interns are expected to participate in the City-wide Bin sale on Saturday, August 19, 2006

Application Deadline is July 5, 2006

Please mail, email, or fax your application to the location below. The cost for participating in the program is $40. Scholarships are available and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please make checks payable to University of Illinois.

For More Information about the Master Composter Program

Please contact Ron Wolford, 773-233-0476, rcwolford@gmail.com, Fax. 773-233-0910

For More Information on the Chicago Home Composting Program

Please contact Nancy Kreith, 773-233-0476 kreith@uiuc.edu

The Chicago Home Composting Program is managed by the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance in partnership with the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, University of Illinois Extension Chicago Master Gardeners, Chicago Park District, Chicago Department of Environment-Greencorps/Chicago Center for Green Technology, Chicago Public Schools/Chicago High School of Agricultural Sciences, and is funded in part by a Mayor Daley Neighborhood Recycling Grant.

Chicago Master Composter Program 2006

APPLICATION

Name_________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

City and State__________________________________________________________

Home Phone___________________________________________________________

Work Phone___________________________________________________________

Cell Phone_____________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________________________

1. Please check your affiliation (Must be volunteer or staff with at least one)

____Chicago Master Gardener ____Chicago Department of Environment

____Chicago Dept. of Streets & Sanitation ____Chicago Park District

____Chicago School for Ag Sciences ____Fuller Park Community Dev. Corp.

____Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance ____University of Illinois Extension

2. Please describe why you are interested in becoming a Chicago Master Composter:

3. Please rate your composting experience (check one):

(No experience) ____1 ____2 ____3 ____4 ____5 (A lot of experience)

4. List any languages you speak or write fluently, other than English:

__________________________________________________________________

5. My neighborhood is_________________. My alderman is _____________________.

6. Please indicate times you are generally available and not available for outreach activities by placing an A for times you are generally available,or placing an N for times you are generally not available.

Please note: This does not commit you to any specific date. It is used to help connect volunteers with projects. Remember you are required to do 10 hours on weekends manning the Rotline at the Garfield Park Conservatory Plant Clinic.

Daytime Evenings

Sunday ______ ______

Monday ______ ______

Tuesday ______ ______

Wednesday ______ ______

Thursday ______ ______

Friday ______ ______

Saturday ______ ______

7. Please indicate the type of scheduling notice that fits your lifestyle (Yes or No)

____ I need to schedule activities well in advance of the event.

____ I am available on short notice, 1-7 days.

____ I am available some days for emergency fill-ins.

I __________________________________________agree to attend all three training workshops (July 8, July 15 and July 22, 2006) and complete Thirty hours of community outreach teaching composting in Chicago neighborhoods July, 2006 ­ June 2007, if I am accepted into the Chicago Master Composter Program.

Signature_______________________________________________ Date____________

Application Deadline is July 5, 2006

Please mail, email or fax your application
to the location below. The cost for participating in the program is $40. Scholarships are available and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please make checks payable to University of Illinois.

Please send, fax or email your application to:

Aida Peralta

University of Illinois Extension

8751 S. Greenwood Suite 112

Chicago, IL 60619

Or to: peralta1@uiuc.edu, or fax: (773) 768-4818.

For More Information about the Master Composter Program

Please contact Nancy Kreith, 773-233-0476 kreith@uiuc.edu

Elizabeth Bruhns ebruhns@sbcglobal.net

1. TO ENTER: No purchase necessary. Enter in one of two ways: 1) go to www.wgntv.com, click on the "City in a Garden" logo and follow the instructions to (a) complete the online entry form, (b) submit your 100-words-or-less original essay describing how your garden has a positive or beautifying effect on the neighborhood where it is located, and (c) attach 3 digital photos in jpeg format of the garden being entered; or 2) mail your 100-words-or-less essay, including your name, age, address, telephone number and/or email address, and three (3) non-returnable photos of the garden being entered (at least 3 x 5 in size) to:

WGN-TV "City in a Garden"

2501 W. Bradley Place

Chicago, IL 60618

Incomplete entries and entries not submitted to WGN-TV in one of the two ways specified above will be disqualified. Entrants must use their own name and must have actually participated in creating or improving the garden. Only one entry per garden. Garden entry may be submitted by one or more persons, including an organization or a committee. However, professional landscape, horticultural or gardening companies, individual landscape, horticultural or gardening professionals, or entrants hiring such companies or professionals to work on their gardens are not eligible to enter. If the entrant does not own the garden featured, then the entrant first must obtain consent of the garden owner to enter. Entry can either be a vegetable, or flower, or plant garden and garden must be in plain public view, not an enclosed backyard. Garden must currently exist. WGN-TV will disqualify any entry that includes essays or photographs that are not the entrants' own original creations, violate the rights of any other person or entity (including but not limited to copyrights), contain offensive, defamatory, vulgar or profane content, as determined by WGN-TV, or contain fraudulent or false information about the entrants or gardens. All entries become the property of WGN-TV, and none will be returned. WGN-TV is not responsible for entries that are lost, incomplete, damaged, illegible, late, postage due or misdirected, or for errors in mechanical transmission, technical difficulties or inability to transmit Internet entries. Entrant essays may be read and entrant photos may be shown on-air during one or more of WGN-TV's news shows.

