The Cook County Master Gardener's Electronic Plant Clinic group's Gardening Q & A Column just went live on April 12 in the Pioneer Press newspapers.

Master Gardener MaryAnne Spinner coordinates a group of 18 Master Gardeners who will be answering gardening questions sent in from readers. Twenty Pioneer Press newspapers have picked up this column

The latest column is in the Home and Design section of the Skyline–Chicago News website at http://www.pioneerlocal.com/skylinenews/index.html.

I would like to thank MaryAnne and her group for the great work they have done with the Electronic Plant Clinic the last two years which has resulted in this opportunity to provide a service for the general public and to spread the word about the Cook County Master Gardener program.

The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory's 18th Annual Herb Sale is on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Fopcon members only and May 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the general public and they are looking for volunteers.

Want to help? They have a few slots open!

Email: Hilda Birney at bobhilda@msn.com to volunteer.

For more information go to http://www.herbsaleoakpark.com

Bob Haisman

Master Gardener Class of 2002

Here is another way for you to show your support for one of our finest partner organizations, Garfield Park Conservatory. Of course, you can do volunteer work for this event. However, it is not a horticulture related event and you will not receive credit for Master Gardener Volunteer hours for this evening.

We are looking for volunteers to help with the new exciting outdoor sculpture exhibit by Niki de Saint Phalle opening in here in May. Volunteers are needed to answer visitor questions, help interpret selected sculptures, and encourage guests to become Alliance members during opening weekend: May 4-6 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) If you can help the opening weekend please attend one of the following trainings.

Volunteers are invited to attend ONE of the four Niki in the Garden training sessions listed below.

Tuesday, May 1st at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, May 1st at 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 2nd at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m.

Training will be courtesy of City of Chicago, Public Art Curator, and Nathan Mason.

All training sessions will be held at Garfield Park Conservatory and will meet outside the front entrance.

To volunteer for opening weekend, you must register for one of these trainings in advance specifying which session you will be attending. Please RSVP to Katherine Schultz at kschultz@garfieldpark.org.

What: Wicker Park Garden Club Plant Sale

Time: Saturday/Sunday-May 5th and 6th -10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Wicker Park-1425 North Damen Avenue

Ornamental annuals, perennials, shrubs, grasses, hanging baskets, herbs, heirloom tomatoes and hand-made botanical greeting cards will be sold. Funds from the sale will benefit the Wicker Park Gardens, Lecture Series and Park Kids Grow.

Chicagoans can purchase a discounted Chicago Rain Barrel, while supplies last, beginning May 21, 2007. Mark your calendar!

- Rain barrels are for Chicago residents only
- Residents are limited to 1 barrel per household (per year)
- Reservations are NOT required
- When picking up a rain barrel, bring a $40 check payable to
"City of Chicago" with your current Chicago address listed on the check
- Cash is not accepted
- Pick up times and locations are listed below
- Financial assistance is available; contact us for more information

Pick up locations
You may pick up a rain barrel at these sites at the times listed below. No reservations are required.

Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 North Sacramento Blvd.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Tues, Thurs 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sat 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Greenmaker Building Supply, 2500 North Pulaski
Hours: Mon-Wed: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Thurs 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Fri 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sat 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Or pick up a rain barrel at one of our Barrel Bonanza events this summer. Visit our website for more information and dates (coming soon).

Questions?

Rain barrel brochures explaining installation and maintenance will be distributed at the time of purchase.

More information at www.cityofchicago.org/Environment, "Learn About Rain Barrels" link.

Contact rainbarrel@cityofchicago.org or 312-743-WATER (743-9283).

In a departure from its regular meeting time and place, the Wild Flower Preservation Society is taking a field trip to the rooftop garden of the Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, 1401 S. California (just south of Roosevelt Road (1200) at 2800 West.

Mike Wehner, senior recreation therapist who spoke to the Master Gardener trainees on the need for volunteers will be our guide. Please be there at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3 at the entrance to the hospital and he'll take us up. The hospital has a cafe for light lunches and we can gather there after our tour for something to eat.

There is street parking and parking across the street in Douglas Park which is monitored by hospital security. Douglas Park incidentally was the first design by Jens Jensen before he went on to do Lincoln Park.

We can take time to look around after lunch if people choose. If you plan to come, please email Master Gardener Jeanne Zasadil at jeannezasadil@hotmail.com. There is also public transportation directly to the hospital -- 836-7000 (CTA-RTA).

The Common Threads World Garden provides an educational environment using horticulture to teach children how we, as a world family, share in the common threads of growing food.

