March 28, 2007
Prairie Crossing Learning Farm Job Announcement
Position: Children's Farm Camp Educator
Supervisor: Brittany Futterman, Program Coordinator
Status: Currently accepting resumes for position term May 1- August 9, 2007
Summary of Position Prairie Crossing Learning Farm in Grayslake, Illinois is seeking a flexible, energetic person who enjoys developing lesson plans and working outdoors with children to serve as a farm educator for the 2007 Children's Farm Camp.
As a key summer staff member of the Learning Farm, the educator will develop curriculum and lead camp sessions for children ages 3-9. Working closely with the Learning Farm Program Coordinator to ensure that the camp is an outstanding educational and recreational activity for children, the educator will have the opportunity to creatively make use of the Learning Farm's unique resources and new children's garden facility.
This is a part-time summer opportunity with the Learning Farm. Ideally, one Children's Farm Camp Educator will be responsible for all six camp sessions (see schedule at bottom), however, the Learning Farm will consider hiring more than one person and divide the commitment by age group, depending on candidates' availability.
The total expected time commitment, including preparation, teaching and follow up is 205 hours for the season, and compensation for the full six sessions is a fixed sum of $2,870. Weekly time commitment will vary depending upon camp schedule, and preparation time outside of teaching, which may be done on a flexible schedule.
Responsibilities
- Develop curriculum that makes use of the Learning Farm's unique resources for at least two and up to six camp sessions
- Work within a limited budget to source and purchase materials
- Set up, teach, and clean up for the agreed upon camps
- Communicate effectively and professionally with parents of campers: write and distribute parent syllabi, address parent concerns, etc.
- Oversee one camp assistant and volunteers
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- At least one year of experience in developing early childhood curriculum preferred
- At least one year of experience teaching children, ideally in an outdoor setting, preferred
- Knowledgeable about gardening and/or organic agriculture
- Able to adapt or revise activity plans when meeting indoors in inclement weather
- Professional in speaking with parents and other adults
- Reliable and willing to commit to an agreed upon schedule
- Punctual
Schedule and Salary
This is a part time position from May 1 to August 9 (skipping the week of July 4). We are seeking educator(s) to lead these camp sessions:
My First Camp (3 year olds plus an adult caregiver) (1) Jun 18-29, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Sweet Peas (4 and 5 year olds) (2) Jun 18-28, 12:30-3:00 p.m. and (3) Jul 9-19 9:00-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursdays
Hungry Caterpillars (children entering Grades 1 and 2) (4) Jul 9-19 12:30-3:00 p.m. and (5) Jul 23-Aug 2 9:00-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursdays
Green Thumbs (children entering Grades 3 and 4) (6) Jul 23- Aug 2 12:30-3:00 p.m., Monday-Thursdays
The Children's Farm Camp Educator should plan to work for at least 30 minutes before and after camp for set up and clean up. In addition to these hours, the Farm Camp Educator will also be required to develop camp curriculum and parent syllabi, source and purchase materials, and meet with the Program Coordinator to review plans before camp.
A post-camp evaluation will also be required. A timeline for these activities will be arranged at the time of the employment agreement; and this work can be done on a flexible schedule.
Compensation will be $2,870 for all six camp sessions. If this position is split between more than one candidate, pay will be divided accordingly.
To Apply
Apply by email to Brittany Futterman, Program Coordinator, at bfutterman@prairiecrossing.com.Include a resume, specific letter of interest, and which camp sessions you are available to lead.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:13 PM | Permalink |
March 26, 2007
March Master Gardener Meeting
TUESDAY, MARCH 27
COMMUNITY ROOM, GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
Don't forget to wear your best smiles. Nancy Kreith is coming to take our group picture for Ron's blog.
6:30 p.m. - Pot Luck Dinner
6:45 p.m. - Announcements
7:00 p.m. - Program - "The Buzz on Bees" presented by the Master Gardener Bee Keepers at Garfield Park; Edie McDonald, Jim Cobb, Donna Opollo and Felix Palicio.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:31 PM | Permalink |
March 26, 2007
Growing Power Farm-City Market Basket Program Assistant Job Announcement
Chicago Farm-City Market Basket Program Assistant. !6 to 20 hours per week. Salary Range based on previous experience.
Goal of program: Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs
Growing Power does this via the weekly-year round distribution of Farm-City Market baskets (FCMB) that provides immediate access to farm-fresh products without the expense and infrastructure of the large box grocer/market
Farm-City Market Basket Program (FCMB): a weekly, year-round, food security program supplies safe, healthy, affordable vegetables and fruit to communities at a low cost ($7 for junior/senior/$15 for Family or $26 for Organic). The FCMB includes 12-18 different types of produce in amounts that will feed a family of 4 for a week, i.e., white/red potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, lettuce, spinach, greens, tomatoes, peppers, winter and summer squash, cabbage, sweet corn, peppers, beets, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, apples, peaches, bananas, and grapes. Presently being distributed to 200-400 families in Milwaukee and the county, 25-50 families in Madison, Wisconsin and 200-400 families in Chicago, Illinois.
The program addresses food access deficits for communities who do not have grocery stores with fresh produce available and/or affordable high quality produce. Growing Power operates a community food center at our urban farm site in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Silver Spring Drive that grows fresh greens, tilapia fish, small poultry and other livestock, as a means to both provide education and produce for sale and distribution to our community.
This has been most successful via the Farm-to-City Market Basket program that supports the food needs for all in the community, in a manner that is dignified and without stigma. Low income consumers can use WIC, Quest –electronic benefits transfer or EBT or pay in cash. We consider the FCMB a hunger relief program that builds self-sufficiency both for low-income families and as a marketing vehicle for struggling small family farmers.
Additionally, we work with at-risk youth who are employed and assist in growing some of the produce for the FCMB, assist in packing and distributing the baskets and managing Growing Power's retail store, that serves as a pick up site for the program, as well as a farm store with additional products for sale.
Growing Power has helped create the "Rainbow Farmer's Cooperative", a network of small family farmers empowered with the knowledge of how to grow food and with a real connection to a food system. Their power as farmers directly supports regional food security in Wisconsin and Illinois and in tandem small African-American farmers from Mississippi and Georgia for out of season production.
As part of the comprehensive program to promote healthy eating and support local farms, Growing Power's staff also provides education and market linking services that connect local school communities directly with Growing Power's Market Basket Program.