1. ENTRY DEADLINE: The contest begins on June 16, 2006 and all entries must be received by August 21, 2006 ("Contest Period").

1. WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION: Each week of the Contest Period, a panel of WGN-TV and horticultural judges will review all eligible entries and will choose a weekly winning garden based upon essay originality (25%), creativity and presentation (25%) and community impact (50%). Beginning July 7, 2006, the first weekly winning garden will be profiled, and additional gardens will be profiled each week thereafter. Garden entries not chosen as a weekly winner will be eligible for consideration for the subsequent week's winner selection. Winners will be notified by phone approximately a week before the photo shoot. The winners must meet all eligibility requirements in order to participate. By participating in the "WGN City in a Garden" promotion, finalists agree to be filmed and/or photographed for their news segment to be aired on WGN-TV. If the garden is removed, vandalized or destroyed by bad weather or the entrant fails to obtain the consent of the garden owner to film or photograph the garden prior to the filming of the news segment, the entrant will be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion. In the event the winner cannot be contacted after three attempts or is/becomes ineligible, an alternate winner will be chosen from among the remaining entries using the judging criteria above. Entrants agree that WGN-TV has the sole right to determine the winners of the contest and all matters or disputes arising from the contest and that its determination is final and binding. Only one winner will be awarded per household.

1. THE PRIZE: Nine (9) Winners will each be awarded a 14 carat white gold jeweled flower (either necklace or stick pin) with gemstones, provided by Traditional Gems of Chicago. For winners consisting of more than one person (including a committee or an organization), only one piece of jewelry will be awarded to the entire group. One winner per week for 9 weeks. The prize will be forfeited if the winner fails to claim prize by deadline, fails to execute the prepared forms of release and waiver, or if the selected winner is not eligible in accordance with these rules. Prizes are not assignable, transferable or redeemable for cash. Federal, state and local taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner, who will receive a 1099 tax form reflecting the actual value of the prize. Each prize has an estimated value of $1,500.

1. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS

1. This contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Employees of WGN-TV, Traditional Gems of Chicago ("Contest Sponsors"), and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, and advertising/promotion agencies are not eligible to participate.
2. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older at time of entry, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Illinois or Northwest Indiana.
3. Winners who have won a prize from WGN-TV since January 2006 are ineligible and will be disqualified.
4. Entrants do not need to own the land entered, however, entries must be created or at least be collaborated by the entrant and they must have participated in the labor and/or layout and design of the garden upon entry. Entrants also must obtain the consent of the landowner to enter this Contest and to allow WGN-TV to film and/or photograph the garden if the entrant is selected as a winner.
5. Professional landscape, horticultural or gardening companies, individual landscape, horticultural or gardening professionals, or entrants hiring such companies or professionals to work on their gardens are not eligible to enter.

6. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

a. Use of winner's name: By entering, each entrant grants permission, without further compensation, to the Contest Sponsors, their agents and licensees, to use the entrant's name, voice, photographs, essay, likeness and biographical material for promotional purposes in connection with the contest.

b. Execution of Affidavit and Release: By entering, each entrant agrees that if selected as the winner, he/she will sign a release and waiver of liability. The prize will be forfeited and awarded to another entrant if the winner does not execute the prepared form of release and waiver prior to the news shoot, or if the selected winner is not eligible in accordance with these rules.

c. Release of Liability: By entering, entrants agree to release Contest Sponsors and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and agents from any claim, loss, liability, damage or injury of any kind arising from the entrants' participation in this Contest or their receipt or use of the contest prizes.

d. Prize Substitutions: No substitute prizes are available; however, Contest Sponsors may, at their discretion, substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Prizes are non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash. If the prize becomes unavailable for any reason, WGN-TV reserves the right to substitute a prize of comparable value.

1. INTERNET/FORCE MAJEURE: If for any reason, this contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, tampering, fraud, technical failure, or any other cause which corrupts or threatens the administration, security or integrity of the contest, WGN-TV reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate or suspend the Contest or any portion of the Contest. ANY ATTEMPT TO DAMAGE OR UNDERMINE THE FAIR AND LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS CONTEST WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE CONTEST. Information submitted in Internet entries, including entrant's name, address, e-mail address, etc, shall become the property of WGN-TV, and may be used by WGN-TV for marketing or promotional purposes, unless entrants expressly opt-out and decline such use. Contest shall be governed and enforced pursuant to Illinois law, excluding choice of law provisions.

8. WGN-TV'S PRIVACY POLICY: This Contest is subject to the privacy policy of WGN-TV, which can be found at http://wgntv.trb.com/services/wgntv-privacy,0,7477934.htmlstory.

