Chicago Conservation Corps Blog

Your Resource Guide to Energy Savings
The American Recovery and Investment Act issued federal funding for energy efficiency upgrades and appliance rebates this week. Specifically, Illinois will recieve $12 million to provide residents with incentives and purchasing power for energy efficient products and appliances. Starting January 31, 2010 citizens will be able to upgrade water heaters, AC units and heaters for Energy Star products. Participants will receive point of purchase rebates to off set upgrade costs. During Earth Week April 16 – 25, 2010, point of purchase rebates will be made available on all Energy Star household appliances. Find an Energy Star retailer. Get in touch with COMED to schedule a pick to recycle you old appliance.

These purchases along with other more common energy efficiency improvements (roofing, insulation, HVAC) reward your stewardship with tax credits on your 2009 tax return. Click here tax forms and more

Energy efficiency is often on the minds of Chicagoans as we head face first into the dead of winter. Staying warm often comes at an expense that can leave many drowning in debt. The success of the Low Cost Weatherization and Education Program (LCWEP featured in the previous blog post) has demonstrated that there is a growing demand for energy efficiency among Chicagoans. Not only is energy efficiency kind to your wallet, it creates the opportunity to make a measureable impact on climate change. Take the $800 Savings Challenge and find out how much money and energy you could be saving

Another incentive for your energy stewardship is being offered through the Norther Illinois Energy Project. Northern Illinois Energy Project is asking citizens to complete a survey on Compact Florescent Light bulb use. Those that complete the survey are eligible to win a month’s electric bill PAID. Take a quick survey, register for their mailing list and you could be the lucky winner.

ENERGY ACTION OPPORTUNITIES IN CHICAGO
Southside Solar Power
There’s a little more sunshine on the south side these days. Or at least that what it seems like in West Pullman, which recently became the home of Chicago’s first large scale solar panel project. The City of Chicago, together with SunPower and Exelon, has dedicated 39 acres of the West Pullman Industrial Redevelopment Area for the installation of 32,800 solar panels, and the result will produce10 megawatts of clean energy. The effort is projected to divert “approximately 31.2 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually” according to the Exelon press release. Check out the feature on Chicago Tonight.

Climate Cycle
If you are interested in learning more about local action to bring clean and efficient energy to Chicago- you may be interested in what is going on with Climate Cycle. Climate Cycle is a local non-profit that is working with Chicago Public Schools to education students about alternative energy and its impact on climate change. Climate Cycle takes this new-found knowledge to the next level by then assisting schools install solar panels. Panels have been installed on 1 school thus far and there are plans to complete 5 more in 2010. You can support this effort by joining the Solar Schools Ride on May 16, 2010. Find out how you and your team can ride into the sunset at the Team Captain meeting on January 28th from 6pm-7:30pm REI Chicago 1460 N. Halstead


Green Tech University Spring 2010 Schedule
The Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program has been developed in response to the increasing demand for educational resources in green technology in Chicago. Green Tech U programs provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand professional networks and increase knowledge of sustainability, green building and public policy. All Green Tech U seminars are available to any interested individuals throughout the year.

REGISTRATION:
Advance registration is required for all Green Tech U seminars. You may register by calling (312) 746-9642, or email your desired class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” as the subject line.

COST:
Unless otherwise specified in the program description, Green Tech U seminars are free to the public.

CERTIFICATES:
Green Tech U offers certificates in the following subject areas:
• Architecture
• Building and Construction Management
• Engineering
• Green Business
• Green Home and Garden
• Interior Design

To register for a certificate, participants must fill out a “Program Registration” form. Registrants must then complete six eligible seminars within a 12-month period; one of the six seminars must be the foundation course, “Ecology of Design.” Please sign-in before each seminar on the “Sign-In” form, specifying what certificate(s) you are pursuing.

Once the six seminars minimum has been met, attendees are responsible for completing the “Certificate Tracking and Application” form, and submitting it to a Green Building Resource Center staff member, emailing it to greentech@cityofchicago.org, or faxing it to (312) 746-9778. Please call (312) 746-9642 or e-mail for assistance.

