Why Native Wildflowers? – An Introduction

West Cook Wild Ones Presents "Why Native Wildflowers? – An Introduction"  by Tim Lewis, Wild Ones National President, Sunday, November 10, 2:30-4:30 in Room 259,  Priory Campus of Dominican University, 7200 W. Division Street, River Forest, Dominican's Priory Campus is just west of Harlem on Division Street in River Forest. Park in back and enter on the east side of the building.

Why Natives is an introduction to landscaping using native plants. The presentation explains the history of our ecosystems, how we got to where we are today and why native plants are vital to the environment. The benefits and fallacies of natural landscaping will be explained. Finally, examples of native plant landscapes will inspire you to change your thinking about your own landscapes.

Tim Lewis is the national president of Wild Ones Natural Landscapers. He has been on the board of directors for over 10 years. Tim was president of the Rock River Valley chapter in Rockford for several years and served on the board for many more years. He is the past president of Four Rivers Environmental Coalition. Tim was named “Conservationist of the Year” for 2009 by the Sinnissippi Audubon Society. In 2011, he was a finalist for the Seth B. Atwood Memorial Park and Conservation Service Award and in 2012 was the recipient of this award.

He has been growing native plants in his yard since 1991. His yard contains over 100 species of native plants in prairie plots, rain gardens, and savanna and shade gardens.

Dominican's Priory Campus is just west of Harlem on Division Street in River Forest. Park in back and enter on the east side of the building.

Urban Prairie Gardening with Cheney Mansion's Charlie Reudebusch

Deb Quantock McCarey went to the 2013 Green Living & Learning Tour stop sponsored by West Cook County Chapter of Wild Ones at Cheney Mansion and talked extensively with Head Gardener Charlie Reudebusch. Deb was one of over 30 people who visited the Cheney Mansion stop and/or went on the bike tour of native gardens afterward. Those who attended came away inspired by Charlie's wide-ranging knowledge of the joys and benefits of native plants and his dedication to tending this beautiful landmark. Deb was also able to walk away with "a few new ideas...and a few free seeds they said I could scatter in my evolving 'little patch of Illinois prairie'  now for next year."

Read more about Deb's Big Backyard.

October Wild Ones Chapter Meeting

Wild Ones is pleased to announce that Dr. Neafsey from Save the Praire Society in Westchester, IL will present to us at our next meeting on October 13, 2013 at 2:30 pm in Room 259 in the Priory on Dominican University’s campus (7900 W Division St, River Forest, IL).  There will be signs to direct us to correct building. Dr. Neafsey will speak about the history of Wolf Road Prairie, its restoration, and its plant and wildlife communities.  We are sure to be inspired to “bring nature home” after hearing about this important preserve.

If you were not able to make our meeting at the Green Community Connection’s event and would like to participate in a seed swap, please feel free to bring some seeds for exchange (bring pens and suitable material to hold seeds). For more information contact Pam Todd at 708-420-0170 or e-mail: pamtodd5@me.com.

Neighbors Share their Experience during the Green Living & Learning Tour

Video by Cassandra West of Seeding Chicago/New Media Access to capture the spirit of the day.  Thank you, Cassandra!

The weather conspired to make Saturday, September 28th, a great day for the 2013 Green Living & Learning Tour.  The tour hosted nearly 400 participants in the 17 tours and demonstrations highlighting innovative examples of sustainable living in Oak Park & River Forest.   The Green Living & Learning Tour was organized by a great team of Green Community Connections' talented, passionate volunteers, and was made possible through the generosity of the site hosts and guides who shared their homes and their experience with their neighbors.

The Green Living & Learning Tour offered participants opportunities to see first hand homes that are using renewable energy -- solar and geothermal, & energy efficiency strategies -- a white roof, tankless hot water heater, and multiple design features that make a home more energy efficient.  Water conservation and management was also a highlight including sites that capture 100% of the rain that falls on the property for use on gardens and lawns.  Use of native landscaping drew significant interest -- both for its beauty and for the benefit of providing water conservation and habitat for bees, butterflies and birds.

Partnerships were key to the success of this year's tour.  The newly organized "Wild Ones!" chapter organized the tour of native plants at Cheney Mansion and the Native Landscape Mini Tour.  Seventy-five people gathered for the closing to enjoy a Harvest Picnic at Field Park co-hosted by the Sugar Beet Co-op.  Sugar Beet did a tremendous job of pulling together a delicious spread of fresh food -- largely from local gardens and farmers.

Special thanks also goes to the tour sponsors.  New sponsors including Cindy Gajewski with Beyond Properties, First United Church of OP and CYLA Design Associates, joined repeat sponsors including  Seven Generations Ahead, the Village of Oak Park, the Village of River Forest, the River Forest Park District, Green Home Experts, and WebTrax Studio.