Chicago Projects Office: Growing Power's Chicago office officially opened in February of 2002 to manage resource development and the technical assistance needed to assist emerging Community Food Centers and urban and small farm projects in the metropolitan Chicago area. Notable projects include the following: Grant Park Urban Agriculture Potager; Homegrown Chicago, where in small- scale community growers sell their products in community-operated farmers' market; Fourth Presbyterian – Cabrini Green Community Partnership; Farm-City Market Basket Program, which is distributed at 12 Chicago area sites; Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council, which represents over 175 diverse stakeholders who are creating food policy advisements for city, state and federal policy makers.
Work Description: To coordinate the organization's weekly food security program, the Farm-to-City Market Basket Program in Chicago, Illinois. This is a part-time hourly position requiring at least a three-day commitment, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The program is both administrative in terms of placing orders and coordinating deliveries but also requires outreach and marketing of program to new sites and communities, communications between 14+ drop sites across Chicago and neighboring suburbs, including coordination with Milwaukee and Madison, WI staff. Assisting with local deliveries is a requirement on delivery days.
Key Attributes:
An interest and willingness to learn and work with diverse communities
Ability to work as a member of team, with a problem solving work ethic
Ability to perform weekly, time oriented tasks with consistency and foresight
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, staff and management
The successful candidate will be a dynamic individual who works well both independently and as part of a team. She/he will be highly organized and efficient and have a proven track record in working in diverse settings, with the ability to problem solve and transition from administrative duties to delivering baskets, assisting in packing baskets in Milwaukee, WI when needed and providing outreach demonstrations of the program to form new sites across Chicago.
Communication, problem solving and consistent work habits will be highly valued in selecting a candidate. A good attitude and willingness to learn new skill sets will be considered an asset over experience. Candidates with a seasoned work history who are looking for a long-term position are highly encouraged to apply.
This position will require some physical work in terms of hauling and lifting boxes of baskets and produce on and off of vehicles and into buildings. Also, a valid driver's license and DCFS background screening due to our work with youth.
Job Responsibilities:
This position entails organizing and facilitating weekly deliveries of the Farm-City Market Basket to sites across Chicago. This includes weekly communication with site coordinators and the program's manager in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on a weekly basis, year-round. Currently the average weekly total is 175 baskets per week, we would like to see this number double in 2007.
Coordinate weekly, year-round Farm-City Market Basket Program in Chicago
Collect and place weekly orders from 14 sites across Chicago
Communicate with Milwaukee office with orders and delivery tickets in a timely fashion
Set-up new sites and make presentations at a variety of venues to educate communities, including food preparation demonstrations, recipe collection and mailing of materials
Maintain records, invoices and up to date customer and coordinator information
Write and produce weekly newsletter for the FCMB in partnership with volunteers, site coordinators and GP staff
Develop innovative events and press materials to promote program
Daily light office work in the form of checking voicemails, returning inquires, scheduling presentations via phone and emails as needed
Skill sets required:
Effectively and proactively addressing challenges and solving problems
Working as a team member with people from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Extremely flexible and self starter, organized individual who takes pride in the seeing a program/project through, even if it requires additional hours
Ability to prioritize work and make sound, consistent decisions
Assist with writing and reports for the FCMB program
Able to email, perform basic word processing, spreadsheet
Works well with youth
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Physical Demands: Must be met by an employee to successfully perform this position. Applications will be considered for other positions that do not have this requirement in the future.
Ability to handle, feel objects, tools and to reach with hands and arms. Ability to lift heavy objects of at least 55lbs without pain.
Highly recommended:
Access to laptop computer, internet access wi-fi will be provided at office
Must have valid driver's license
Growing Power is a local organization with a national presence. It convenes a minimum of five national workshops on-site at its Milwaukee facility each year; it has sponsored two national conferences focusing on food security and will be sponsoring two others in the next two years; it provides technical assistance – on-site – at numerous sites around the country from Boston to Montana; 3,500+ individuals receive tours of the Community Food Center each year; and the Director has been the keynote speaker at several national conferences and the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards and recognitions, including most recently a 2005 Leadership for a Changing World Award from the Ford Foundation.
Growing Power currently employs 11 full-time and 9 part-time workers. Its work is augmented by the work of over 100 volunteers each year.
To learn more about Growing Power, please visit us on the web at: www.growingpower.org
To apply: send resume with cover letter detailing interest and experience. Please include a summary (1 page max.) of what you would like to accomplish in this position and what relevant skill sets you have that would contribute to building the FCMB program. Email: erika@growingpower.org
Released February 26, 2007 – Start date flexible, May 15th ideal
Growing Power is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.
Chicago Projects Manager and National Outreach/Development Director
Growing Power, Inc.
1741 N. Western Avenue, 1st floor
Chicago, IL 60647
office: 773.486-6005
erika@growingpower.org
www.growingpower.org
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:52 AM | Permalink |
March 25, 2007
Growing Power Seasonal Program Assistant Job Announcement
Work Description:
Full time seasonal employment-May 15-November 15, 2007. This is a permanent position renewed each season. Salary range-depending on experience. Excellent benefits.
Assist Growing Power in all aspects of community food systems, urban agriculture, small farmer outreach and youth development via innovative sustainable approaches.
An emphasis on hands-on physical labor and practice is very important.
Ability to work as a member of team, flexibility in work assignments as needed
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, staff and management
The successful candidate will be a dynamic individual who works well both independently and as part of a team. She/he will be highly organized and efficient and have a proven track record in working in diverse settings, with the ability to problem solve and transition from hands on urban agriculture work to administrative skill sets as required to ensure the success of projects.
Communication, problem solving and consistent work habits will be highly valued in selecting a candidate. A good attitude and willingness to learn new skill sets will be considered an asset over experience. Candidates with a seasoned work history who are looking for a long-term position are highly encouraged to apply.
Job Responsibilities:
This position will require seasonal physical work in terms of installing agriculture projects, including hauling and lifting wheelbarrows with compost, lifting boxes of produce, bending, weeding, harvesting and planting, three seasons, using a variety of farm implements. This work is intensive in the spring, summer and early fall. The Chicago Office will also be managing three greenhouses for extended season production.
Assisting with the installation and maintenance of urban agriculture projects including but not limited to: school gardens, community gardens, urban farms, etc.
Coordinate weekly, packing and distribution of produce and cooperative products
Communicate with the Milwaukee office with orders and invoices
Light office work in the form of reporting, checking voicemails, returning inquires, scheduling installations and presentations via phone and emails as needed
Skill sets required:
Effectively and proactively addressing challenges and solving problems
Working as a team member with people from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience
Maturity to work with minimal supervision and communicate daily with manager and coordinator
Extremely flexible and self-starter, organized individual who takes pride in the seeing a program/project through, even if it requires additional hours
Ability to prioritize work and make sound, consistent decisions
Assist with monthly reports for Chicago area and related national projects
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
Works well and interested in youth leadership development
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Physical Demands:
Must be met by an employee to successfully perform this position. Applications will be considered for other positions that do not have this requirement in the future.