The organic garden promotes a nurturing relationship with the earth, encourages healthy eating, and uses an interactive approach to make a difference in understanding the ways in which food connects our communities.

The Garden Coordinator will be responsible for planting and maintaining our vegetable garden in Kenwood Community Park.Classes are held at the garden with neighborhood children every Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.– 5:00 p.m., for eight weeks, spring and fall.You will be responsible for planning garden-related activities for each week. A portion of each class will be used for cooking and led by a professional chef.

The Garden Coordinator will also be teaching at our Kenwood Park Day Camp.Camp runs from June 25^th – August. 3^rd and is held Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Camp is divided into four stations, garden being one station.

The Garden Coordinator will plan activities based on weekly themes, i.e. birds, insects, plants.The ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge of plant, insect and animal life and a passion for working with children.

Please contact Ann Marischen at amarischen@yahoo.com.

Master Gardeners are needed to assist with the After School Matters Horticulture program at Fenger High School.

University of Illinois Extension Academic Hourly Latoya Washington is working with twelve students at the school every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of May.

Projects include planting the vegetable garden, maintaining a perennial garden on the west side of the school and designing and planting a new flower bed in front of the school. The students will also be planting earthboxes. The school has a small greenhouse.

Come and share your horticulture knowledge with these young, enthusiastic high school students.

When: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until June 1.

Where: Fenger High School-11220 South Wallace Street

Time: 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.

What: Assisting students with horticulture projects

Please contact Nancy Kreith if interested.

773-233-0476

kreith@uiuc.edu

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about UIUC Extension's Plan for the 21st Century. Who are those forty new educators in Cook County, and what are they doing? How does the Master Gardener Program fit into this new plan? For answers to these questions and more, be sure to attend the Master Gardener Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, April 24, Community Room of Garfield Conservatory.

Amy Sue Mertens, the Cook County Information Specialist is our guest speaker.

Also, as we approach the growing season, learn about some of the best volunteer opportunities Chicago has to offer. Sign up Tuesday.

Here is the program for the evening:

6:30 p.m. - Pot luck dinner

6:45 p.m. - New Volunteer Opportunities:

Garden at the Children's Advocacy Center -

Heather A.M. Stelnicki Hamilton

Roof Garden at Gary Comer Youth Center - Marjorie Hess

Vegetable Garden at Lincoln Park Zoo-Jeanne Pinsof Nolan

Plans for our annual field trip will be announced!

7:15 p.m.: Speaker

Amy Sue Mertens, Extension Specialist, Public Information

Amy Sue Mertens has held public relations, communications, events planning, and development positions with local direct service and statewide public policy non-profit organizations. She has worked with issues including adult and family literacy, drug-use and ex-offender re-entry, and homelessness and affordable housing. With Extension, she is focused on branding strategies for Cook County, media and organizational outreach, and marketing support to the more than 40 Cook County Educators.

Mertens is a member of the Publicity Club of Chicago, City Club of Chicago and West Loop Community Organization. She is a member, and volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Chicago, and was recently elected Vice Chair of the Whitney M. Young High School Local School Council. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degree in advertising from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Anyone wishing to earn an extra hour of volunteer credit as a set up crew should notify me via email tomorrow, Monday.

Elizabeth Bruhns

Master Gardener Coordinator
Cook County/Chicago

ebruhns@uiuc.edu

From Nancy Kreith:

Sorry for the late notice. I have had many things going on. Anyhow, if you are available on the short notice it would be much appreciated.

I am looking for one to two Master Gardeners for the following:

Just to give you a heads up, we have started a gardening program at Little Village Academy. We will be going there on a monthly basis. If you like working with school children and have free time on school days please let me know.

Next Tuesday, I will be harvesting compost and starting seeds with two first grade classrooms. If it is a nice day we will spend some time outside. If need be you can travel with me or meet me on-site.

When: Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Where: Little Village Academy - 2620 S. Lawndale, Chicago

Time: 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.

What: Harvesting Worm Compost and Seed Starting

Thank you for your time.

Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th St.
Chicago, IL. 60655
p 773.233.0476
f773.233.0910
c 708.567.6101
Please email me at nkreith@gmail.com

Master Gardeners who volunteer with non-profit groups might want to inform them of this free furniture offer from Depaul:

Depaul University 's Housing Services will be replacing furniture in four residence halls. They are looking to donate a large amount of furniture (600 beds/mattresses, 600 desks, 600 dressers, 100 couches, and 100 upholstered chairs) to groups or organizations with non-profit status. Groups would have to provide their own labor and transportation to pick up the items from the Lincoln Park Campus from June 17 to June 22.

Please contact Charissa Townsend if interested.