The Citizens Climate Lobby . . . Building Political Will for a Livable World

We are familiar with the  warnings about the impact of climate change and we have observed the extreme weather events in recent years.  We are also doing things in our own lives to lower our carbon footprint, but we know, as important as all of that is, it will also take legislative action to bring about needed changes. What is lacking is the political will to address the problem. The big question is, what useful steps can citizens take to build that political will? The purposes of Citizens Climate Lobby ("CCL") are to create the political will for a livable world and to empower us as citizens to exercise our personal and political power.  CCL is committed to a respectful, non-partisan approach.  The New York Times reports: “The CCL is a relatively unknown organization that punches above its weight.”

Dick Alton and Sally Stovall are hosting an open house for people to learn more about the Citizens Climate Lobby on Monday, October 28^th, 7:30 to 9 pm at 166 N. Humphrey Av., # 1N, Oak Park.  Come to enjoy light food and drinks, chat with your neighbor and hear about CCL.  RVSP to richard.alton@gmail.com or 773.344.7172

To learn more about the activities of the Citizens Climate Lobby nationally and internationally, please visit their web site.  Also see related article about the launching of the local chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby.

Fractured: A Public Discussion on Fracking and the Environment

On Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, 12:00pm - 1:30pm, an afternoon discussion of fracking and its environmental impacts will kick-off a year-long series of events on Global Energies.Field Museum James Simpson Theater 1400 S Lake Shore Drive Chicago IL, 60605

Hydraulic Fracturing or "fracking" has transformed America's energy landscape. This newly developed extraction technique allows companies to access oil and gas trapped in shale rock and other unconventional geologic formations. However, fracking's impact on water safety, the environment, and the climate have raised grave concerns about its sustainability.

Join us for an afternoon discussion of fracking and its environmental impacts.

Featured presenters include Terry Evans, photographer of "Fractured: North Dakota's Oil Boom" (currently on exhibit at the Field), Margaret MacDonell from the Argonne National Laboratory , Rob Jackson from Duke University, Alaka Wali from the Field Museum, and Mike Ziri from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The event will be moderated by Mark Lycett, Director of the University of Chicago Program on the Global Environment and Interim Director of the Center for International Studies.

NOTE: Please enter the Simpson Theater through the West Door of the Field Museum — entrance is free for the lecture only, and does not include admission to the museum galleries. All other access to the museum requires regular paid admission. A free shuttle bus (first come, first served) will leave from the University of Chicago campus in front of Pick Hall at 11:15am and return to that location after the event.

Cosponsored by the Center for International Studies, the Program on the Global Environment, and the Field Museum.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcis.uchicago.edu%2Fevents%2F2013-2014%2F131012-global-energies-fractured&h=-AQH0IdGz&s=1

A Celebration of Chef Edna Lewis & Sugar Beet Co-op

The culinary team at Inspiration Kitchen is preparing a 4-course menu inspired by the work of Chef Edna Lewis and wine and beer will be served, as well. Edna Lewis was born in a small settlement called Freetown in 1916, one of eight children. The farm had been granted to her grandfather, a freed slave. Growing, gathering and preparing food was more than just sustenance for the family; it was a form of entertainment. In her cookbook, "The Taste of Country Cooking" Edna recalls her childhood memories of seasonal celebrations with her family through recipes, which read like love letters. The proceeds of this unique event will benefit The Sugar Beet Co-op.

Saturday, October 5, 2013 - 6:00pm until 10:00pm Get Tickets Online Here

Chef Kocoa Scott-Winbush and 4 guest performers will read excerpts of Chef Edna's writings from two of her highly acclaimed cookbooks, "The Taste of Country Cooking" and "In Pursuit of Flavor." Readings will be paired with the violin virtuosity of Samuel "Savoirfaire" Williams, a local, classically trained jazz violinist.

The proceeds of this unique event will benefit The Sugar Beet Co-op, a volunteer organization that provides educational experiences that celebrate local food. From canning classes to The Edible Garden Tour, The Sugar Beet Co-op has reached over 3000 people in 18 months with positive and practical information about sustainable food choices that support local farmers, strengthens our community and feeds our bodies and souls.

Inspiration Kitchens (right by the Garfield Park Conservatory) 3504 W. Lake St  Chicago, IL 60624

Register for the Tour and Join Us For a Party!

Green Community Connections' 2013 Green Living and Learning Tour is just a week away, on Septmber 28th.  With all the information about the Oak Park/River Forest event available in our posts about all the great tour sites, the schedule, the map, the one-hour guided tour descriptions and the drop-in opportunities descriptions, you are now well armed with everything you need to plan your day and to REGISTER for your selected tour stops!

We invite all participants and their families to join us at Oak Park's Field Park (northwest corner @ Berkshire St. & Woodbine Ave.) at 5 p.m., immediately following the final green tours.  We will eat, play, and enjoy our sustainable community connections.

Sugar Beet Co-op members are providing a Harvest Picnic free for all Green Living & Learning Tour participants. Picture a huge green salad, homemade bread and spreads, Italian panzanella salad, quinoa, kale, and other scrumptious freshly made - and in many cases, locally grown - food waiting for you after you finish up an afternoon of great tours.