1. COPY OF THE RULES: A copy of the rules is available at wgntv.com or by sending a self-addressed envelope to: "WGN-TV City in a Garden Rules," 2501 W. Bradley Place, Chicago, IL 60618.

10. WINNERS LIST: Can be obtained by sending a self-addressed envelope to "WGN-TV City in a Garden Winners List," 2501 W. Bradley Place, Chicago, IL 60618 after August 31, 2006.

Our city's motto, "Urbs in Horto," translates to City in a Garden. Throughout Chicago's 167-year history, the people of this city have treasured the many green spaces that enrich life and help soften urban edges, reduce noise and stress, create quiet places for reflection, provide opportunities for positive social interaction and increase property values.

The 50th Annual Mayor's Landscape Awards Program is the City's way of acknowledging the individuals, businesses, community groups, schools and other public institutions who contribute their time and energy to making our city the greenest in the nation. I invite you to share the joys of gardening with your fellow citizens by completing an application for this program. I hope that the Awards Program will continue to stimulate a passion for gardening among Chicagoans.

To enter, complete the attached entry form by answering all questions. Submit only ONE application per category. Include at least TWO photographs of your landscape; the photos must be 4" x 6", printed on regular photo paper and will not be returned. Polaroid or digital photos on disc or via e-mail will not be accepted. Please, no bound presentations, staples or tape. Applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2006.

Applications that advance to the on-site judging round will be viewed from late July through Labor Day. Award results will be mailed no later than October 1st. The awards ceremony for the winners will be held on Saturday, November 4th. This program is open to all residents, businesses and organizations located in the City of Chicago.

For more information and an application, go to http://tinyurl.com/kd53d

Nancy Kreith, University of Illinois Horticulture Cooordinator would like to thank Master Gardeners Loretta Koperdak, Ann Marie Pianka, Gerri Gates, Nathan Renie, Charles Malatesta, Neil Smith, Rita Prichett, Ernestina Meza and Carla Burton for manning the Ag School Plant Clinic during May and June. A special thanks goes out to Ellen Garza who volunteered five times.

Master Gardeners Jennifer Pagan, Loretta Koperdak, Karin Grear, Pat Reis, Will Rutt. Peggy Thoma and Linda Coleman worked with Devin Hill of the Chicago Park District as volunteers for the Garden in the City event from May 13-21. Master Gardeners greeted visitors, answered general questions and assisted in filling out survey forms.

Monthly meeting - Tuesday, June 27

Community Room

Garfield Park Conservatory

6:30 - Potluck dinner

7:00 - Speaker - Matt Kostelnick-Cook County Extension Educator

8:00 - Nancy Kreith -Announcements

Matt Kostelnick is one of our new Cook County Extension Educators. He earned both his B.S. in Horticulture and his M.S. in Agriculture Education from Iowa State University. Matt has already initiated many new programs, including our new Master School Gardener program. On June 27, we will get an opportunity to know him better and hear all about the Diveresy Street Wetland Project, which includes youth education and river beautification.

Master Gardener Larry Urbaniak who has volunteered at the Brookfield Zoo's Children's garden for a number of years needs some items donated for garden crafts. Here is the list: jewelry, egg cartons, styrofoam trays, shoe boxes, nylons, yarn, ribbon, cardboard rolls from toilet paper, paper towels, gift wrap and yogurt containers. Please bring items to the June Master Gardener meeting. Larry thanks you!

2005 Graduates may pick up your badges and certificates.

On June 14, a great crew of Master Gardeners helped Nancy whip our Ag School flower beds into shape. It was Weeds versus Master Gardeners and the Master Gardeners won. Master Gardeners also planted earthboxes in our All America Selections garden. A big Thank You goes out to Master Gardeners Charlot Richards, Barbara Tracy, Helen Charity, Neil Smith, John Hachtel, Donna Pochie, Ellie Piechocki and Linda Khalouf.

On June 8, Master Gardeners brought our Insect Petting Zoo to Pullman Elementary School at 11311 S Forrestville Avenue. Eighty students got to touch and feel our roaches and millipedes. Each child also potted up a plant to take home. We want to thank Master Gardeners Ellie Piechocki and Marilyn Klein for their assistance. This visit was a homecoming for Ellie who taught at Pullman for many years. Ellie's granddaughter also helped with this event.

On June 6, Master Gardeners helped plant ten earthboxes in the Garfield Park Conservatory Demonstration Garden. We want to thank Master Gardeners Kathy Maskall, Jim Cobb, Junious Turner, Suzie Pagadala and Krista Babbett. Elizabeth Bruhns, Chicago Master Gardener Coordinator and Harmony Piccicua from Garfield Park Alliance also helped.

Come to the free Summer Home Gardening classes listed below at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences at 3807 West 111 Street or the Chicago South Extension office at 8751 South Greenwood. All classes are held through our telenet system which allows Horticulture staff from across the state to teach the classes. Classes will last 90 minutes with time for a Q&A session. This is an easy and free way to get those education hours. Classes are open to the public. Call Aida Peralta at 773-768-7779 to register or email her at peralta1@uiuc.edu.

