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Ron Wolford

Ron Wolford
Extension Educator, Horticulture

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Chicago Urban Gardening

The day to day experiences of a University of Illinois Extension Urban Horticulture Educator in Chicago, Illinois

March 18, 2008

Master Naturalist Project Organizer

Greetings:

The new Master Naturalist project organizer position will be based in our Matteson office. This will be a new program in Cook County. We will be collaborating with the Forest Preserve of Cook County, the Field Museum and Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. Other partners may join us in the future.

On the state level, IL Master Naturalist is collaborating with the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Nature Conservatory, various U of I departments and the Illinois Steward Magazine, and others. Cook County is one of several piloting this program over the next few years.

The closing date for applications for this position is April 15.

Here are the links to two county Master Naturalist pilot sites that are already in place:

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign/mn/index.html

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/rockisland/mnaturalist/index.html

Nancy Pollard
Horticulture Educator
Cook County / South Suburban Unit
5527 Miller Circle Drive, Suite A, Matteson, Illinois 60443
phone (708) 720-7500. fax (708) 720-7509
email pollard@uiuc.edu

http://cook.extension.uiuc.edu

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March 14, 2008

Control Crabgrass

Crabgrass is just one of many annual grassy weeds which cause problems in home lawns, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

"Its thick, hairy blades can smother the more desirable lawn grasses during the summer," said David Robson. "And when frost hits the plant, you're left with large, brown patches of dead grasses. Unfortunately, in most cases it's too late to re-seed or sod the area."

A proactive approach offers the best opportunity to control crabgrass.

"Crabgrass germinates during the spring and early summer when soil temperatures start reaching 60 degrees F for five consecutive days," he said. "If the temperature cools, the process has to start all over. This is one reason for the extended germination time."

Crabgrass seeds also need light in order to sprout. Thick, dense turfgrass is the best defense, though lawns tend to be somewhat sparse in early spring, especially if they've had previous crabgrass problems or have been improperly fertilized the previous season.

"The primary means of controlling annual grassy weeds is by providing a vigorous, dense, competitive turf coupled with pre-emergence herbicides," said Robson. "Pre-emergence herbicides are applied to prevent the appearance of crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds in turf areas. These herbicides can persist in the soil for several months and control annual grasses through the growing season.

"The herbicide forms a chemical barrier or blanket at the soil surface and just below that prevents grass development from germinating seeds. The new shoots and roots of germinating seeds absorb the herbicide and are killed."

Pre-emergence chemicals should be applied one to two weeks prior to the time when soil temperatures reach 50 degrees F for three consecutive days. For this reason, in a typical year crabgrass applications should be applied by April 1 for best control in central Illinois. Add a week or two as you move farther north, and subtract a week or two going south.

"For extended crabgrass control, apply a second application of pre-emergence herbicide four to six weeks after the first," said Robson. "Herbicides to control annual grasses normally require irrigation following application to be effective, and all turf cultivation activities should precede application.

"Remember to always read and follow label directions for safe pesticide use and effective pest control. The label should list tolerant species, controllable weeds, and application rates. Most herbicides which control crabgrass will also affect germinating grass seed, so avoid using crabgrass-preventing herbicides when seeding."

Sound cultural practices can also help to control annual grassy weeds, he added.

"Don't cut turf too short. Low-mowing can lead to an open turf stand in which weed seed can easily germinate," he said. "Cut turf at a height appropriate for the turf species and season.

"Watch for natural thinning areas such as next to driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Don't forget alleys, which can also be breeding ground for seeds."

Turf should be watered deeply, but not frequently. This enables the soil surface to dry between irrigations. Constantly moist soil surface increases weed seed germination and seedling survival.

"Supply the appropriate fertilizers so that necessary nutrients are available for turf during the spring flush of growth," said Robson. "Fertilizer application during late spring and early summer helps to supply nutrients to weed seedlings and plants. Large amounts of soluble nitrogen may injure turf and reduce turf density, allowing weeds to germinate. Fall applications may be better for the turf as weedy plants use less of the nutrients.

"Control diseases, insects, soil compaction, traffic, and other turfgrass stresses. Maintain a dense turf to reduce annual grassweed seed germination."

