The Orland Grassland Volunteers and The Village of Orland Park Invite You To

"An Afternoon Chat" with

Douglas Stotz, Ph.D Conservation Ornithologist, ECP, The Field Museum

Sunday, March 18^th, 2012

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Orland Park Civic Center, South Annex

14700 Ravinia Avenue

(one block west of La Grange Road)

Orland Park, Illinois 60462

Doug Stotzis a Conservation Ornithologist with Environmental Conservation Programs at The Field Museum. He is active in programs to preserve biological diversity and threatened habitats, both in the Chicago region and in other countries. Locally, Doug monitors bird populations at several sites where native habitats are being restored and advises local governments on land management practices that promote biodiversity. He also has a long history of research and exploration in South America.

Join us for this free, informal, special event. And bring your questions.

The Orland Grassland is one of the largest grassland restorations in Cook County and one of the largest in the region. Owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, important parts of its management are the responsibility of volunteer stewards. To learn more about the programs and work groups of the Orland Grassland Volunteers, visit our website: www.orlandgrassland.org.

The Orland Grassland Volunteers work in association with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Openlands, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers-Chicago District, Audubon-Chicago Region and the Village of Orland Park.

To help us plan for this event, please RSVP to: Pat Hayes, 708-220-9596 or "Contact Us" from our website at www.orlandgrassland.org

Hi MG's,

We're going to have a White Elephant in addition to our program on photography in March. Start looking now for garden-related items - books, magazines, catalogues, posters, pots, tools, plant markers, tee shirts, caps, aprons, yard art, seeds (you know you have zillions of unopened packs!) and bring them to the meeting on March 7.

One gardener's trash is another's treasure! You'll never know what can be used by someone else unless you offer it. Just think of all of the "Kathy Containers" that would have been sent to a landfill that are being put to good use by wonderful Master Gardeners!

Once the season gets started, you know you will never find time to go through everything.  Start looking!!! 


The "Ask a MG" schedule will be available for sign-up during the March Idea Exchange.


FYI - our annual Plant Exchange will be in May, so please save your plants for that meeting.

Warmly,

Donna Hirsch

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener

After seven successful years as the Midwest's Premier Good Food Event, the FamilyFarmed EXPO has gone national. We're excited to announce that the FamilyFarmed EXPO is now the Good Food Festival and Conference.

This change reflects FamilyFarmed.org's national leadership in growing the Good Food Movement, and allows us to be the Premier Good Food event for the nation.

Good Food Festival 
March 15-17, 2012 
UIC Forum - 725 West Roosevelt Road - Chicago, IL 60607

To view the detailed schedule please visit: http://goodfoodfestivals.com/chicago/

Garden Manager
Make Miracles Grow Foundation
7200 S. Ingleside Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Position Title: Garden Manager, Make Miracles Grow Foundation

Position Summary:

The Garden Manager will oversee daily operations of the organization's youth gardens and support a full range of agricultural programming offered by the Gary Comer Youth Center.

The key garden sites include:

• The primary garden site, a 1.75-acre organic site with perennial plant production beds, 32 vegetable beds, an unheated year-round hoop house, and fruit orchard.
• The Gary Comer Youth Center green campus, which includes an extensive collection of trees, shrubs and perennials, an environmental education garden, culinary garden and outdoor classroom.

Make Miracles Grow Foundation & Gary Comer Youth Center

The Make Miracles Grow Foundation, founded in 2010, is dedicated to urban agriculture and youth education on Chicago's South Side to serve as a model for sustainable urban farming methods and youth career and education development.

Having opened its doors in June 2006, the state-of-the-art Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) offers positive extracurricular alternatives in a welcoming and safe environment. The mission is to provide the support for all members to graduate from high school, prepared to pursue college and careers. Located on Chicago's South Side, the Gary Comer Youth Center draws its primary membership from the youth of the South Shore Drill Team, Gary Comer College Prep, Paul Revere School and youth throughout the local community. For more information: www.gcychome.org and www.garycomercollegeprep.org

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

The Garden Manager is responsible for supporting a youth-focused urban agriculture initiative that includes overseeing perennial production beds, fruit orchard, vegetable beds and an extensive collection of trees, shrubs and perennials. The Garden Manager provides overall leadership, guidance and execution of daily gardening tasks at the youth gardens.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee and perform landscape and ground work at the sites and prepare sites for GCYC youth learning experiences and garden work
• Collaborate with the GCYC Garden Manager on planning, harvesting, sales and distribution of produce from youth gardens
• Requisition and purchase materials and equipment needed by the crew to maintain garden sites
• Manage operations and execute garden plans as indicated by 2012 Garden Plan
• Supervise seasonal staff and other personnel hired for operational tasks in youth gardens
• Maintain records, inventory and prepare reports relative to the work
• Support the instruction of youth in urban agriculture and urban farm production
• Lead and teach volunteer groups, visitors to the youth gardens, and high school students