A Forest For Earth Day

You can help protect one of the worlds most beautiful and diverse rainforest habitats when you participate and recycle with public schools in Chicago just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Recycle Tech Solutions (RTS), a local cell phone & electronics recycler, is working with individual Chicago public schools through RTS’s Dream Green collection program. Our program goal is to collect 25,000 cell phones among the 600 Chicago public schools before Earth Day on April 22nd of this year. Please speak to your schools environmental leader about ways you can participate.

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest – Planting a Billion Trees Campaign

Centuries ago, the Atlantic Forest covered nearly 330 million acres, an area roughly the size of the eastern seaboard of the United States. Today only 7 percent remains, much of which is in isolated fragments. Home to 130 million people, the Atlantic Forest has taken heavy hits from urban expansion, coastal and industrial development, agriculture, ranching and illegal logging. Despite the forest’s diminished state, 70 percent of Brazil’s population relies on it for its drinking water.

How Can You Participate in A Forest For Earth Day?

One qualified cellular phone, Smart Phone, PDA device or MP3 Player plants one tree. It’s that simple. When you collect and recycle with Dream Green, you’ll contribute to the goal of planting a billion trees and help the Nature Conservancy protect and restore Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

1-2-3 Easy Steps to Rewarding Recycling

1) Recruit your green team and set an initial collection goal of 200 cellular phones

2) Promote your program in newsletters, websites, letters, posters to local business’ and encourage students, parents, staff, teachers, PTA, community leaders to bring your school used cell phones, smart phones, PDA devices and Mp3 players to be recycled – I have 5 old cell phones at home!!!

3) Contact Dream Green (http://www.recycletech.org/dreamgreen.html) through the web at DreamGreen@recycletech.org and request shipping guidelines & postage – paid shipping materials after 50 phones / devices have been collected. We also provide postage paid envelopes for smaller shipments to be passed out to offsite locations.

RTS will donate $1.00 to the Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign in your schools name for every qualified phone collected. For more information on the Plant a Billion Trees Campaign go to www.plantabillion.org

As a bonus, for every location, when 50 or more qualified phones are recycled in a single shipment, you will receive from the Nature Conservatory:

· Personalized certificate with signature photo of the Atlantic Forest commemorating your generosity

· Colorful fact sheet about the Atlantic Forest

· Plant a Billion Trees magnet set

· World map

· Four issues of Nature Conservancy magazine to keep you informed all year about the many places the Conservancy is working to protect. (Plus, we’ll rush the current magazine issue along with your personalized certificate!)

· Great Places E-Newsletter subscription to our monthly e-communication with local conservation updates, enviro-tips you can use and stunning nature photography downloads.

Best of all, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to protect this extraordinary wild habitat now and for future generations. Please help plant trees today!

As 2010 commences, C3 looks forward to yet another year of creative conservation projects made possible by grassroots environmental leaders, teachers, and student clubs.

Featured in this edition
-City of Chicago Holiday Tree Recycling Program
-Year to Date Impacts of our Hardworking C3 Volunteers
-Save the Date: Upcoming Leader Orientations and Trainings

City of Chicago Holiday Tree Recycling
Start the year out on the right track and bring your Christmas tree to the annual City of Chicago Tree Recycling Program. Chicago Park District locations will host tree drop off services from January 1-17. What’s more is that starting January 8, you can return and pick up your free mulch (and a glimmer of spring warmth). Click here for details.

C3 Year to Date Successes
2009 has been a fantastic year for C3 and its volunteers! Since the program’s inception in 2006, nearly 200 volunteers have been certified through the Leadership Training Program. C3 has also been hard at work in schools across Chicago through the efforts of nearly 80 C3 Student Clubs. A significant accomplishment for both C3 Leaders and Clubs this year includes the distribution of over 5000 weatherization kits to residents in need through the City’s Low Cost Weatherization and Education Program.