Ability to handle, feel objects, tools and to reach with hands and arms. Ability to lift heavy objects 75lbs. + from different location, use wheelbarrow, wagons, etc.
Highly recommended:
Access to laptop computer, Internet access, wi-fi will be provided at office
Must have valid driver's license
About the Organization: Growing Power is a national nonprofit organization and land trust supporting people from diverse backgrounds, and the environments in which they live, by helping to provide equal access tohealthy, high-quality, safe and affordable food for people in all communities. Growing Power implements this mission by providinghands-on training,on-the-ground demonstration, outreach and technical assistancethrough the development of Community Food Systems that help people grow, process, market and distribute food in a sustainable manner.
Chicago Projects Office: Growing Power's Chicago office officially opened in February of 2002 to manage resource development and the technical assistance needed to assist emerging Community Food Centers and urban and small farm projects in the metropolitan Chicago area. Notable projects include the following: Grant Park Urban Agriculture Potager; Homegrown Chicago, where in small- scale community growers sell their products in community-operated farmers' market; Fourth Presbyterian – Cabrini Green Community Partnership; Farm-City Market Basket Program, which is distributed at 12 Chicago area sites; Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council, which represents over 175 diverse stakeholders who are creating food policy advisements for city, state and federal policy makers.
Growing Power is a local organization with a national presence. It convenes a minimum of five national workshops on-site at its Milwaukee facility each year; it has sponsored two national conferences focusing on food security and will be sponsoring two others in the next two years; it provides technical assistance – on-site – at numerous sites around the country from Boston to Montana; 3,500+ individuals receive tours of the Community Food Center each year; and the Director has been the keynote speaker at several national conferences and the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards and recognitions, including most recently a 2005 Leadership for a Changing World Award from the Ford Foundation.
Growing Power currently employs 11 full-time and 9 part-time workers. Its work is augmented by the work of over 100 volunteers each year.
To apply: Send resume with cover letter detailing interest and experience in food system work. Please include a summary (1 page maximum.) of what you would like to accomplish as a member of this organization and in food systems and what relevant skill sets you have that would contribute to community food systems building. Email: erika@growingpower.org
Please send application materials by April 20, 2007
Growing Power is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates, regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.
Chicago Projects Manager and National Outreach/Development Director
Growing Power, Inc.
1741 N. Western Avenue, 1st floor
Chicago, IL 60647
office: 773.486-6005
erika@growingpower.org
www.growingpower.org
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:28 PM | Permalink |
March 24, 2007
Invitation to Organic Gardening Day Training
You are invited to attend the Organic Gardening Day at the Master Gardener training on Monday, March 26 at the Community Room of Garfield Park Conservatory.
You know the drill; take a seat on the side of the room because the tables are full, perhaps bring something to share on the snack buffet, provide your own lunch, and ENJOY!
This is the schedule for the day.
9:00 a.m. -10:45 a.m. - Kirsten Akre, Director of Kilbourn Organic Greenhouse,
Basics of Organic Gardening
11:00 a.m. - Nancy Kreith, Extension Program Coordinator
Building a Worm Composting Bin Demonstration
11:45- Lunch
12:15 p.m.- Marjorie Hess, Garden Director, Gary Comer Youth Center Roof Garden
Volunteer Opportunities at Gary Comer
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Beata Welsh, Master Gardener and rain garden designer
and
Sue Cubberly of The Rain Garden Network,
Solving Water Problems with Rain Gardens
Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:22 PM | Permalink |
March 23, 2007
Volunteer at Chicago Green Festival
The opportunities are getting even sweeter. The University of Illinois Extension is participating in Kids' Zone at the Chicago Green Festival this April. We need ten people to cover Worm Composting for this event. Please come out and join us. You will be granted free entry into the Fest and this time we will raffle off the finished bins to you, the Master Composters/Gardeners. We will have four bins to give away.
The following shifts areavailable. Nancy will be there both days for assistance.
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 21-22, 2007
Where: McCormick Place/Lakeside, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
What: Worm Composting - Bin Making, Worm Jeopardy, Worm Anatomy
Show Hours: Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. /Sunday: 11 a.m. -6 p.m.
Shifts - four available - two MCs/MGs per shift needed:
Saturday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. or 4 - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
If you want to cover two shifts that is fine.
Please contact Nancy, nkreith@gmail.com ,if interested.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:34 AM | Permalink |
March 22, 2007
March Monthly Meeting
Master Gardener Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 27
Community Room, Garfield Park Conservatory
6:30 p.m. - Pot Luck Dinner
6:45 p.m. - Announcements
7:00 p.m. - Program - "The Buzz on Bees" presented by the Master Gardener Bee Keepers at Garfield Park; Edie McDonald, Jim Cobb, Donna Opollo and Felix Palicio.
Earn an extra hour of volunteer credit as a set up crew. Report at 6:00 p.m. and stay 1/2 hour later. However, you must contact me by Monday evening to tell me you are coming to help.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:32 PM | Permalink |
March 22, 2007
Volunteer Opportunities at Garfield Park Conservatory
Spring brings a multitude of volunteer opportunities at Garfield Park Conservatory.
Please contact Harmony if you are available and interested in any of the volunteer opportunities listed below.
Happy spring!
Harmony Picciuca
Garden and Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
300 N. Central Park Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60624
773.638.1766 x 24
Nature Oasis Family Nights
Come on out to one or both nights to help lead fun craft and planting activities. Work with children and parents from our local school partnerships.
These are really fun events to work, as the kids and adults really enjoy the activities.
Dates:
Thursday March 29, 2007
Thursday April 19, 2007
Thursday May 17, 2007
Volunteer Shifts:
4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
15th Annual Green and Growing Urban Gardening Fair
Saturday April 28th
We need all hands on deck for this very special event. Volunteers are required for set up/tear down, vendor support, children's activities, workshop moderation, garden book sale help, a silent auction, the information table, greeting positions, Green Cafe, music support and much more.
(If you are busy on the 28th, but still want to help out, we have sign-painting/ prep day on Friday, the 27th.)
Dates:
Thursday April 26th (Green and Growing Fair Volunteer Training 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room)
Friday April 27th (Day before prep and sign Painting Noon-5:00 p.m.)