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, degree in agriculture, horticulture, plant science and/or field directly related to sustainable agriculture preferred

• 5+ year's experience in developing/managing an urban agriculture site, landscape maintenance, gardening, urban or organic farming

• Youth development experience

• Demonstrated experience in cultural competency, dedication to working with youth, families and community members in our care

• Reliable self-starter, with excellent ability to prioritize tasks, follow through and meet deadlines

Salary: Dependent upon qualifications and experience.

To apply: E-mail cover letter, resume and references to: apply4@gcychome.org

Please make yourself aware of this disease of our Native Black Walnuts, and the regulatory action taken by the governor regarding this. Details below and learn more at http://thousandcankers.com/

Thousand Cankers Disease Basics

TCD is a fungal disease complex that primarily affects black walnut. There are no known current strategies for managing TCD.

• TCD is a result of the combined activity of the fungus (Geosmithia morbida) and the walnut twig beetle (WTB, Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman)
• The WTB is the only known vector, though others may exist. It is native to North America Arizona, New Mexico, California, and certain areas of Mexico)
• WTB carry and introduce fungal spores into the tree when they form galleries in the phloem.
• The fungus colonizes the area around the galleries, forming cankers. These cankers disrupt the flow of nutrients throughout the tree, causing dieback, decline, and eventually, death of the tree.
• TCD has also recently been found to affect Butternut trees (Juglans cinerea) in the state of Oregon.

Thousand Cankers Disease and the Walnut Twig Beetle

"The presence of Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) in the eastern region significantly increases the risk to black walnut (Juglans nigra) trees in Illinois.Black walnut is a highly valued tree, both economically and environmentally; it is also highly susceptible to TCD. If found in Illinois, this disease would threaten native black walnut stands as well as negatively impact black walnut timber, nuts, and nursery production.

In response to this threat, on February 1, 2012, the Governor of the State of Illinois issued a proclamation which established a regulatory framework to protect the walnut resource of the state. The proclamation restricts the movement of certain regulated articles into or through Illinois and establishes a process by which individuals and businesses can continue to move those articles without endangering the state's walnut resource.

The basis of the regulatory framework is a compliance agreement administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Individuals and businesses wishing to move regulated materials into or through Illinois originating in a Thousand Cankers Disease infested area must first enter into a compliance agreement with the Department and the regulated article must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the originating state verifying the material complies with the conditions of the compliance agreement.

All regulated articles originating in areas not known to be infested with Thousand Cankers Disease must be accompanied by proof of harvest location or the wood by county and state. Specific provisions of the regulatory framework can be found in the Governor's Proclamation and the Compliance Agreement."

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments about the information provided on http://thousandcankers.com/

Justin Arseneault
Site Administrator
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University
715 West State Street,
West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907
United States
Email: siteadmin@thousandcankers.com

MELA Announces Riverside Design Competition

Riverside Illinois will host a special weekend in August to celebrate the life and contributions of the Father of Landscape Architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted.

Taking place from August 16 to 18, The Frederick Law Olmsted Riverside Education and Design (FRED) Weekend will feature activities for landscape professionals and the public. As part of the event,a Landscape Design Competition will be held for creation of a newentrance to their historic Village of Riverside, the country's first planned community designed by Law Olmsted in 1868. It honors his original design, while paying tribute to his dedication to green spaces that harmonize with nature.

MELA is encouraging its members to participate. Entries are due March 6, and the winner receives a $1,000 prize.

More details about the competition are available on the FRED's Weekend website: www.fredinriverside.org

The new Cookfresh Cook County Farm Bureau grant program offers four $300.00 grants to support those seeking assistance with an urban garden. The program is aimed at providing to Community Gardens in Cook County a boost, through grant dollars, for the development and enhancement of the garden. Apply by February 29th, 2012.

This is the first year the program has been offered. Dollars must be spent at vendors that are members of Cook County Farm Bureau. To find participating vendors, click on the link http://www.localfarmproducts.org/

The application and information is posted on www.cookcfb.org under Events and Programs. For participating vendors, click on the website link (in column on right side) for Chicagoland Farm Producers and Farm Marketers.