Look for more information on our leaders, clubs and projects over the next year as we highlight their work and dedication to land, water, air and energy preservation.

Save the Date: Spring 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series
Joins us for an orientation session and learn how to turn your dedication to environmental protection into action. The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Spring 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series. During the training, you’ll learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then you’ll lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources.
Attend one of the orientations listed below to learn more. For questions or to reserve a seat, please contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.

Thursday, March 25 - 7pm - 8pm, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

Saturday, March 27 – 1pm – 2pm, Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, March 29 - 12pm - 1pm, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Spring 2010 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, April 10, 17, 24, and May 1 from 9:30am - 1:30pm. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, May 8. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.

October is Fair Trade Month

Fair trade is a growing movement across the globe – and it’s growing here in Chicago too. Buying food you’d purchase regularly, but choosing those that are fair trade certified ensures healthier labor conditions, increased worker wages and improved environmental standards in developing countries around the globe. Here are five ways you can be a “fair trader” in your kitchen this month (and every month!):

1. Seek it out: Look for the “Fair Trade Certified” label on products at your grocery store.

2. Drink it up: Chicago-based Argo Tea offers 100 percent organic, shade-grown, fair trade coffee – you don’t even have to make a special ask. Check out the variety of coffee shops around town that offer fair trade drinks

3. Be a wine-o: Fair trade wine supports healthy working conditions for grape growers and winery employees - and the grapes are also grown sustainably. Target now offers three varieties in its “Wandering Grape” collection.

4. Sweet treat: Make a banana split using only fair trade certified ingredients. From the ice cream, the banana to the chocolate on top, it all can be made fair trade.

Chicago Fair Trade GlobalFest

Chicago Fair Trade is hosting its annual GlobalFest, a fundraiser and a celebration of all things fair trade in our city. This year, it highlights South Asian partners and features a fair trade fashion show, food from the region, and a silent auction with lots of great items.

Wednesday, October 28

5:30-9pm

Roosevelt University, Congress Lounge

430 S. Michigan Ave.

Tickets: $40 – in advance

www.chicagofairtrade.org

Last week the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act was released in the U.S. Senate.

This week, Green for all hosted a National Briefing Call and prepared a summary to help supporters and allies understand the bill and its significance.

Now with the Environment and Public Works Committee preparing to edit the bill, it is up to all of us to keep up the momentum for strong climate and clean energy legislation.

Take Action - Fax your Senators Now!

Tell them to strengthen and quickly pass the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

This bill includes strong climate standards, and the access and opportunity for all. Your senator’s support for this bill will maximize investments in green job creation and training.
Take Action Now!

Please Visit www.greenforall.org for more information.

From December 7th to December 18th, world leaders will gather in Copenhagen for the U.N. Climate Change Conference and will work to negotiate a treaty to reign in global warming. Climate change organizations 1 Sky and 350.Org are finding ways for individuals to make a difference by hosting an International Day of Climate Action.

On Saturday, October 24th, join thousands of communities in 140 countries to highlight the need to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, the upper limit of what climate scientists tell us is safe.

Sign up today to host an October 24 International Day of Climate Change Action Event
http://www.1sky.org/october24

Potential events include a rally, a party, or any other action. The key point is to incorporate the number “350″ into a very visible sign or banner. Gather with your friends and family to take a picture, and the photo to 350.org so they can show the power of your actions to President Obama and key swing Senators.

At the end of David O’Donnell’s presentation on the Chicago Climate Action Plan, he gave a big plug to a guy named Doug Mckenzie-Mohr on his Community Based Social Marketing, and his success bringing impact to sustainable projects. He wrote a book called Fostering Sustainable Behavior, and it is free to download the pdf at his Web site www.cbsm.com. Click on the book tab.