Saturday April 28th (Day of the Event 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Volunteer Shifts for Saturday the 28th:
7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Set-up
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. First Shift
12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Second Shift
2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Break-Down
Weekend Family Fun in Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden
Come on out to help at our popular Family Make-And-Take in Children's Garden. Children's Garden volunteers are asked to commit to at least one month of Saturdays or Sundays, as there is special training required for this position. This position is very fun, please let us know if you are interested. Kelly Katzmann, our family program's facilitator, will contact you with more information.
Starting in April we especially need a volunteer Saturdays from 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Dates:
Saturdays and Sundays in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October
Volunteer Shift Times: (shifts will soon be available for longer stretches during our Niki in the Garden exhibit (from May – October)- shorter shifts are available as well- it just depends on what you are willing to commit to.)
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Gardeners at Work in the Demonstration Garden
Help people become better gardeners by letting visitors know what the Demonstration Garden is, what the gardener's are doing, and give resources on how to be successful at urban gardening. Each week has a scheduled gardening focus starting in May. (See below.) We will need volunteers to man the resource table as well as work in the demonstration garden.
March-April-Gardeners at Work volunteers are needed to help with transplanting our organic seedlings in greenhouse one and spring clean-up and vegetable bed prep in the demonstration garden.
Dates:
Thursdays evenings and Tuesday and Saturday mornings-May-October
Shifts:
Thursday Evenings form 5:00 p.m.-8:00p.m.
Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m.-Noon
(Topics scheduled so far are as follows-)
May 3rd and 5th
Garden Focus Area: Planting Early Season Vegetables
In early May, there is still a chance for frost, so come learn which vegetables are hardy enough to handle this risk. Gardeners will start planting the Demonstration Garden's edible garden.
May 10th and May 12th
Garden Focus Area: Sun & Shade Flower Borders
Do you know which side of the street your flower garden grows on? Learn which flowers like the sunny side, and which ones prefer making it in the shade. Gardeners will work on planting the Demonstration Garden's flower border.
May 17th and May 19th
Garden Focus Area: Climbing Plants & What They Climb On
You can add structure, whimsy, and natural hiding spaces to your garden by incorporating trellises and fences out of willow and found branches. Come get ideas on creating natural structural elements in your garden space. Gardeners will be building trellises and planting their living climbers.
May 24thand May 26th
Garden Focus Area: The Herb Garden in Chicago
Learn which herbs grow well in our city's climate, both in containers and out, then discover some tricks on how to plant and care for them. Gardeners will be planting the Demonstration Garden's herb spiral.
May 31st and June 2
Garden Focus Area: All About Nightshades
Did you know that tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants all come from the same family known as nightshades? Well, now's the time of year to transplant this group of favorites into the outside garden. Learn which varieties of this popular plant family are good picks, then discover proper ways to transplant them. Find out how to care for and maintain these garden plants to ensure successful yields throughout the growing season. Gardeners will be transplanting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants to the garden.
June 7th and 9th
Garden Focus Area: Three Sisters Garden and other Companion Plantings
Did you know that certain plants can benefit other plants simply be being planted next to each other? For example, Native American tribes traditionally planted beans, squash, and corn (known as "the three sisters") in the same hole. The three plants help each other by maximizing growing conditions for one another. The corn serves as a support for climbing pole beans, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, important for nitrogen loving, heavy feeding corn, and the squash covers the ground of the corn and beans to both hold moisture in and repel hungry pests. Get to know your favorite plant friendships, while the gardeners plant a Three Sisters Garden.
June 14th and 16th
Garden Focus Area: Worm Poop, Fish Juice, and Other Good Organic Garden Fertilizers
Some of the grossest things make the greatest gardens. Learn how to use organic garden fertilizers in your garden, and look inside our bins to see some of our worms at work making compost. Gardeners will be fertilizing and composting in the Demonstration Garden.
June 21st and 23rd
Garden Focus Area: Soul Food & Other Themed Gardens
What's more fun than a theme party? A theme garden! And what goes better with black-eyed peas than greens, sweet potatoes, and okra? Come check out our Soul Food garden, and get suggestions for other great idea pairings, such as pizza, bathtub, and color gardens. Come join in the fun as gardeners plant the sweet potato component of our Soul Food garden.
June 29th and 30th
Garden Focus Area: Much Ado About Mulch
Take a swing through any neighborhood, and you'll see examples of trees that have been both properly and improperly mulched. Come learn how to mulch the right way during this session, as well as discovering the benefits mulching provides. And since strawberries get their name from the traditional mulch that is used on them (straw!), Gardeners will highlight our topic by mulching, then harvesting the Demonstration Garden's strawberries.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:16 PM | Permalink |
March 22, 2007
Interns: Turf Class at Westchester Extension Office
As you know we did not have a Turf class during our training. You have been invited to join the Master Gardener Turf class training at the Westchester ExtensionOffice.
The class will be on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The class will be taught by Matt Kostelnick, Horticulture Educator.
If you want to attend this class, please reserve a space by e-mailing Elizabeth Bruhns at ebruhns@sbcglobal.net or sign up on Monday during our class at Garfield. The classroom can hold an additional 60 people.
We get a high percentage of questions about turf grass into our office, Ask-the-Master Gardener answer booths and at Farmers Markets. I strongly recommend that if at all possible you try to attend the turf grass training at our Westchester Extension office.
The address of our Westchester Office is 2205 Enterprise Drive, Westchester, Illinois.
Directions:
From the North: Take the 294 toll road, exit east at Cermak ( 22nd Street ). Turn right at the first driveway.
From the South: Take 294 toll road, exit at US-34 E (Ogden), bear right at Ogden, turn left at Wolf Road (stoplight), go north to Cermak (22nd Street), turn left (west), turn left at second stoplight -Enterprise Drive. Proceed south to the end of the one story beige buildings, turn right (by Children's Memorial Outptient sign), proceed to fence, turn right. Go almost back to 22nd Street , park. The building is on the north-west corner of the complex across from the golf course.
From the East: Take the Eisenhower expressway west to Wolf Road (Exit 16). Stay right and proceed straight about 1/4 mile to the stoplight at Wolf Road . Turn left (south), proceed to Cermak/22nd Street , then turn right (west). Turn left at the second stoplight, Enterprise Drive . Proceed south to the end of the one story buildings, turn right, proceed to the fence, turn right, proceed almost to 22nd street
Public Transportation: Take the CTA Pink line to the end of the line terminal at 54th Avenue in Cicero . Transfer to the PACE bus #322, Cermak, going west toward Yorktown . Get off at Enterprise Drive (a stoplight). Cross the street, continue proceeding west on the sidewalk until it ends at the parking lot, turn left to enter the building at the main entrance.