Tree and Shrub Insect Pests

July 18 at 1 p.m. or July 20 at 7 p.m.

Learn about eighteen different insects and mites that attack fourteen common shrubs and small trees.

Perennials for Special Use

August 1 at 1 p.m. or August 3 at 7 p.m.

This session highlights various perennials and their special uses–from attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, to dealing with shade areas, to discouraging deer from feeding on your landscape plants.

Edible Flowers

August 15 at 1 p.m. or August 17 at 7 p.m.

Edible flowers have been used in the culinary arts for hundreds of years. Learn how to properly identify edibles and which plants to avoid.

We had to reschedule the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center Rooftop Garden planting at 1100 South Hamilton last week due to rain. We need Master Gardeners to help out this coming Thursday, June 29 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will be planting ten earthboxes and a few planters with the younger boys unit at the center. Please call Nancy at 773-233-0476 or email her at kreith@uiuc.edu if interested.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23 at Sheffield and Webster (2200 North and 1000 West), the Sheffield Garden Walk will be held. The following are two volunteer opportunities for the event:

Staffing the "Ask a Master Gardener" desk and answering questions about gardening and giving out some Extension handouts. Either or both days, one or two volunteers needed from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. You will be seated under a tent with bathrooms available.

Two volunteers for a total of four volunteers are needed for each day to lead specialty garden tours. These are gardens that are not on the garden walk, but are only available to small private groups and gardens that are on the walk. The Master Gardener leading each tour will highlight the plant material, design concepts and special features of each garden. There will be two tour groups both Saturday and Sunday, each touring 3 gardens. The tours will depart at 3:30 p.m. each day and will last about 1:30 minutes. These are walking tours and each group will be limited to 20 people.

The benefits include free food and drinks including free admission and music entertainment. Please contact Laury Lewis- e-mail at lbl1948@yahoo.com or Crissy Lucado - e-mail at clucado31@hotmail.com.

Master Gardeners should have some plant and design knowledge. The garden tour leaders will be briefed and shown the gardens prior to the event. This is a fun event and very popular for the 15,000 people that enjoy the garden walk over the weekend.

Organic gardening is gaining favor among people concerned about the quality of their food and lifestyle. Whether you are an experienced organic gardener or a beginner looking for guidance as you start out, the University of Illinois' Organic Gardening Day 2006 will give you plenty to think about as you begin to dream about next year's gardening successes. This event is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2006, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, 1001 Killarney Street, Urbana, Illinois, just off I-74 at exit 183 (Lincoln Avenue). The first educational session begins promptly at 9 a.m.

"A day of educational and entertaining sessions, an organic theme lunch, and the chance to interact with noted organic gardening experts from around the country is all packed into this big day of gardening fun, food, and fellowship," Said Chuck Voigt, U of I Extension specialist. "This year's impressive lineup of educational sessions provides more than enough incentive to come early and take advantage of the whole day."

Keith Crotz, owner/operator of The American Botanist, will speak about The History and Literature of Organic Gardening. Keith is an alumnus of the University of Illinois and M.S.), and farms organically in Chillicothe, Illinois.

Dr. John Masiunas, U of I associate professor, will speak about his extensive work with weed control in small fruits and vegetable crops as well as cover crops and allelopathy. He will speak about cover crops, green manures, mulches, and organic weed control.

Ben Lubchansky, U of I graduate, organic farmer, and chef, will tempt our taste buds by demonstrating several recipes to promote Savoring the Flavor of Your Organic Produce.

Kent Whealy, founder of Seed Savers Exchange of Decorah, Iowa. The Heritage Farm there now has 52 organic gardens where seeds of valuable food crop genetic materials are maintained and cultivated for catalog sales. He will discuss the Organic Vegetable Gardens at Seed Savers' Heritage Farm.

Dan Bussey, who is in charge of the preservation orchard at Seed Savers' Heritage Farm, will outline how best to succeed at Organic Home Orcharding.

The program will include a retail area, featuring vendors of equipment, books, and many other organic gardening essentials. It will be open for shopping to program attendees and interested members of the general public from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. There is no entrance fee for those attending only the retail event. Come early for the best selection of merchandise, because a lot of selling gets done during the registration hour.

Organic Gardening Day 2006 is sponsored by U of I Extension and is open to professionals as well as members of the general public. Cost of registration, including lunch, is $49 per person. This includes seating in the lectures, an information packet, an organic theme lunch buffet, and access to the retail area. There will be vegetarian options on this buffet, or a vegan plate can be arranged in advance.

Lunch reservations must be received no later than October 13, 2006. Those interested should mail checks, payable to the University of Illinois, to Organic Gardening Day 2006, Attention: Carol Preston, S-406 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801 to reserve registration and lunch.