Charissa Townsend, 4-H Youth Development

University of Illinois Extension

Cook County/Chicago

300 N. Elizabeth, Ste. 500C

Chicago, IL 60607

Phone - 312-698-7080

Fax - 312-698-7090

E-mail: chtown@uiuc.edu

Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting an Earth Day concert on Sunday, April 22.To learn more about this visit: http://www.lpzoo.org/events/earthday2007.html. Nancy Kreith took three earthboxes to Lincoln Park Zoo for this event. We need one or two Growing Connection trainees to help Jeanne at the garden on April 22.

Please email me if you can be of assistance. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth Bruhns

ebruhns@uiuc.edu

As I was searching for information on a new blog I am developing I came across this spectacular video from Indiana University on the 2004 emergence of the periodical cicada. You have to have QuickTime to view the video.

The 2007 emergence of the periodical cicada in the Chicagoland area will occur in late May when soil temperatures reach 64 F.

The following are some sources of horticulture information on the internet.

University of Illinois Extension- Hort Corner

www.urbanext.uiuc.edu

University of Illinois Extension-Horticulture Solutions

http://www.solutions.uiuc.edu/index2.cfm?series=4

University of Illinois Extension-Hort Answers

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hortanswers/

Chicago Botanic Garden-Plant Information

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/

Morton Arboretum-Tree and Shrub Information Guide

http://www.mortonarb.org/plantinfo/plantclinic/planttrees/plantclinic_planttrees.htm

Michigan State University-Plant Information Sheets

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/iac/greentip/

University of Wisconsin-Urban Horticulture

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/

University of Illinois - Plant Clinic

http://plantclinic.cropsci.uiuc.edu/

University of Nebraska-Yard and Garden Resources

http://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/

Rutgers University-Gardening Fact Sheets

http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/subcategory.asp?cat=5&sub=1001

University of North Carolina-Horticulture on the Internet

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/hortinternet/

University of Minnesota -Home Gardening Information

http://www.extension.umn.edu/topics.html?topic=5

Ohio State –Horticulture Information

http://plantfacts.ohio-state.edu/

Purdue University –Garden Publications

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/garden_pubs.html

Kansas State University Extension-Horticulture Library

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/

Iowa State University Extension-Yard and Garden Information

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/yardgarden/

Cornell University-Gardening Resources

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/

Virginia Tech-Home Gardening Resources

http://www.ext.vt.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Docs.woa/wa/getcat?cat=ir-ln

University of Missouri Extension-Horticulture Publications

http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/

E-Answers-Online Horticulture Database

http://e-answers.adec.edu/

The Gardening Launch Pad-Over 5,000 Gardening Links

http://gardeninglaunchpad.com/

EXTOXNET - Pesticide Information Profiles

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/ghindex.html

Good morning Lincoln Park Zoo vegetable gardeners:

This nasty weather cannot go on forever, so let's get signed up for at least the near future. I know for sure that Pat and Tom can only work on Wednesdays because of work commitments. Wednesdays seem to be everyone's favorite day for now. At the beginning of the season, I'm sure that will be OK. There will be a lot to do.

Let me know if you available any of these days:

Wed. April 18,

Sat. April 21

Wed. April 25 -Kate, Susan, Bill and Sandy are signed up.

Sat. April 28

Wed. May 2

Sat. May 5

Wed. May 9

Sat. May 12

Wed. May 16- Susan O'Dell

Sat. May 19 - Kristen Kepnick

Also, please attend our April 24 Monthly Meeting at Garfield. Jeanne will be there to talk about the garden.

Thanks, Elizabeth

ebruhns@uiuc.edu

If you can help on the April 28^th please send an email with your preferred volunteer assignment and shift to Harmony Picciuca at hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org. You can cut and paste it right in the body of the email.

We are having a volunteer training for the Green and Growing Fair Thursday April 26^th in the Community Room 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. It is recommended (especially if new to volunteering for special events), however not mandatory to volunteer for the Fair. Please indicate in your email if you are able to attend the training.

We are still in need of volunteers for the following shifts April 28, 2007

Set-up Volunteers: For the early risers: Help vendors load in and set up in Horticulture Hall

Set-up Volunteer Shift is 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Silent Auction Volunteers and GPCA Used Garden and Cook Book Sale: Help us sell used garden and cookbooks and take bids for silent auction: proceeds help Green Net and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliances education programs.

Located in the front of the palm house

1^st Shift 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

2^nd Shift 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Children Activity Volunteers: Teach kids about planting seeds

Located in the in the children's garden or the demonstration garden

1^st Shift 10:00 a.m-1:30 p.m.

2^nd Shift 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.