For more directions call RTA travel 836-7000 (number works from any Chicago area code) or go to www.transitchicago.com
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Coordinator
Cook County/Chicago
Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:36 PM | Permalink |
March 20, 2007
Urban Farmer Training Coordinator Wanted
Angelic Organics is seeking an Urban Farmer Training Coordinator.
We are looking for a responsible, highly organized individual to join our team as an Urban Farmer Training Coordinator and to develop an Urban Grower Incubation Center in Chicago with Angelic Organics Learning Center (AOLC). This position is full-time and begins in May 2007. This position offers the candidate the added benefit of working for a company that he/she believes in. Angelic Organics Learning Center helps beginning farmers every year to realize their dream of starting a business. For more information, see our website at www.learngrowconnect.org.
Angelic Organics Learning Center (AOLC) is a non-profit educational organization based at Angelic Organics, a 1,350 member Biodynamic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) vegetable and herb farm located in north-central Illinois--between Chicago and Madison. Learn more about our host farm at www.AngelicOrganics.com.
Angelic Organics Learning Center is a growing non-profit organization offering food literacy, food access, and farmer training programs. We are in our 8th season. Staff includes the Executive Director, Associate Director for Resource Development, Farmer Development Coordinator, Urban Program Coordinator, Urban Program Facilitator, On-Farm Educator, Program Interns, and Office Manager.
Aside from working with a talented, fun-loving, and dedicated team, other benefits to employment at the AOLC are:
Locations. Our farm office is located 5 miles east of Highway 90 on Rockton Road., a short commute from Rockford, Beloit, Roscoe and Rockton. Our office is in a natural/ecological building with passive solar heating and a beautiful farmland view. Our urban office is in a church with attached greenhouse in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Our urban grower incubation center will be developed with our partners in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood.
Diversity. The farm is rich with a work force of inspiring individuals, frequently from around the world as well as across the country.
Spirit. We are proud of our efforts and grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with the land and with others who value food, farming, and local food systems. As a Biodynamic farm, we acknowledge the connections between our healthy spirits, healthy land, and a healthy community.
Experience. You will be able to see first hand the joys and challenges of running a farm and a growing non-profit educational organization.
Competitive Salary/Benefits. Salary $23,000-27,000, commensurate with experience; plus mileage reimbursement and health care subsidy. As an AOLC employee, you can enroll for a weekly share of the farm's vegetables, herbs, and fruit at a discounted price.
We require that candidates meet the following criteria:
Have work experience in farming and farmer training.
Have basic computer skills (including email).
Bi-lingual (English & Spanish) strongly preferred.
Required Qualifications:
Self-motivated
Highly organized
Experience working in cross-cultural environments
Please familiarize yourself with our website at www.learngrowconnect.org and then send your cover letter and resume to Angelic Organics Learning Center, either via email to jobs@CSALearningCenter.org or via mail to Urban Farmer Training Coordinator Position, Angelic Organics Learning Center, 6400 South Kimbark Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Details on Urban Farmer Training Coordinator Position
Urban Farmer Training Coordinator Job Summary
Angelic Organics Learning Center seeks to secure a full-time Urban Farmer Training Coordinator to provide program leadership and technical expertise for the activities of the Growing for Market Project. This position coordinates the activities of the Urban Grower Incubation Center and facilitates training, technical assistance, and support for urban growers and apprentice market growers in cooperation with Growing Home and other project partners. The Urban Farmer Training Coordinator works with the Urban Programs staff in Chicago and leads training workshops at the urban partner garden sites and the incubation center. Ideal candidates will be bi-lingual (English-Spanish), experienced in sustainable farming and farmer training, and be willing to travel to training sites in Chicago and northern Illinois.
Basic Duties
1. Establish the urban grower incubation center in cooperation with Partner Organizations and coordinate its implementation.
Establish the protocols and procedures for creation of the urban grower incubation center in cooperation with Growing Home and their urban farm manager.
Develop and maintain collective aspects of the urban grower incubation center, i.e. tool loan program and incubation growing plots.
Coordinate the schedule and use of collective infrastructure at the urban grower incubation center for use with apprentice urban market growers.
Serve as staff liaison with Growing Home and attend Growing Home staff meetings as appropriate.
Facilitate involvement of partner garden sites, schools, congregations, and neighborhood organizations in the Growing Home urban farm and develop capacities at the urban grower incubation center to lead growing workshops.
2. Develop training resources and provide training for apprentice urban growers.
Recruit potential apprentice urban growers from urban garden sites, partner programs, and the general public
Work with Urban Programs staff to develop training materials, schedules, and secure guest presenters for the winter farm enterprise planning course and in-season technical trainings and field days.
Orient prospective urban growers to available training resources, incubation infrastructure, channels for marketing, and regional workshops/CRAFT programming. Guide growers through their roles and responsibilities as participants in the Growing for Market Project.
Develop and maintain links with land holding entities near Growing Home urban market garden and Urban Grower Incubation Site through relationships with aldermen, Neighbor Space, local developers, and land-holding institutions, including congregations. Help apprentice urban growers to connect to land when needed.
Accompany urban growers through the CRAFT/Farm Beginnings program, assist with business planning, link with CRAFT farmer mentors, and schedule with financial management consultant Jim Stoynoff for coaching and financial tracking.
Facilitate transportation to regional CRAFT farmer training activities and other training opportunities.
Document procedures, schedules, and materials for use by facilitators, urban growers, guest presenters, partner organizations, and farmer mentors working with the Urban Grower Incubation Center.
Represent Angelic Organics Learning Center and Growing for Market Project at local, regional and national events.
3. Assist the Executive Director with other duties as assigned
These duties vary but include:
Contribute program info to the webpage and electronic newsletter for Angelic Organics Learning Center
Assist with grant management and other administrative duties
Complete expense and program reporting for project activities
Location:
Primary work takes place at the Urban Grower Incubation Center and Angelic Organics Learning Center Chicago Office, with travel to trainee's growing sites in the city and some trainings and events held on partner farms in Northern Illinois.
Salary:
Salary $23,000-27,000, commensurate with experience; optional health care plan, travel reimbursement.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:53 PM | Permalink |
March 18, 2007
Master Gardener Interns Needed to Help with Mailing
One of our sister institutions has a big mailing to go out tomorrow. They need help putting on mailing labels. Anyone who can arrange to stay after class tomorrow to help out can earn an hour of volunteer credit.
I hope you can help.
Elizabeth Bruhns ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:07 PM | Permalink |
March 17, 2007
Volunteers Needed for Playground Building Project
KaBoom is a national non-profit organization whose vision is a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. KaBoom is funding the building of a new playground in Robbins, Illinois.