Space in the lecture room is limited to 250 participants, and on-site registration will only be allowed if those spaces are not filled prior to the event. If available, on-site registration will also cost $49, but will not include lunch. For more information, call (217) 333-7738 or e-mail preston1@uiuc.edu and mention Organic Gardening Day 2006. Credit card orders cannot be accepted.

The Tribune Company, sponsor of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show for the last 12 years, has declined to renew its sponsorship. The reason was economic. The Show made a profit, but it was not enough to satisfy Tribune shareholders in times of financial stress.

In four years, the Horticulture Competition within the larger Show had developed from a small container-garden Class of 45 entries to 454 entries in Horticulture, 30 in Flower Arranging, 8 in Jewelry and 145 in Photography in 2006. The supporting Committee had expanded from its initial 7 or 8 people to over 50 members--along with a fleet of volunteers. The first Competition theme was "Theater in the Garden," followed by "Private Spaces/Public Places, "An Eye for Color," and, most recently, "Capacity for Invention."

According to Show Director, Kenton Morris, other sponsors for the Show have been found, but not soon enough to lock in the dates needed for March, 2007. The Competition Committee regards 2007 as a hiatus and looks ahead to 2008.

Victoria Wagner, Horticulture Competition Chairperson

The Mt. Greenwood Garden Club's Annual Garden walk will take place on June 25. Tickets are $7.00. Chicago Master Gardener and gardenclub President Nancy Block will be demonstrating how to use earthboxes in the garden. A new stop along the walk this year is a rooftop garden by Unreal Flowers. For more information email Nancy at mtgreenwoodgardenclub@msn.com or blocksbabybirds@msn.com .

Master Gardener Larry Urbaniak who has volunteered at the Brookfield Zoo's Children's garden for a number of years needs some items donated for garden crafts. Here is the list: jewelry, egg cartons, styrofoam trays, shoe boxes, nylons, yarn, ribbon, cardboard rolls from toilet paper, paper towels, gift wrap and yogurt containers. Please bring items to the Monthly Master Gardener meetings or drop them off at the Garfield Park Plant Clinic or the Extension office at the Ag School. Larry thanks you!

Congrats to Chicago Master Gardener Nancy Block who was chosen Woman of the Year by the 19^th Ward. Nancy has worked diligently on a myriad of community projects in Mt. Greenwood and started the highly successful Mt. Greenwood Garden Club. Nancy and her fellow Master Gardener and husband Mike have helped me with numerous Master Gardener projects when we were really in a pinch. I don't know of anyone who displays more community spirit than Nancy Block. The awards dinner will take place at St. Xavier's on June 19 at 6:00 p.m. Join Nancy's friends and family in honoring her. Tickets are $25.00. Call the 19^th Ward office for more information-773-238-8766.

From Elizabeth Bruhns:

On July 25 from 4 -7 p.m. the Green Teacher Network is having a "garden party" (sponsored by People's Energy). This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the Green Teachers and our Openlands Teacher Green Net partners. July 25 is also a Master Gardener monthly meeting, so I'll be going here at 4:00 pm and racing over to Garfield Park at 6:00 p.m.

Notice that Jamie needs a "head count'by July 22. Let me know if you can make it and I'll call in our total.

Elizabeth Bruhns

ebruhns@sbcglobal.net

On July 25, a Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m., we are having our Green Teacher Network "garden party" (sponsored by People's Energy). This will be held at Perspectives Charter School - 1930 W Archer (Archer and Michigan,roughly). We had spoken about you coming to it and inviting the
potential Master School Gardeners (so that they can get acquainted with the possible teachers and their gardens/issues.) A full meal will be served; there will be a brief award ceremony, a tour of the school garden/kitchen, and some networking time.

Please feel free to attend and pass this on to the Master School Gardeners. I do need a final head count by Friday the 22nd, if anyone will be attending.

Thanks!

Jaime Zaplatosch
Education Projects Coordinator
Openlands
25 E. Washington, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60602
312-863-6270

The following is a press release from the Illinois Department of Agriculture:

Illinois Department of Agriculture activates state response plan to eradicate the exotic pest; urges public to learn the signs of EAB infestation and promptly report suspected cases

GENEVA, Ill. – A destructive, non-native pest that feasts on ash trees has been detected in northern Illinois. The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today that a beetle found in the yard of a Kane County home east of Lily Lake is an emerald ash borer (EAB).

"A coalition of local, state and federal agencies, including the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Forest Service and Illinois Department of Agriculture, has been preparing for this day the past two years," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "Now that the emerald ash borer has been confirmed within our borders, we'll activate our response plan and begin the task of eradicating it. The first step is to conduct an extensive survey of ash trees in the area to determine the extent of damage. The findings will help establish boundaries for a quarantine that will stop the movement of potentially contaminated wood and nursery products out of the area and prevent the spread of this pest."

The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten the tree population. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, more than 20 million ash trees are dead or dying.

"We've had tremendous success identifying invasive species through public awareness and education," Warren Goetsch, IDOA division manager of Natural Resources, said. "Nearly every sighting of the Asian Long-horned beetle in Chicago was reported by a citizen. With that kind of assistance here, I'm optimistic we can contain this pest and save ash trees."