You Care. Do Something. We’ll Help.
The following is a list of events coordinated by our C3 Leaders, as well as volunteer opportunities facilitated by our C3 Partners. For a full listing of events, visit the C3 Calendar.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- September 10, 12, 14: C3 Environmental Leadership Training Orientation Sessions
- September 12: Chicago Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution
- September 12: Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse Harvest Fest
- September 13: Faith In Place Conservation Cafe
- September 19: Adopt-A-Beach Annual Clean Up Day

C3 Environmental Leadership Training Orientation Sessions
- Orientations in the next two weeks

There is still time to apply for the Fall 2009 C3 Leadership Training Series. Join a growing network of volunteers working together to conserve and improve Chicago’s environment. Learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources.

Attend one of the orientations listed below and fill out the online application. You must attend an orientation session to be considered for the program. To reserve an orientation seat, contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.

Thursday, September 10, 7pm - 8pm
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

Saturday, September 12, 10am - 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, September 14, 12pm - 1pm
Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Fall 2009 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 26, October 3, 10, and 17. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, October 24. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Chicago Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution
- Saturday, September 12, 10am-2pm
- Young Building Parking Lot, 5555 S. Ellis Ave.

C3 Leader, Sarah Mandli is hosting the final City of Chicago sponsored rain barrel and outdoor composter distribution event of the year. Reserve a composter and/or rain barrel while supplies last by sending an email to binsandbarrels@gmail.com. All reservation emails must be received by this Friday, September 4th. This distribution event will include information tables on installation, use, and environmental benefits of rain barrels and composters. The cost is $45 for rain barrels and $35 for composters (less than half retail prices). Reserve yours today! Include your name, address, and what you would like to reserve. Limit one composter and/or rain barrel per household.

More information is available at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel.

Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse Harvest Fest
- Saturday, September 12, 1pm-4pm
- 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave

Organizers of the Kilbourn Park Harvest Fest are looking for two volunteers to lead environmental outreach programs during the festivities. The first volunteer would work as a rain barrel presenter. This presenter would teach visitors about stormwater management and rain harvesting. The second volunteer would work as a Chicago Climate Action Plan presenter. This presenter would talk to visitors about the $800 Savings Challenge and personal conservation changes that can help make a difference. Interested volunteers should contact Kirsten Akre at (773) 685-3351.

Those not interested in volunteering are still encouraged to attend the festival. There will be gardening and cooking demos, craft-making for adults and kids, as well as yoga and live music. Bring your family - there will be something to spark the interest of gardeners of all ages. This event is free to all.

For more information, visit the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse website.

Faith In Place Conversation Cafe Workshop
- Sunday, September 13, 1:30pm-4:30pm
- Illinois Institute of Technology, 35th and Michigan Ave.

Faith in Place’s annual fall workshop on spirituality and conservation will be wildly different and very fun this year. Early birds can arrive at 12:30 for a guided tour of the architecture of the meeting site - The Illinois Institute of Technology. Registration begins at 1pm and the event opens at 1:30pm with a panel of congregation members speaking to a larger vision for the green world and green faith in it. From 2-3pm, the vendor fair opens, including solar and geothermal vendors, architects, seminarian speakers, info about green congregations and youth programs, information about the Chicago Climate Action Plan and more. Then the conversation goes deeper with a final plenary in the world cafe style. This is your chance to speak in a deep and meaningful way to members of other congregations like your own.

For more information and to register, download the flyer.

Adopt-A-Beach Annual Clean Up Day
- Saturday, September 19, 9am–12pm
- Beaches and tributaries throughout the Great Lakes Midwestern coastal areas

Be a part of the world’s largest beach cleanup! Join thousands of volunteers in trash removal and water data collection at beaches and shorelines throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. This event is more than just a cleanup; it’s a celebration of the Great Lakes. Sign up for a designated location of your choice and come for a few hours of fun and community involvement.

If you would like to be a lead volunteer, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is still looking for Site Coordinators for Rainbow Beach, as well as 71st Street Beach. Contact Sarah Santarelli at (312) 939-0838, ext. 228 or ssantarelli@greatlakes.org for more information.

