Today we celebrate the 2010 Summer Solstice as the official start of summer. As you are packing in all your outdoor activities into the three most beautiful months of Chicago’s seasonal transformation, be sure to take advantage of these three great opportunities to enjoy beauty of the season and make a positive impact on the environment.
Illinois Native Seed Bank Project
The Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank at the Chicago Botanic Garden is working to conserve the genetic diversity of our native plants by collecting and preserving seeds from across the tallgrass prairie region in long-term cold storage. This project is being coordinated in conjunction with National Seeds of Success (SOS) program that is apart of an international seed conservation initiative known as the Millennium Seed Bank Project (MSBP).
Goals
-Ultimately seeds of multiple populations will be collected for over 3000 plant species of the tallgrass prairie. The goal is to collect seeds from one plant population (if it exists) in each of the twelve eco-regions for all 543 species.
-Initially 543 species important for habitat restoration will be collected across twelve eco-regions.
-In addition to long-term storage, the collections will be used as a resource for research and restoration projects.
For more information on volunteer opportunities and other ways to support this project, contact Emily Yates, Seed Bank Coordinator: eyates@chicagobotanic.org or David Sollenberger, Seed Conservation Specialist: dsollenberger@chicagobotanic.org
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Sustainable Backyard Workshops
Backyard Compost Bin and Rain Barrels are back!
This year, the Chicago Department of Environment has revamped the ever popular Compost Bin and Rain Barrel program. Instead of widespread distributions days, Chicago residents are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming sustainable backyard workshops. Attendees will learn basic installation and maintenance tips for composting and rain water harvesting AND receive a $30 rebate towards the purchase of a compost bin or rain barrel at your local hardware store or garden shop. For more information contact: rainbarrel@cityofchicago.org
Additional workshops are being hosted by C3 leaders citywide. For more information on these workshop, visit C3 event calendar under the “Explore Environmental Service” tab.
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Mayor Daley’s 2010 Landscape Awards
The 54th Annual Mayor Daley’s Landscape Awards Program is the City’s way of acknowledging the individuals, businesses, community groups, schools and other public institutions who contribute their time and energy to make our city the greenest in the nation. You are invited to share your gardening accomplishments with other and perhaps you will find yourself as one of the lucky winners. To enter complete the Mayor’s Landscape Awards Application
Don’t delay! Applications must be postmarked no later than July 2, 2010. Please include the application and two printed photos (no polaroids or digital photos).
Send your application materials to:
Mayor Daley’s Landscape Awards Program
Chicago Department of Environment
445 N. Sacramento
Chicago, IL 60612
Email and fax will not be accepted
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