The homeowner discovered the beetle and alerted the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Illinois field office, which sent the bug to its lab in Romulus, Mich., for identification and notified IDOA nursery inspectors.

Inspectors visited the residence in "The Windings" subdivision where the beetle was found and discovered several infested ash trees. They also canvassed the neighborhood and uncovered at least six additional infested trees within five-blocks of the residence, as well as evidence of an infestation in an adjacent subdivision to the north.

"The diversity of the landscaping in this neighborhood will help our eradication efforts," Goetsch added. "Only about 5 percent of the trees are ash varieties."

Inspectors have not determined how the beetle arrived in Illinois, but suspect it may have been transported here in contaminated firewood from a quarantined area in Michigan. Michigan and Illinois are two of the five states where EAB infestations have been confirmed. The others are Indiana, Ohio and Maryland.

The emerald ash borer typically moves only short distances by flying, but can survive long distances in transit on ash nursery stock, ash logs, branches and firewood. To avoid the accidental introduction of the beetle to new areas, people are advised to purchase only locally-grown nursery stock and locally-cut firewood.

The emerald ash borer is difficult to detect in newly-infested trees. Signs of infestation include the presence of metallic-green beetles about half the diameter of a penny on or around ash trees, thinning and yellowing leaves, D-shaped holes in the bark of the trunk or branches and shoots growing from the base of the tree. Anyone who suspects a tree has been infested is urged to first contact their county Extension office. The Illinois Department of Agriculture also will offer a toll-free hotline at 800-641-3934 for extension-confirmed infestations.

Options for treating infested trees are limited. In most instances, they must be removed.

We are looking for one or two Master Gardeners who can make a weekly commitment to Larabida Children's Hospital at East 65^th Street and Lake Michigan. Larabida is dedicated to serving children with lifelong medical conditions, developmental disabilities and those who have been abused. This is a very needed and rewarding volunteer effort. Extension would help with needed supplies.

The hospital's garden is a stones throw from Lake Michigan. They have two 5 feet by 10 feet beds, two 5 feet by 5 feet raised beds and several large planters.

Please contact Elizabeth Bruhns ifyou are interested.

ebruhns@sbcglobal.net

From Elizabeth Bruhns, Chicago Master Gardener Coordinator

The Cook County/Chicago Master Gardener Unit is going to make itself known at the State Master Gardener Convention this year! Our application for a state team awardhonoring our efforts at the March Chicago Flower and Garden Show is being put into the mail today. (Cross you fingers).Many thanks to Liz Bowman for compiling the list of 108 Ambassador Volunteers.

There are two other efforts where we need help for this convention: the container contest and the silent auction.

If you would like to be on the design team for the Chicago Container, please contact me. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, I will be happy to transport it to Moline for you. So contact me about that also. I'm going to make and donate a baby quilt.

Information on these two projects follows:

Its time to "Go Creative" and prepare your unit's entry for the Second Annual Great Container Design Challenge which will be held during the State Master Gardener Conference in September. Last year's entries were terrific & the Master Gardeners in the Northwest Region would like to see even more entries this year. The top 20 containers will be auctioned off by professional auctioneers at the Friday night banquet. So start planning your plant material and container entry. This year we are limiting the size to something that will fit in the back seat of a compact car. The Jo Daviess/Carroll Unit is in charge of the event this year. Please contact Pat Caldwell at: cwellpd@internetni.com or call 815-244-3205 if you are bringing an entry. For pictures of last years containers visit the website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/jdc/

Elizabeth Bruhns -ebruhns@sbcglobal.net

The emerald ash borer has been found in Kane County. The borer is about one-half inch long and under bright light is dark green in color. Millions of ash trees in Michigan have been devastated. This pest is a very serious threat to the 178 million ash trees in Illinois.

This is a very, very dangerous pest of ash trees," said James Appleby, a professor in the department of natural resources and environmental sciences and a scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. "Ash trees in the state already are in a state of decline from other factors, so it is important that people look for symptoms of an emerald ash borer infestation, which represents an additional and real threat. If these borers are out there, we need to find them so we can take action to contain them."

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis, a native of eastern Asia, was identified in the Detroit area a year ago and now 13 Michigan counties, as well as some areas of Ohio and Canada, are under quarantine to prevent the transportation of ash trees, branches, logs and firewood. Some 6 million trees in Michigan have died or are dying from infestation. Scientists believe the insect has been present for as many as 10 years, possibly introduced in ash wood used in shipping, Appleby said. The accidental movement of infested firewood could introduce the beetle to Illinois, he added.

The 178 million ash trees in Illinois represent about 9 percent of Illinois forestland. The total does not include trees in urban plantings or in nurseries. Drought, poor growing sites, lilac borers and native ash borers, and diseases, such as ash yellows, already are damaging many Illinois ash trees. All ash species are at risk from the new threat.