Or join C3 Leaders, Mike Jones at Pratt, Hartigan, and Loyola Beach or Suzanne Meyering at Howard Beach (7600 N). Snacks and supplies will be provided.

For more information about any of the clean-ups listed above or to learn more about the day’s events, visit www.greatlakes.org/adoptabeach.

You Care. Do Something. We’ll Help.
The following is a list of events coordinated by our C3 Leaders, as well as volunteer opportunities facilitated by our C3 Partners. For a full listing of events, visit the C3 Calendar.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- August 1: Environmental Awareness Fun Booth at the Hope Festival
- August 8: Winnemac Park Stewardship Day
- August 15: Green Games
- August 22: Garden in the Sky
- C3 Leadership Application online!

Environmental Awareness Fun Booth at the Hope Festival
- Saturday, August 1, 11am – 2pm
- Robichaux Park, 9247 S Eggleston Ave.

C3 Leader Cheryl Chrismon has created a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink event to be held in conjunction with the Trinity United Church of Christ’s (TUCC) Hope Festival at Robichaux Park in the Washington Heights neighborhood. She will distribute CFLs, water aerators, reusable water bottles, and Chicago recycling brochures. Interested attendees will have the opportunity to make green cleaners and participate in other hands-on activities. Cheryl will also encourage Festival attendees to take the $800 Savings Challenge to learn ways to save money at home while helping the environment.

Winnemac Park Stewardship Day
- Saturday, August 8, 9am-11am
- Winnemac Park, 5100 N. Leavitt St.

The Chicago Park District is hosting a prairie restoration day at Winnemac Park on the city’s north side. Volunteers can expect to perform invasive plant removal, mulching, seeding, planting and seed collection. After the workday, volunteers are encouraged to take a walk on the park’s nature path and explore the prairie’s natural beauty. If interested, please meet by the two large trees west of the parking lot off of Damen Ave., just south of Foster Ave. For more information, contact Danielle Green at dgreen731 at sbcglobal.net.

Green Games
- Saturday, August 15, 10am-2pm
- 57th Street Beach

C3 Leader Laura Pawlik invites you to join her and her project team for a fun and interactive day at the beach. This year’s Green Games consist of a clean-up of 57th Beach, followed by a series of games focused on green living and enjoying the great outdoors. Prizes will be awarded to winners of the event and everyone will receive a small gift bag of green items. Participants from Wrigleyville and surrounding north side neighborhoods are invited to join the carpools heading south that morning. Email conservation@cityofchicago.org for more information or to sign up for the event.

Garden in the Sky
- Saturday, August 22, 9am – noon
- 7200 South Ingleside Avenue

Chicago Cares invites Chicagoans to come work in a beautiful garden unlike any other in the city. Volunteers will work on the rooftop garden at the Gary Comer Youth Center. This garden serves a very important role in the community, as vegetables grown here are used to provide healthy meals to children in the neighborhood. Volunteers will help with planting, harvesting, and other traditional garden tasks. Anyone interested in working with Chicago Cares is required to complete an online orientation session before attending the workday. Click here to complete the orientation. After orientation, find this project on the Chicago Cares calendar for sign up information.

C3 Environmental Leadership Training Series
- Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N Sacramento Blvd

The application for this fall’s Environmental Leadership Training Series is now available. Click here to apply today.

During the Leadership Training Series, you’ll learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then you’ll lead an environmental project in your community with C3 support and resources. To learn more, attend one of the orientation sessions listed below.

Thursday, September 10 – 7pm - 8pm
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

Saturday, September 12 – 10am - 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, September 14 – 12pm - 1pm
Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

You must attend one of these orientations, in addition to filling out the online application, to be considered for the training series.

Classes will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 26 and October 3, 10, and 17, from 9:30am – 1:30pm. There is a mandatory field trip on Saturday, October 24. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request. Please respond to this email (conservation@cityofchicago.org) or call (312) 743-9283 for more information, or to reserve a spot at an orientation.