The playground will be built on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Bernice Childs Elementary School in Robbins at 14123 Lydia Avenue. We will need the following volunteers:
- Build Captains: these volunteers will provide direction and information to volunteers on the day of the build. Build Captains are required to be present the early morning and throughout the build (approximately 6:30 a.m. – 4:00 .pm.). In addition these volunteers commit to attending the site preparation day on April 28, 2007 and possibly April 30, 2007.
- Site Preparation Volunteers: these volunteers will assist with the preparation of the grounds for the build. Removing soil, digging holes and other manual labor to make the build day easier. These volunteers are needed at 8:00 a.m.
- General Volunteers: these volunteers will be randomly assigned a task on the day of the build. You don't need construction skills. Once the grounds are prepared and the pieces are at the site, building the playground is like putting together a puzzle. Volunteers will begin building the playground by 9:00 a.m.
If you are interested in volunteering and/or know people who may be interested, please contact Peggie Stokes at 708-449-4320 or jspeggie@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:26 PM | Permalink |
March 17, 2007
Leaf Mulch for Sale
The Resource Center has ground leaf mulch on sale for $20.00 a yard – and it needs to be gone before April 15th when Ken Dunn will close his compost yard.
Call Ken for delivery at 773-758-1351.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:18 PM | Permalink |
March 17, 2007
Thank You! Greening Ravenswood Volunteers
Ruth, Pam, Judy, Peggy, Mary and Gail,
Thanks to all of you for representing University of Illinois Extension and the Master Gardener program at the Greening Ravenswood event last Saturday. I thought the booth looked great, very inviting. I know the crowd found you to be friendly and knowledgeable
Ruth, thanks for bringing the sample Earth Machine. And, I just can't tell you how helpful it was to Nancy and me to have you pack everything up and bring it back to Garfield Park.
Great job!
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Coordinator
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:04 PM | Permalink |
March 16, 2007
Need Help at Little Village Academy
I could use your help once again. I will be planting "Lettuce in a Bag" with two first grade classrooms. This is a neat activity that is ideal for an indoor situation. You can travel with me or meet me on-site.
What: Lettuce in a Bag
When: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Where: Little Village Academy - 2620 S. Lawndale
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 noon
If interested please contact Nancy Kreith at nkreith@gmail.com or by phone at 773-233-0476.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 7:41 PM | Permalink |
March 16, 2007
Need Insect Petting Zoo Volunteers
I could use your help demonstrating our Insect Petting Zoo to K - 1st grade students. If insects are not your favorite, I can have you distribute handouts, check on the school's worm bins or help with the students. I would like to get at least one helper and you can travel with me if need be.
If interested please contact Nancy Kreith at nkreith@gmail.com or by phone at 773-233-0476.
When: Thursday, March 22, 2007
Where: North Kenwood Oakland Charter School - 1119 East 46th Street
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 noon
What: Insect Petting Zoo
I promise I will not make you handle the roaches if you do not want to. ~NK
Posted by Ron Wolford at 7:28 PM | Permalink |
March 12, 2007
Seed Company Job Announcement
Underwood Gardens in Woodstock, Illinois is hiring a full time employee. Underwood Gardens is a family owned and operated, certified-organic, seed company that specializes in rare and endangered open-pollinated/heirloom seeds.
Skills needed: computer, gardening skills and a great customer personality.
Work environment is very low key, fun people, organic building, private beautiful setting.
Contact Mayo Underwood at mayoseed@earthlink.net.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:57 PM | Permalink |
March 10, 2007
Master Gardeners: Sad News
Funeral arrangements for Felix Fritz Pytel:
Visitation: Tuesday, March 13, 2007
2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wolniak Funeral Home
5700 S. Pulski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60629
773-767-4500
Funeral: Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Funeral Service at the
Wolniak Funeral Home
10:00 a.m.
The Pytel family requests to please omit flowers, donations may be made to the
Felix Pytel Fund at
LaSalle Bank
14247 South Bell Road.
Homer Glen, IL 60491
Donations will be used to help other children who need medical care and equipment in Bialka, Poland where his mother is from.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:01 PM | Permalink |
March 9, 2007
Greenwood Master Gardener Interns
On Monday, March 12, we are doing an all volunteer day at Garfield Park Conservatory. This is a much broader scope than we offered for your Greenwood class. You are welcome to join us and hear about places to volunteer outside of the Greenwood area.
We have the Dusable Museum Garden in the works. Ron Wolford, Nancy Kreith and myself will be meeting with Dusable staff in the next week or so, then we will schedule the first meeting of the work group. Also, watch for volunteer opportunities at the new Gary Comer Youth Center in the Grand Crossing neighborhood at 7200 South Ingleside. More to come on this.
See Volunteer Activity Day Schedule below.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Coordinator
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Volunteer Opportunity Day
March 12, 2007
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Garfield Park Conservatory
9:30 a.m. – Lurie Garden
9:50 a.m. – Lake Katherine
10:00 a.m. – Brookfield Zoo, Hamill Family Play Zoo
10:15 a.m. – Near Westside Community Development Corporation Hoyne Avenue Garden
10:25 a.m. – Break
10:45 a.m. - Kilbourn Organic Greenhouses
10:55 a.m. – Humboldt Park Community Gardens
11:05 a.m. – Larabida Children's Hospital
11:15 a.m. – U of I Extension Programs.
11:45 a.m. – LUNCH BREAK
12:30 p.m. –Xochiquetzal Garden- Whittier School
12:40 p.m. - Wicker Park Projects
12:50 p.m. – Garfield Park Conservatory
1:10 p.m – Schwab Rehabilitation Center Roof Garden
1:20 p.m. – Chicago Center for Green Technology
1:30 p.m. – Oak Park Conservatory
1:40 p.m. – Aztlan Rehabilitation Center Garden
1:50 p.m. – BREAK
2:00 p.m. – Shedd Aquarium
2:10 p.m. - New Vegetable Garden – Lincoln Park Zoo-Farm-in –the-Zoo
2:20 p.m. – Flower Gardening - Lincoln Park Zoo
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:05 AM | Permalink |
March 8, 2007
Chicago Green Festival
Chicago April 21-22 at McCormick Place, Lakeside
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive., Chicago
Third floor, Exhibit Hall D
We look forward to seeing you at the 1st Annual Chicago Green Festival – where there is something for everyone!
Come and celebrate what is working in our communities!
Learn how Chicago is a national leader in greening their city at the City Of Chicago Pavilion.