Signs of infestation, Appleby said, are D-shaped holes about one-eighth inch in diameter on large branches and trunks and numerous ash sprouts at the base of dead trees.

Adult emerald ash borers are commonly seen during sunny mid-summer days, feeding on leaves and crawling along branches and trunks of the trees. During June and July, they deposit eggs in the crevices of tree bark; about 10 days later, the larvae emerge and feed under the bark. Full-grown larvae, which are cream-colored and are about three-fourths of an inch long, spend the winter under the bark and in the sapwood.

Borer-infested trees may go undetected until symptoms such as upper tree canopy dieback occurs and the D-shaped emergence holes are seen on trunks and branches. Depending on tree size, symptoms may not show for a couple of years, Appleby said. In some trees a vertical bark split may occur on the trunk. If the bark is removed at such sites, S-shaped tunnels dug by the borer, known as serpentine larval galleries, can be exposed.

The emerald ash borer, Appleby said, easily can be confused with the brilliant green tiger beetle, a native insect often seen on the ground in open areas. The emerald ash borer can appear brown in the shade but is a dark green under bright daylight.

For more information about the emerald ash borer go to the following websites:

USDA Forest Service

http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/eab/

Information about Borer in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

Photos of Adult Borer, Larvae and Damage

http://www.news.uiuc.edu/news/03/08ashborerphotos.html

Emerald Ash Borer Life Cycle

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/files/Poster_2.pdf

How to Identify an Ash Tree

http://www.emeraldashborer.info/files/E2892Ash.pdf

Other Ash Tree Problems

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign/homeowners/030830.html

Emerald Ash Borer Education Group Video

http://www.in.gov/dnr/entomolo/pestinfo/ashborer.htm

For the home gardener who wants to know everything about home composting, we have the perfect website – Composting for the Homeowner. Developed by Martha Smith, Extension Educator, Horticulture and Duane Friend, Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management, this site gives an excellent in-depth discussion of the science of composting, why it is important to compost, how to build a compost pile and materials needed for composting.

Visit the site at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/homecompost

Can't make it to Garfield Conservatory Plant Clinic, but have time to volunteer during the week?We have a place for you. It is time to sign-up to staff the Help Desks at the Ag School and at the Greenwood office.

It is the growing season and the public needs our help and you need to get your plant clinic hours.

To volunteer at the Ag School Extension Office, 3807 W. 111th Street any Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 9:00am - 1:00 pm. Contact Nancy at 773-233-0476 or kreith@uiuc.edu. We need people now!

To volunteer at the Greenwood Extension Office, 8107 S. Greenwood, any Tuesday or Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, contact Aida, 773-768-7779, x216 or peralta1@uiuc.edu

We desperately need volunteers for June 17 – no one has volunteered. The following are other open dates:

June 17, 18, 24

July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,22, 23, 29, 30

August 5, 6, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Please respond to Jackie Paine at msjlpaine@aol.com with the following information:

Name:

First Choice Date:

Second Choice Date::

Telephone #

Several people have asked if and where any broods of periodical cicadas will emerge in Illinois in 2006. The answer is no, not in 2006. However, 2007 will be the year for an emergence in northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area. Marlatt's Brood XIII, of the 17-year cicada, also known as the Northern Illinois Brood, will emerge in 2007. Expect emergence when soil temperatures just below the soil surface reach 64 degrees F--by mid May to early June of 2007. Cicadas damage trees and shrubs by using their saw-like ovipositor (egg-laying organ) to cut a slit in twigs or shoots, then they lay their eggs into the slit. Nymphs later hatch and drop to the ground, where they burrow down to roots and begin their 17 years of feeding and development below the soil surface.

Years of emergence for the other broods are as follows:

• Lower Mississippi River Valley Brood (Marlatt's XXIII): 13-year cycle, last emerged in 2002; next emergence in 2015.
• Iowan Brood (Marlatt's III): 17-year cycle, last emerged in 1997; next emergence in 2014.
• Great Southern Brood (Marlatt's XIX): 13-year life cycle, last emerged in 1998; next emergence in 2011.
• Great Eastern Brood (Marlatt's X): 17-year cycle, last emerged in 2004; next emergence in 2021.
• Northern Illinois Brood (Marlatt's XIII): 17-year cycle, last emerged in 1990; next emergence in 2007.

For an interesting look at cicadas (and even recordings of the songs of different species), check out the University of Michigan's Periodical Cicada Page at: http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/michigan_cicadas/Periodical/Index.html

Rick Weinzierl, Entomology, University of Illinois

Master Gardeners and Master Composters:

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 North Lincoln Avenue

"The Great Plant Escape" for children five and older. Do a short presentation on plant structure and what plants need to grow, plus a "pot a plant" give away. One Master Gardener could easily do this, but it would be more fun in a team of two.

Contact Nancy, 773-233-0476 or kreith@uiuc.eduto volunteer and arrange for materials. Contact person at the library is Karen Mariani-Mondala, 312-744-7616 or kmondala@chipulib.org

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 North Lincoln Avenue.