You care. Do something. We’ll help.
The following is a list of events coordinated by our C3 Leaders and Trainees, as well as volunteer opportunities facilitated by our C3 Partners. For a full listing of events, visit the C3 Calendar.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- July 11: Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale in Lawndale/Pilsen
- July 11: Earth, Water, Fire and Air Workshop at the Life Force Arts Center
- July 11: Pedal Party in the Park in Rogers Park
- July 16: Green Families Adopt-A-Beach at Hartigan Beach
- July 18: Ecological Restoration at Powderhorn Woods
- July 19: Worm Composting in Logan Square

Pat Marshall: Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution in Lawndale/Pilsen
- Saturday, July 11, 9am - 5pm
- Thomas Chalmers School, 2745 W. Roosevelt Rd.

C3 Leader, Pat Marshall will host a Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution Event this coming Saturday at Chalmers School. Residents are asked to reserve their rain barrel and/or compost bin in advance, so please contact Pat at pdgrainbarrelcompost.marshall at gmail.com if you would like to purchase a bin or barrel. You must receive an e-mail confirmation of your reservation in order to pick up a bin or barrel at the event.

Rain barrels are $45 and compost bins are $35 payable by check or money order ONLY (no cash), limit one rain barrel and one compost bin per household per year. Checks should be made out to “City of Chicago”. Barrels and bins are reserved for Chicago residents only.

Keith Green: Earth, Water, Fire and Air - Conservation, Sustainability, and Eco-Spirituality
- Saturday, July 11, 12pm – 3pm
- Life Force Arts Center, 3148 N. Lincoln Ave.

Earth, Water, Fire, and Air is a workshop to educate both the earth-based religious community and the general Chicago community about conservation efforts and air quality issues in Chicago. Attendees will take away home-made green cleaners, aerators for their sinks, powerstrips, reusable water bottles, and environmental literature to help get them started on making their lives greener. Email conservation at cityofchicago.org to reserve a spot.

49th Ward Green Corps: Pedal in the Park Party in Rogers Park
- Saturday, July 11, 10am-2pm
- Touhy Park, 7358 N. Paulina (across from the new Clark Street fire station)

The 49th Ward Green Corps is looking for volunteers who might like to help with the “Pedal Party in the Park” this Saturday. Volunteers are needed to help kids decorate their bikes with found objects and used wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. More info is located here.

Jen Khatchatrian: Beach Cleanup at Hartigan Beach
- Thursday, July 16, 10am – 1pm
- Hartigan Beach, 1031 W. Albion Ave.

Come out to Hartigan Beach every third Thursday of the month for a FREE family friendly event that includes food, drinks, beach sports, education, litter monitoring and water testing. Hartigan Beach is conveniently located next to the Loyola el stop so no parking is necessary; however, if you need to park there is ample street parking. Contact Jen at 773-960-1623 or feel free to text or email at chicagogreenfamilies at gmail.com.

If you can’t make it on Thursdays, weekend events are also scheduled every first Sunday of the month at the 12th St. Beach at Northerly Island at 1pm. More information is located on the C3 Calendar.

Friends of the Forest Preserves: Powderhorn Woods
- Saturday, July 18, 9am – 12pm
- Powderhorn Woods (on Brainard, just south of Burnham on Chicago’s southeast side)

Join Friends of the Forest Preserves for an ecological restoration workday. Ecological restoration consists of invasive species removal, trash collection, prescribed burns, and gathering seeds from a prairie or woodland to restore the natural health of the ecosystem. It’s a chance to get outside, meet new people and enhance our local ecosystems. Contact Alice Brandon at 312-356-9990.

How to Feed Red Worms in Logan Square: Vermicomposting Workshop
- Sunday, July 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Paseo Prairie Garden, Kedzie and Milwaukee Ave., in front of the South entrance of the Logan Square Blue Line
- Rain Location: Logan Square Neighborhood Association, 2840 N. Milwaukee Ave.