Enjoy inspiring and thoughtful films at the Green Film Festival.
Learn how-to green your home at the Green Building Pavilion.
Check out the local farmers at the FamilyFarmed Farmers Market.
Lots of fun events await your family at the Organic Valley Kids' Zone.
Visit with more than 300 green businesses – get your spring shopping done!
Speakers include: Amy Goodman – Jim Hightower - Greg Palast - Dennis Kucinich – Mayor Richard M. Daley – Frances Moore Lappe –Howard Lyman – Commissioner Sadhu Johnston - Bill McKibben – Riane Eisler – Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins- David Korten - Kevin Danaher - Alisa Gravitz - David Korten – John Perkins -- Van Jones - Paul Stamets and 100 other visionary leaders....
Special Attractions include:
Fair Trade Pavilion with hourly coffee and chocolate tastings
Yoga and Movement Classes for all ages and levels
Music Stage with local talent - Firelight Rising, The Giving Tree Band, Cynthia Lin, Tiger Moon and more
SustainLane E-Lounge
Hands-on workshops include:
Green Careers
Community and Social Investing
Greening Your Home & Office
Responsible Travel
Green Technology and Building
Home Brewing
Don't miss the following:
Kids' Zone
Organic Beer and Wine Garden
Organic Dining
Green Festival Bookstore
Power Foods Pavilion
Live Music Stage
Community Action Area
All at a nearly zero waste event!
Your all-inclusive admission is just $10.00 per day!
Save with our Special Membership FastPass for just $19-good for 2 adults and unlimited children under 18.
Sign up an a Green Fest Volunteer and get in FREE!
Register at www.greenfestivals.org
Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:29 PM | Permalink |
March 8, 2007
Organic Farm Interns Wanted
Henry's Farm is looking for farm interns for the 2007 season.
Live and work on this beautiful organic vegetable farm in central Illinois and participate in every aspect of farm life from working in the fields planting, weeding and harvesting to selling the produce at the Farmers Market. And you'll get to eat the freshest, healthiest most delicious fruit, veggies, eggs, goat milk and meat on the planet-even more delicious because you helped grow it!
After one season on Henry's Farm, you'll know whether or not farming is really for you and you'll be close to having all the knowledge and experience you need to start your own farm someday.
Visit http://www.henrysfarm.com to learn all the details.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:53 AM | Permalink |
March 6, 2007
New Volunteer Opportunity at Lincoln Park Zoo
Have you made arrangements for your summer romance of 2007 yet? Why not fall in love with the new Teaching Vegetable Garden at Lincoln Park Zoo?
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program has entered into a partnership with Lincoln Park Zoo to expand the zoo's vegetable garden at the Farm-in-the-Zoo.
This is a rare opportunity for Master Gardeners to share information with families about growing vegetables, plus you will be volunteering in the beautiful Lincoln Park setting. This is an opportunity for Master Gardeners to be in a new project from the very beginning.
Here are some particulars:
The new garden will be open 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays through April and May.
June through September the garden will be open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This is a working vegetable garden. Jeanne Pinsof of Chicago's Green City Market, the vegetable garden project manager, says "Working is teaching. We will be teaching children and their families as we complete the tasks in the garden each day."
Besides the vegetable garden, the team of Master Gardeners will have the opportunity to plan, plant and tend two large raised ornamental flower beds. This is a full scale garden with demonstration earth boxes and a three bin composter unit. The works!
Lincoln Park Zoo is making a strong commitment of resources to this project. They will provide top quality tools, free parking while you are volunteering and Lincoln Park Zoo t-shirts.
They encourage us to wear out Master Gardener badges and will acknowledge the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program in their brochures and signage. They value the expertise and dedication of Master Gardeners.
We are looking for Master Gardeners who can make a regular commitment of time. One day a week during the growing season would be ideal, but we can consider any consistent commitment of time.
Orientation concerning inclusion and interpretation will be on April 7 at the Farm-in-the-Zoo. More details to follow.
We are looking for at least ten Master Gardeners to become part of this exciting new program.
Contact Elizabeth at ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:17 PM | Permalink |
March 6, 2007
Visit the New Master Gardener Intern Class
Come visit the new Master Gardener Intern Class on Mondays at Garfield Park Conservatory.
March 12 - Volunteer OpportunityDay
Many of our partner organizations will be coming to talk about their volunteer opportunities. If you need a refresher course on places to volunteer, please join us for the day.
Volunteer Opportunity Day Schedule
March 12, 2007
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Garfield Park Conservatory
9:30 a.m. – Lurie Garden
9:50 a.m. – Lake Katherine
10:00 a.m. – Brookfield Zoo, Hamill Family Play Zoo
10:15 a.m. – Near Westside Community Development Corporation Hoyne Avenue Garden
10:25 a.m. – Break
10:45 a.m. - Kilbourn Organic Greenhouses
10:55 a.m. – Humboldt Park Community Gardens
11:05 a.m. – Larabida Children's Hospital
11:15 a.m. – U of I Extension Programs.
11:45 a.m. – LUNCH BREAK
12:30 p.m. –Xochiquetzal Garden- Whittier School
12:40 p.m. - Wicker Park Projects
12:50 p.m. – Garfield Park Conservatory
1:10 p.m – Schwab Rehabilitation Center Roof Garden
1:20 p.m. – Chicago Center for Green Technology
1:30 p.m. – Oak Park Conservatory
1:40 p.m. – Aztlan Rehabilitation Center Garden
1:50 p.m. – BREAK
2:00 p.m. – Shedd Aquarium
2:10 p.m. - New Vegetable Garden – Lincoln Park Zoo-Farm-in –the-Zoo
2:20 p.m. – Flower Gardening - Lincoln Park Zoo
March 26 - Organic Day
Pull up a chair along side the interns to hear:
Basic Organic Gardening
Kirsten Akre
Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse
Vermiculture
Nancy Kreith
UIUC Extension Program Coordinator
Building Water Gardens
Master Gardener Beata Welsh and Sue Cubberly
Check out all of the latest postings on Ron's Blog.
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu
If you add this blog address to your favorites list, please let me know.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Coordinator
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:35 PM | Permalink |
March 6, 2007
Abstraction in Landscape Design Program
Monday, March 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
1425 N. Damen
Gary Lehman: HNTB Corporation-Chicago www.hntb.com
Tickets $8.00-Register: dougrwood@aol.com or (773) 278-9075
PAY AT DOOR
Gary Lehman is an urban designer and landscape architect with the Chicago office of HNTB Corporation. In addition to a professional career, he frequently instructs landscape design and drawing courses at Northwestern University, the School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and The Morton Arboretum.