Source: David J. Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, drobson@uiuc.edu


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March 6, 2008

Become a TreeKeeper

TreeKeepers are volunteers who have become certified by Openlands to give trees the care and maintenance they need to thrive in the urban forest. Classes are taught by professionals from the Morton Arboretum, Chicago's Bureau of Forestry, the Chicago Park District, Chicago's Department of Environment and private arboriculture experts. Discover some things that may surprise you: tree roots grow outward from the trunk near the surface, not down deep into the soil; one of the worst enemies of city trees is the lawn mower; trees can drown and suffocate. Receive hands-on training in pruning, planting and mulching. Learn what makes trees sick and what keeps them healthy. Acquire techniques to tell one species from another–even without their leaves!

This seven-week course for adults is offered twice a year–in spring and fall–at various locations throughout the City of Chicago. Class topics include: Benefits of Urban Trees, Tree Folktales and Myths, Tree Physiology, Learning to Know Trees by their Latin Names, Tree Species Identification, Common Tree Diseases and Insect Damage, Hands-On Pruning, Right Tree in the Right Place, Planting and Mulching. Students who attend all seven classes, pass a final exam and hands-on skills tests for pruning, mulching and planting become certified TreeKeepers. They then become part of an informed volunteer corps that convenes regular workdays to care for city trees in public parks, on city streets and at other public sites.

Tuition of $80 includes materials, guest speakers, and certification upon completion of course requirements. Two graduate credits are available for teachers. For more information and to find out when and where the next classes will be given, contact TreeKeeper Jim at (312) 863-6259 or click here for the brochure. See Events Calendar for a listing of TreeKeeper workdays.

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March 6, 2008

New Schools Online Web Sites

The University of Illinois Extension has just released two new Web sites for students.

The first, Fresh From the World...Where Your Food Comes From, is for third-fifth graders. It discusses 15 different popular foods and explores their histories and origins. Students can gain a new understanding about the food they find in the grocery store and the fact that it sometimes comes from other parts of the world.

You can visit this site at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/food/

The second new site -- Riding the Winds with Kalani -- is designed for 5-8 year olds to gain knowledge about weather. The site provides information on basic earth movements, seasons, clouds, precipitation and temperature. Animations have been added to enhance the learning of the weather processes. It also includes color pages, games and activities that reinforce the concepts.

You can visit the site at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/kalani/

It is the first of a three part series on weather. The next site in development for 9-12 year olds is "The Tree House Weather Scientists." We hope to release it later this year.

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March 3, 2008

Preschool Garden Grants

Ask young children, who garden what they like about it, and you'll get a lot of different answers, but the main message is, "Gardening is fun!" It gets them outdoors, gives them an outlet for their energy, and lets them participate in creating something beautiful that they can feel proud of. Plus, they actually like to eat the vegetables they grow!

A child's early years are a crucial time of development, and preschool education can significantly influence the rest of their lives. Gardening is a hands-on project that allows children to explore at their own pace and engage in age-appropriate experiential learning. Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! is sponsoring this award to give more children these valuable opportunities.

Eligibility requirements: The grants are open to organizations offering structured programs in settings such as preschools, day care centers, and Head Start programs. Applicants must plan to garden with a group of at least 10 children aged 3 to 5 during 2008.

Award Packages: 75 winners will each receive an assortment of garden tools and garden- and nature-oriented teaching materials valued at $1,000, including a Link-a-Bord Raised Bed Kit, a GrowLab Compact Light Garden, a WormLab with worms, a Deluxe Seed-Starting Kit, a Butterfly Observation Habitat, and much more, plus a Wubbzy gardening activity guide for teachers.

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2008.

Notification: Applicants will receive notification regarding award status via e-mail by April 10, 2008.

Download Application >>>

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March 2, 2008

Angelic Organics Job Opening

Dear Friends:

We are very excited to announce that the Learning Center is now accepting applications for an Urban Initiative Program Coordinator! The position will be based in the Chicago office.

We are seeking a responsible, highly organized individual to join our urban initiative team to assist with community food system projects and urban agriculture training. At least three years of related experience is required. This position starts at 20 hours a week in April 2008 with the possibility of a full-time position with benefits by July 2008.

Applications must be received by 3/15/08. Visit www.learngrowconnect.org click on "Now Hiring" for the full job description and application info.

Rasha Abdulhadi

Program Coordinator- Urban Initiative

Angelic Organics Learning Center

Chicago Office

6400 S Kimbark Ave

Chicago, IL 60637

Office: 773-288-5462

Fax: 425-969-0317

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