C3 Leader, Paula Levin and her project team will help participants build their own worm compost bins and learn how to care for them. Composting helps reduce waste, toxins and greenhouse gases. It also helps nourish gardens and house plants without costly, toxic fertilizers. For more information, email paulalevin8 at gmail.com.

Visit Fall 2009 C3 Leadership Training for full details.

It is time to start planning for our 2009-2010 C3 Student Clubs!

You Care. C3 is seeking passionate teachers (CPS 8th - 12th grades) who want to make a difference in their school community.
Do Something. Start an after-school environmental service club with your students.
We’ll Help. Access curriculum, materials, training workshops, and more from the Chicago Department of Environment. Earn a stipend and CPDUs for your efforts.

To apply for the 2009-2010 program, you must be a Chicago Public School teacher (8th – 12th grades) and attend one of the orientations listed below.

Tuesday, April 14, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Training Center, Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd
Park in back parking lot

Wednesday, April 15, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Room 161, Curie Metropolitan High School
4959 S. Archer Ave.
Park in lot off of Pulaski Rd.

Thursday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Library, Louisa May Alcott School
2625 N. Orchard St.
Park in second parking lot

To reserve a seat at an orientation or for more information, email conservation@cityofchicago.org or call (312) 743-9283.

If you have attended an orientation, we encourage you to fill out the on-line application, which can be found here.

Someone in class mentioned the work of Van Jones, author of The Green Collar Economy, and formerly the head of Green Jobs for All (a post he left to take a position in the Obama administration). I just read an excellent interview with him that is insightful and full of advice that could be helpful to us as we organize our projects or any other activism in our life that we’re involved in - check it out here:

http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/4649/

Hey there fellow C3 Trainees,

For those of you who are interested in learning more about energy efficiency, please feel free to check out my organization’s website at www.mwalliance.org. We are currently working on a new HVAC Certification Training Course with Peoples Gas, and we also administer the Change a Light, Change the World, Lights for Learning, and Building Operator Certification (BOC) programs. We’re also in the midst of some exciting policy advocacy with the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, so check us out if you’d like to learn more or sign up for our newsletter. Also feel free to ask me any questions during class!

Hope everyone has a great week and I’ll see you next week!

Erin

I apologize in advance if this sound extra sentimental or trite.

I feel really lucky to be a part of C3’s largest class. There is obviously an overwhelming urge from everyone to learn as much as they can and bring it back to their communities, and to share information is the greatest form of education we have available.

While the presenters and the information they provided was fantastic, I don’t know if I’m alone in feeling that the time crunch really hindered discussion. I know that a lot of people got up and talked during the breaks, both to the presenters and to each other, but I feel like we could learn a lot more from one another if we had larger discussions, including as much of the class as possible so as to hear as many perspectives as possible. We can’t ask the presenters to give us more of their time, so we can’t really have class discussions during class, but would people be willing to stay after class? Pack a lunch and plan to stay an extra hour or so and we can look at several (or even one) topic over that time?

I am really interested in learning more, not just about what the city government can provide us with, but what the city and its residents can offer each other. I’d really like to learn more from my fellow classmates, and I hope you would too.

Hope everyone had a great Earth Hour and liked it so much they extended it to Earth Night!

You care. Do Something. We’ll Help. The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Spring 2009 Leadership Training Course. During the training, you’ll learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then you’ll lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources. For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/C3.

Attend one of the orientations listed below to learn more. For questions or to reserve a seat, please contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.

Wednesday, March 11 - 7pm - 8pm
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

Saturday, March 14 - 10am - 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, March 16 - 12pm - 1pm
Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Spring 2009 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, March 28 and April 4, 18, and 25 from 9:30am - 1:30pm. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, May 2. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.

The holidays come but once a year, but it’s not just their memories that can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the season of generosity and merriment can leave a lasting impact on the environment too. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Americans discard 25% more trash than they do during the rest of the year. This totals 2 billion extra pounds of garbage each week.

In addition to the increase in waste, our holiday traditions also lead to an increase in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions as we travel and entertain more.