Nancy Pollard
Horticulture Educator
University of Illinois Extension - Cook County
4749 Lincoln Mall Drive, Suite 208
Matteson, IL 60443
http://extension.illinois.edu/cook
pollard@illinois.edu
Phone 708 679-6889
Fax 708-679-6855

Spring Garden Symposium: Create an Engaging Garden

Saturday, March 24, 2012 8:00am-4:00pm

$65 RBG Friends Members/$75 General Public

Registration Begins: 1/12/12

Registration Deadline: 3/14/2012

Join your fellow plant enthusiasts at Rotary Botanical Gardens for a jam-packed day of learning and fun! Our stellar line-up of speakers includes:

Tim Gruner, Garden Curator for Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL-rankedthe #1 Japanese Garden in North America, will speak on patterns and rhythms in nature that inspire a sense of peace and tranquility.

Evelyn Hadden, a Garden Writer from the Twin Cities, whose book, Beautiful No-Mow Yards, will be published by Timber Press in February, will speak on creating Story Gardens-garden spaces that memorialize a loved one; pass along family/cultural traditions; mark personal journeys; and much more. She will also be available for a book signing that day.

Norm Lownds, Curator for the 4H Children's Garden at Michigan State University in E.Lansing, MI, will remind usof the importantgarden-child (of all ages) connection and designing with whimsy in all the right places.

Mark Dwyer, Horticulture Director at Rotary Botanical Gardens, willspeak on sensory gardens; showcasing plants that engage our five senses to create a more immersive,interactiveexperience for gardeners, which studies have shown to be of great therapeutic value.

Thefee includes a gourmet box lunch, light refreshments throughout the day and all resource materials. We will also be holding both araffle andsilent auction. For the comfort and enjoyment of all attendees, we will be limiting enrollment. Please register early to ensure your spot.

To register, go to www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org, click on the Adult Ed tab and download the printable registration form; or call Kris Koch at 608-752-3885 ext. 17. Email any questions to: kris.koch@rotarygardens.org

Kris Koch

Education Coordinator

1455 Palmer Drive

Janesville, WI 53545

608-752-3885 ext. 17

kris.koch@rotarygardens.org

www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org

Chicago Flower & Garden Show

March 10-18, 2012 – Navy Pier, Chicago

Show Hours

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Ticket Pricing - Purchase online and save!

$15 Weekday tickets purchased online $17 Weekday tickets purchased at the Navy Pier Box Office

$17 Weekend tickets purchased online $19 Weekend tickets purchased at the Navy Pier Box Office

$ 5 Children 4-12 years old

Theme

Hort Couture: Flowers and fashion have a lot in common. Vibrant colors. Rich textures. The power to inspire–and make jaws drop. This year at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, the worlds of fashion and horticulture will collide, creating an experience that rivals the hottest runway show or A-list after-party.

Educational Seminars

Top horticulture experts and professionals from academia, business and garden centers are among the bevy of experts who will share insights at seminars held daily. Topics range from landscaping, annuals and perennials to planting techniques, organic gardening and much more.

Our very own, U of I Educator Greg Stack and Master Gardener, Beth Botts will be giving seminars.

For a full listing of education offerings visit:

http://www.chicagoflower.com/ed-seminars.php

Attention Gardeners!

Attend the all "NEW" premier 2012 Home & Garden Show.

We're Growing and Blooming!

Friday March 2, 2012: 4pm – 8pm

Saturday March 3, 2012: 10am – 6pm

Sunday March 4, 2012: 10am - 5pm

Tinley Park Convention Center

18501 S. Harlem Avenue

Tinley Park, IL 60477

Harlem Avenue & 183rd St (Next to the Holiday Inn)

For more information call: (800) 883-show (7469)

http://www.homeshowpros.com/

Seminars:

Backyard Vegetable Gardens

Presented by the Illinois Master Gardeners

Spring Bulbs & Perennials

Presented by Ted's Greenhouse

Garden Soils

Presented by Green Glen Garden Center

Also see:
Illinois Master Gardeners

Audubon Society

Nature Center's

Botanical Gardens

Water Pond Features

Plant Sale (Herbs, Summer bulbs, Flowers)

Lawn Ornaments

Bird Houses, and Feeders

Watering Cans, garden tools

English Greenhouses

Display Flower Gardens

Landscape Designs

And so much more!!!