Wonderful World of Worms- do a worm composting presentation. All ages.

Contact Nancy,773-233-0476 or kreith@uiuc.edu to volunteer and arrange for materials. Contact person at the library is Karen Mariani-Mondala, 312-744-7616 kmondala@chipublib.org

It has been almost a year since you completed your Master Composter training. You also committed to doing 30 hours of volunteer time. Since this is the first year of the program, Ron has suggested that we use September 15 as a deadline for completing and submitting your hours. We will have your badges and certificates ready for you at the October 24 Master Gardeners monthly meeting.

The following are volunteer opportunities. Not all of them will be before September 15.

Garfield Park Demo Garden

August 22, Tuesday - 10:00- 11:30 a.m. -"Compost, why and how to use"

Sept 26, Tuesday - 10:00 -11:30 a.m. - "Harvesting and Using compost for Fall Clean up"

For other volunteer opportunities at Garfield Park, contact Harmony at hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org

Eli Cheesecake Farmers Market

August 3

September 14

October 12

Hours flexible. Contact Elizabeth at ebruhns@sbcglobal.net

Master Composters at Ag School

We need a couple of Master Composters to manage the three composting structures and wooden worm bin in the Compost Education Center. Please call Nancy Kreith at 773-233-0476 or email her at kreith@uiuc.edu.

2006 Compost Bin Sale

Please keep Saturday, August 19 open for the 2006 Bin Sale. We will need 8 volunteers at each of the three locations: Ag School, Garfield Park and North Park Nature Center.This will be a good way to earn at least 6 hours, maybe more.

Nancy still has Master Composter T-shirts, if you have not yet gotten yours, contact her at 773-233-0476 or kreith@uiuc.edu

We do not have a special reporting form for Composter hours. If you have the old paper MG reporting form use that, or a simple sheet of paper.

Report should contain:

Type of demonstration

Location

Address, zip code- (especially important)

# of Clients

Racial make up of clients

Number of volunteer hours

Send your report to:

Ron Wolford

UIUC Extension

3807W. 111th St.

Chicago, IL 60655

Or email to Nancy at kreith@uiuc.edu

Elizabeth Bruhns, Chicago Master Gardener Coordinator - ebruhns@sbcglobal.net

The Eden Place Nature Center work day at 43^rd and Stewart scheduled for June 10 was rained out. It will be rescheduled.

View this short video clip featuring the Eden Place Nature Center. You will need Quicktime.

Elizabeth Bruhns, Cook County/Chicago Master Gardener Coordinator, will be speaking about the Cook County/Chicago program at the Whole Foods Store, 3300 N. Ashland on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. Title of her presentation: "You Might Be a Master Gardener if......"

June 16th 10 a.m.-Noon -Tree ID Series: Neighborhood Tree Walk

June 17th 10 a.m.-Noon - Heating Up Your Compost Pile

June 22nd 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. - Troubleshooting in the Organic Garden with Bill Scheffler

Call Harmony Picciuca at 773-638-1766 or email her at hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org for more information.

The University of Illinois is set to fill a critical gap in upstate Illinois by bringing its horticultural baccalaureate degree program to Chicago. The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), in partnership with the University's Office of Continuing Education and area community colleges, will offer students the final years of coursework needed to complement their associate level courses and earn a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. This will be the first horticultural bachelor's program offered by either a private or public institution in the Chicago area.

In order to offer the best possible education, the U of I at Urbana-Champaign has partnered with two of Chicago's premier environmental education sites, The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden, to host on-site courses. Students will have the opportunity to gain insight into horticultural science at Chicago's favorite natural sites.

For more information about the University of Illinois Horticulture Degree Completion Program, go to www.nres.uiuc.edu/undergraduate/ChicagoDegree.html

On June 24, Greencorps Chicago will host its City Wide Annual and Vegetable Distribution Day. Community Gardens in Chicago are eligible to receive a variety of plants including flowers, vegetables and herbs.

In order to receive plants for your community garden you must do the following:

Pre-register by completing and faxing or mailing the registration card.

Deadline: registration cards must be received by 4:30 p.m., June 16.

On June 24, you must attend a 30 minute presentation at your pick-up site.

For a registration card and more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/pujvl

Well, "it was a dark and stormy night......", but the graduation party on May 30 was great fun anyway. I'm sorry that you missed it. The class of 2005 had more than 3,200 volunteer hours. Congratulations on your fine work!

Here is the deal on getting your badges and certificates.

Option 1

You may pick them up at the next monthly meeting at Garfield Park Conservatory on June 27.

Option 2

If you send me $2.00 (cash, please) to cover the cost of the large envelope and postage and I will mail them to you. Send to:

Elizabeth Bruhns

3133 S. Union Ave.

Chicago, Il 60616-3026

Option 3

After June 27 you may pick them up at the Extension Office at 3807 W. 111th Street during business hours.

Please, let me know your choices.

Elizabeth Bruhns

312-225-8306

ebruhns@sbcglobal.net