His work often looks to integrate art within the landscape...particularly abstraction. This lecture will discuss the integration of abstraction within the design process. By reviewing key components of the subject matter a designer can manipulate its elements into physical design features.
One particular case study walks through the metamorphosis of a piece of jewelry into a courtyard design. The structure and facets are carried into the physical design world as seating, pathways, and planting. This technique and process provides a personal and interesting association between the client, designer, and the landscape.
This lecture will cover the process and review a few projects (his work and others); the discussion will end in an open forum for questions and answers.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:30 AM | Permalink |
March 6, 2007
Earn Volunteer Hours at MELA Booth at Flower Show
If you are interested in volunteering some time to help us staff the table we would be most grateful. The time slots which are still open are indicated below. This will allow you to see the show gratis and do some good for our organization simultaneously.
The Flower Show in Rosemont is three blocks from the Blue Line or there is parking here as well in the CTA lot for $3.00. I will forward all details to you when I receive a response indicating your interest. Let me know if you can help....Time is drawing near! Thanks.
Saturday March 10th Need one person 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday March 11th Need two-three people 2 p.m.-6 p.m. (Might be 8 p.m.)
Monday March 12th Need two people 10 a.m.-2 p.m. One person 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday March 13th Need one person 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Three people 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Wednesday March 14th Need two people 10 a.m.-2 p.m
Thursday March 15th Need one person 10 a.m.-2 p.m. One person 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday March 16th Need three people for each shift
Saturday March 17th Need one person 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday March 18th Need three people for each shift
To apply contact Christine at cneye@sheddaquarium.org
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:59 AM | Permalink |
March 6, 2007
Franklin Fine Arts Center Workday
Franklin Fine Arts Center will be having an early workday Saturday, March 17th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet us at the north side of the school at 225 W Evergreen (1330 North) in Old Town.
We are looking for help to take out some of the existing plant material and begin the excavation process for a learning circle of benches for an outdoor classroom.
Ellen Moderhack, a parent and landscape designer, will be leading the workday. Please call Ellen at 773.519.6491 if you are available to join us.
Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Please bring your own work gloves and a shovel if you have one.
Jaime Zaplatosch
Education Projects Coordinator
Openlands
25 E Washington, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60612
312-863-6270
fax 312-427-6251
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:20 AM | Permalink |
March 6, 2007
Pruning Shrubs, Hedges and Trees Workshop
The Berwyn Park District and the Proksa Park Garden Club are presenting a free two hour workshop on Pruning Shrubs, Hedges and Trees.
Laury Lewis, a Cook County/ Chicago Master Gardener and professional gardener will give a one hour lecture and a one hour hands-on pruning demonstration on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Proksa Park Community Room, 3001 South Wisconsin, Berwyn.
Phone 708-788-1701 to register.
No previous skills necessary for this free event.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:56 AM | Permalink |
March 5, 2007
Granddad's Advice May Help Thwart Mosquitoes
Regional wisdom passed on long ago to a boy who grew up to be an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist could lead to the next breakthrough against mosquitoes.
The scientist, Charles T. Bryson, was told by his grandfather John Rives Crumpton that fresh, crushed leaves of American beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, helped keep biting insects away from draft animals such as horses and mules.
According to Bryson, a botanist in ARS' Southern Weed Science Research Unit at Stoneville, Miss., it was known among folks in northeastern Mississippi during the early 20th century that placing the crushed leaves under an animal's harness would mash out a repellant oil. Eventually, some people there started mashing the leaves and rubbing the residue on their own skins.
Bryson later shared this knowledge with colleagues in ARS' Natural Products Utilization Research Unit at Oxford, Miss, where chemist Charles Cantrell studied the American beautyberry to see what it is about it that mosquitoes don't like.
Cantrell, working with entomologist Jerome Klun of ARS' Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Research Unit in Beltsville, Md., and Oxford plant physiologist Stephen Duke, isolated several insect-repelling compounds from the plant.
Among these was callicarpenal, which may represent ARS' next important anti-mosquito compound. ARS recently developed SS220, a repellent that's just as effective as DEET, the world's most-used insect repellent. DEET was developed by ARS and the U.S. Army decades ago.
According to Cantrell, isolated callicarpenal was as effective in laboratory tests as SS220 in preventing mosquito bites. Those tests were conducted by Klun against the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, which is best known as the yellow-fever mosquito, and Anopheles stephensi, which spreads malaria in Asia.
Cantrell said that a provisional patent application has been submitted for callicarpenal, and that toxicity trials will precede any testing on humans.
Read more about the research in the February 2006 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency.
Luis Pons
Public Affairs Specialist
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:37 AM | Permalink |
March 2, 2007
Chicago Area Recreation Forum
On March 22 Chicago Wilderness, in partnership with the American Recreation Coalition and National Forest Foundation, will hold a regional forum to offer an opportunity for Chicago Wilderness members and others to begin to address how best to actively involve youth in the outdoors, and connect with the next generation of caretakers of public lands.
You are invited to contribute personally to this effort. Please accept this invitation to participate in the Chicago Area Recreation Forum on March 22, 2007 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center (7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL).
This free event is one of five regional forums being convened across the country to explore issues surrounding public recreation, including the growing concerns over nature-deficit disorder. Broadly, these forums will:
Document the importance of outdoor recreation to important societal goals ranging from improved physical, mental and spiritual health to improved educational systems, to economic vitality and deterrence of crime,
Identify local and regional successes in increasing the quality and quantity of recreation opportunities, which deserve consideration for expansion and replication, and explore approaches to better connect citizens, especially urban populations, with the benefits of forest system lands and other public lands.
Specifically, the Chicago forum will also be an opportunity for Chicago Wilderness members and others to:
Identify opportunities to increase awareness within target audiences of local natural resources and their value to area residents
Share successes and identify common ground with new partners; and position Chicago Wilderness and its members as leaders in the fields of conservation and environmental education, as protectors of resources critical to human health, and as providers of necessary community services.
The output from the March 22 forum will be used in a national forum to be held in Washington, D.C. in April that will engage national leaders in the public and private sectors.
As a leader in environmental and recreation issues in the Chicago region, your presence will be crucial to ensuring that this forum adequately captures the important opportunities and challenges within this area.
To participate, please register online at http://www.rsvpbook.com/event
A complimentary continental breakfast will be available courtesy of the Chicago Park District, and box lunches will be available for a cost of $10 payable on the day of the forum; please indicate on the registration form whether or not you would like a lunch
Jaime Zaplatosch
Openlands
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:34 PM | Permalink |