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to retain the spirit of the season while being conscious about the environment. Find simple eco-friendly tips throughout this online guide to incorporate into your holiday routine. Follow these and you’ll help ensure a bright and memorable holiday season for generations to come.

Happy Holidays!

Indoor Farmers Market & Café (Sunday, Dec 7)

Most outdoor farmers markets are closed for the season, but the
opportunity for buying fresh, locally grown food and wares from
regional farmers has been extended at an indoor farmers market Sunday,
December 7, from 12 – 3 pm at 5255 N. Ashland Avenue. The First
Evangelical Free Church’s Green Urban Living Class is hosting this
market and an a la carte café with fair trade coffee and lunch items
made from seasonal and local ingredients from the participating farm
vendors.

Participating farmers will offer a wide variety of foods and other
great natural wares. Items include cheese, meat and poultry, yogurt,
honey, soap, vinegars, milled flours, sauces and salsas, preserves,
cider, dried fruits and fresh produce as available . . . in short,
anything that a farm grows or produces from during winter months.
Great gift ideas like knitted mittens, socks, hats and other clothing
as well as comforters, mattress toppers & wool batting are also
available from the farmers. The café will include lunch items and
baked goods that incorporate local ingredients.

This is one of 30 such markets scheduled in Chicago and the suburbs
from November through March by the Churches’ Center for Land and
People (CCLP), a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization,
www.cclpmidwest.org. This market helps fulfill CCLP’s mission of
strengthening rural communities by connecting rural growers with urban
consumers and bringing people together around issues of food, faith
and sustainability.

First Evangelical Free Church is located in Andersonville at 5255 N.
Ashland Avenue. For more information and dates for the Winter Farmers
Markets & Meals for Hope, please refer to
www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M19510. For more
information about First Evangelical Free Church, please refer to
www.firstfree.com or call 773-561-4175.

Volunteers are needed to help restore a 1-acre pond and wetland at Humboldt Park in the summer of 2008. Meet new friends and neighbors while you help enhance and beautify this nature area.

Saturdays, August 9th, September 13th - 9am - noon

· August 9: Come out and show your green thumbs! Get your hands dirty and learn about the value of wetlands while planting hundreds of native wetland plants
· September 13: See the progress! Volunteers will help plant native shrubs, mulch trees, and remove any remaining invasive or weedy plants

Meet at the Humboldt Park Wetland just south of the Institute of Puerto Rican Art and Culture (old horse stables). To register or for more information, please contact Becky Schillo, CPD Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator, at 312-742-4072 or mailto:becky.schillo@chicagoparkdistrict.com

Funding for this project has been generously provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and The Conservation Fund’s Northeastern Illinois Wetland Conservation Grant Program.

Jason Hernandez sends this, about a web telecast tomorrow, called Seeing the Green: Bolstering Economic Development Strategies with Environmental Responsibility.

I just wanted to let you know about this telecast being organized by the Economic Development Association, which is part of the US Commerce Department.

Ted Wysocki is President and CEO of Chicago’s Local Economic and Development Council (LEED). He spearheads a lot of great work for projects like the new Chicago Green Exchange, so I figured you might be interested in posting details about the telecast on your website. I absolutely understand its short notice…but I figure your organization would like to hear about it anyway.

The telecast is hosted by Benjamin Erulkar, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of commerce for economic development; Paul Farmer, Executive Director and CEO of the American Planning Association, and Nancy McKeever, Sustainable Energy Program Manager for the California Energy Commission.

WHEN:

Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:30pm EST (1:30pm Central).

WHAT:

-The role of environmental sustainability and its impact on economic development
-How U.S. economic regions can strengthen competitiveness through innovative and green sustainable development strategies
-The costs and benefits of green building as well as how the private sector can successfully invest in and profit from green development projects
-The increasing number of green jobs and how communities can attract these new green industries

The telecast is open to everyone. To register, visit
http://edabroadcast.haverstick.biz/.