We'll reflect on the tours we experienced during the day, recognize hosts, sponsors and volunteers, and we'll even give away some green door prizes!  Please join us.

Photos from the 2012 Closing Celebration

Three Special Green Living Tour Sites to Visit on Sept. 28

Green Community Connections' upcoming Green Living & Learning Tour 2013 on September 28th offers participants the opportunity to visit an array of homes and gardens that employ a variety of sustainable living practices.  Here are three unique tour stops that we wanted to highlight for you. Ecological Design

807 Forest Ave, River Forest, Tour at 2:30 pm (#4 on 2013 Tour Map)

Ecological principles were designed and built into this sustainably built home - the first of its kind in the Oak Park/River Forest area.  The home includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, and toxic free materials.  It's water conservation features include rainwater catchment for irrigation, native landscaping, permeable driveway and water-saving faucets and showerheads.  The homeowners have welcomed many visitors into their home since 2008 when it was built and look forward to this year's tour.

Save $$$, Increase Comfort, Decrease Carbon Footprint

616 Wenonah, Oak Park, Tour at 4:00pm (#9 on 2013 Tour Map)

The Environmentalist’s Dilemma:  Is it possible to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer without doing a whole lot of damage to the environment?  It is, and what's best, it's possible to do it on a reasonable budget.  After sealing and insulating their house, the homeowners had the warmest winter in their home in 15 years and their energy bills were lower than they had ever been.  Learn about air sealing and insulating and the fantastic rebates available to help make a more comfortable, environmentally friendly, (and valuable) home a reality. The Bonus: See a blower door test in action: a diagnostic tool designed to measure the air-tightness of buildings. and to help locate air leakage sites.

Biking Safely in an Urban Area & Biking Supports

Greenline Wheels, 105 S. Marion, Oak Park Drop-in:  1:00-3:00pm (#C on 2013 Tour Map)

Get tips on how to stay safe while biking in an urban area. Greenline Wheels’ safety experts are teaching safety and adventure as part of the Green Living & Learning Tour.  Instruction focuses on basics such as checking and fitting gears, signaling, braking, and more. Greenline Wheels representatives will also familiarize participants with other biking supports that they offer.

Harvest Picnic with Green Community Connections and Sugar-Beet Co-op

For the end of the day, all are invited for a Harvest Picnic gathering at Field Park, hosted by Sugar Beet Co-Op.  All are welcome to join us at 5:00 p.m. in the northwest corner of the park (Berkshire & Woodbine) for fresh food, fun, prizes and community!

For more information about the event, including registration information for all 18 sites, visit the tour page at Green Community Connections.

Frank Lloyd Wright + Geothermal in Oak Park

A very special East Avenue house on the Green Living and Learning Tour 2013 on September 28th was designed in early 1896 as one of about 30 production houses to be built in a full-block subdivision by Frank Lloyd Wright's friend Charles E. Roberts.  The area is now bounded by four streets in Oak Park: Chicago, Scoville, Superior and Elmwood.  The envisioned subdivision was not executed and “so far as anyone knows, our house is the only design (of at least five separate ones) actually built,” says Mark Donovan, the current homeowner.  The house was built later that same year by a one-time millionaire inventor, Harry Goodrich, and his wife, Louisa.  The Donovan/Ludgin family is the sixth to own the house. "When we purchased the house in 1999, Mary and I didn't originally set out to make the house so efficient and relatively green," said Mark, adding, "We've slowly learned, and sought out, ways to restore the house which respect its history and significance but also incorporate 21st century efficiency technology."

In 2005, the couple was exploring upgrading the heating system both to replace the inefficient old boiler as well as to remove the first floor radiators which compromised historic restoration of the home.  "One thing led to another once I began to educate myself about optimizing the efficiency of hot water heat, " reported Mark.  The couple decided on underfloor radiant heat on the first floor, which led them to lower the basement floor 13" in order to radiantly heat the basement floor.  This step indirectly led to looking into ground source - "geothermal" - heat pumps.  These changes required the services of a local mechanical engineer who happened to be experienced in and a fan of various approaches to energy efficiency including ground source, and, Mark says, "Then we really started to get into it."  All their efficiency upgrades have grown out of this initial experience, via reading and other routes of research.

The owners report the house's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are now essentially completely new, nearly invisible, and highly efficient.  The house is also nearly fully insulated and air-sealed to the extent feasible without compromising the house's historical character.  The amount of rainwater directed into the Village's sewers is reduced by nearly 50%, and the homeowners use CFLs and LEDs wherever they do not detract from the appearance of antique light fixtures.

The home’s reduced energy consumption over the period 2006-2013, even with significantly enlarged square footage of space now within the conditioned thermal envelope is evident in this graph, created by the homeowner .

You can visit this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home during the Green Living & Learning Tour in Oak Park and River Forest on Sept. 28^th.  For more information about the event, including registration information for all 18 sites, visit the tour page at Green Community Connections.