Beginners Honey Beekeeping Program
Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hosted by: University of Illinois Extension, LaSalle County Office, 1689 N. 31st Road, Ottawa, IL

Janet Hart, a beekeeper in Peoria area, is also a Peoria County Master Gardener. She was recently elected the Illinois State Beekeeper Association, Central Division Director. There may be a possibility of an Association in the Bureau, LaSalle & Marshall-Putnam counties.

Children are welcome, but if they are under 12 years of age, an adult must accompany them.

This would be a good program for any 4-H'er signed up for beekeeping, which is a county 4-H project.

Cost to attend this program is $5.00 per person.

For more information, contact Paul Barrett at (815) 433-0707 on Tuesdays and Thursdays or email him anytime at plb2@illinois.edu

Balance:Natural Systems and the Built Environment

Nature has a way of keeping everything in perfect balance, with our natural systems working together in harmony like a dialogue between land and water. The MELA 2012 Conference reflects the essence of this dialogue that starts with natural systems and ends with how we elect to manage and interact with the lands we live on.

Join MELA for the 10th Annual Conference on February 23 a one-day event that promises to invigorate and challenge you as we explore Balance:Natural Systems and the Built Environment. Complete Conference details and registration are available here. If you're not a MELA member, now is a perfect time to save money and join at http://www.melaweb.org/members/signup_membership.php.

Open and close the day with two highly qualified and nationally recognized speakers, Doug Reed and Richard Hayden. Read more about them at http://www.melaweb.org/conference.html

• Learn and share at sessions that raise the bar higher than ever in terms of expertise in the area of sustainable education.
• Choose from topics that form a bridge between those who are already practicing sustainability and those that are launching their first efforts.
• Exchange ideas and experiences with professionals throughout the industry, from designers to contractors to growers and suppliers.

As always, a sustainable Vendor Fair will take place through Lunch, and new this year is a Book Fair, with proceeds benefiting MELA.

For the complete schedule and to register, go to http://www.melaweb.org/conference.html.

Calling all nature enthusiasts,

Below is information regarding an upcoming opportunity to learn about and monitor the 13 local frogs and toads in the Calumet Region. Your help is needed to gather valuable data as a scientist at one of your favorite natural areas. The first of these local workshops is February 15th at Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland, IL, and the following week Indiana Dunes State Park will host another workshop on February 22nd. You only need to attend one evening workshop before heading out into the field then to monitor frogs several times throughout the spring.

http://www.habitatproject.org/frogsurvey/index.html

Calling Frog Workshops 2012:

These workshops are for both beginning and
experienced monitors. We'll teach and review the calls
of our 13 species of frogs and toads, help new monitors
find survey sites, and discuss the monitoring protocol.
Experienced monitors are encouraged to attend, in order
to learn any protocol changes, obtain data sheets, review
frog calls, and share lessons learned from last year. Please
note: you only need to attend one workshop session.

Wednesday, February 15th, 7:00-9:00pm
Southeast. Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 Paxton Ave, South Holland.
The program will be run by Laura Milkert of the Field Museum. Contact Laura at lmilkert@fieldmuseum.org

Wednesday, February 22nd, 7:00-9:00pm
Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 North 25 E., Chesterton, IN. Meet at the Nature Center. Workshop hosted by the Shirley Heinze Land Trust and led by Alan Resetar. Contact Jim Erdelac with questions: volunteer@heinzetrust.org

Laura Milkert
Stewardship Coordinator
ECCo: Environment, Culture, and Conservation
The Field Museum
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago IL 60605-2496 USA
312.665.7444 office phone
630-674-5354 cell
312.665.7433 fax
lmilkert@fieldmuseum.org

To view the new map please follow the link below:

http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/Default.aspx

The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.

For the first time, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map, for which a broadband Internet connection is recommended, and as static images for those with slower Internet access. Users may also simply type in a ZIP Code and find the hardiness zone for that area.

No posters of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map have been printed. But state, regional, and national images of the map can be downloaded and printed in a variety of sizes and resolutions.

Good News Master Gardeners!

You can earn continuing education hours by attending the MG 2012 Training make-up sessions offered online. If you are interested in a particular training topic please contact Nancy Kreith at kreith@illinois.edu and she will email you the link for logging on to the online class.

In order for Master Gardeners to view the taped sessions they will need a good internet hookup- 256 DSL or better. Dial-up connections do not work well. The trainee simply clicks on the links for each module and the modules will open with javascript. The modules appear to download but they will not download to the individual's computer. So the modules cannot be saved on a computer but the trainee may return multiple times by using the links.