Green Cafe: If you like old-time music and good food this is the job for you. Provide information to patrons about the cafÃ?© schedule; assist bands with set-up between sets, tidy up cafÃ?©.

Located in the Jensen Room

1^st Shift 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

2^nd Shift 12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Demonstration Moderators: Provide information to visitors about the outdoor demonstrations, check people in, assist demonstrators during their talks, hand-out evaluations, take photos etc.

Located in the Demonstration Garden

1^st Shift 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

2^nd Shift 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Break down Volunteers: Help break down and clean up after the fair.

Located all over the Conservatory

Shift: 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

SPECIAL MASTER COMPOSTER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Master Composter Volunteers:Needed to provide composting basics for on-going demonstration

Located in Compost Area of the Demonstration Garden

Needs to be staffed by a Master Composter from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Harmony Picciuca

Garden and Volunteer Programs Coordinator

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance

300 N. Central Park Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60624

773.638.1766 x 24

hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org

Master Gardeners, we need your help!

We have been receiving an overwhelming number of plant and insect questions at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences Extension Office.

I could use your help returning calls and mailing out information.

I will be available to work with you next Monday, April 9 all day and Tuesday, April 10 for part of the day. Please email me if you are interested in volunteering.

Thank you.

Nancy Kreith

nkreith@gmail.com

Calling all Master Composters!

What: GreenNet Green and Growing Fair

When: Saturday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory - Outside in Demo Garden

Audience: General Public

Shifts available: 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. or 1 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

We could use your help with composting demonstrations at the Annual GreenNet Green and Growing Fair.

We will be providing on-going demonstrations on the basics of composting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I will also be doing two worm composting bin demonstrations from 12 - 12:45 p.m.

There are two shifts that you can sign up for:

10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. or 1 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.

If you would like to stay the whole day that can be arranged. If interested please email me your shift choice and let me know if you would like to help with the worm demo. Snacks and beverages will be provided for all volunteers.

Nancy Kreith

773-233-0476

nkreith@gmail.com

Don't miss this great conference–join Jeffrey Hollender of Seventh Generation and over 350 progressive business leaders at the upcoming Green Business Conference April 17-20 in Chicago at the Chicago Cultural Center (right before the first Chicago Green Festival.)

If you haven't made your decision yet – here is our top ten list–that might just help you:

1. We have 12 scholarships for small, emerging green businesses. To qualify, call Jami at 202-872-5330(only $295)!

2. Hear from industry leaders Ray Anderson from Interface Flor, Dominique Conseil from AVEDA, and Michael Crooke from Revolution Living about their journeys toward sustainability.

3. Eric Friedenwald-Fishman will tell you about 10 practices that will profit your business and change the planet.

4. Green your workplace! Reduce your carbon footprint! Leave with a plan to do your part to reduce global warming... and Van Jones, a human rights advocate, profiles the successes in creating 'green-color' jobs in underserved communities.

5. Hear from Seth Goldman, President of Honest Tea, and his insights on making a successful business happen – including finding the money, jump-starting sales and growing to scale.

6. GreenBiz.'s Joel Makower takes on the challenge of how green businesses can survive and thrive in the growing green economy as corporate America makes more and bigger 'green' commitments.

7. The new LOHAS Trends Report will be presented documenting the size and state-of-the-green business sector! Be among the first to see these numbers and have the data to grow your business!

8. Take a tour of the green side of Chicago in the Green City Business Tour–see the city's first eco-industrial park and cutting-edge green technologies.

9. Hear from Chicago leaders on how Chicago is embracing sustainability–Mayor Richard M. Daley; Sadhu A Johnston, Commissioner of Environment; Laura Flanigan and Peter Nicholson from Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance; Jim Slama of FamilyFarmed initiative; and Mike Jones, Consolidated Printing Company.

10. Come and network and nourish your soul! Meet new friends and colleagues, eat great vegetarian/organic local cuisine, dance the night away, chill out in the lounge, and recharge your battery!

View the complete Program at www.coopamerica.biz

Monday, April 9, 7-8:30 p.m.
SMALL SPACE GARDENS
Carolyn Ulrich - Editor, Chicagoland Gardening Magazine
Wicker Park Field House - 1425 N. Damen

Tickets $8 - Register: wpgarden@aol.com or (773) 278-9075

How small can a space be and still be transformed into a garden? Carolyn Ulrich, editor of Chicagoland Gardening magazine, will present a slide-based lecture that features some of Chicago's finest small gardens.

Her talk will convince you that any size city lot or any container can become a great garden and be of great pleasure to the owner and to those who may visit it.

Carolyn has visited and photographed all of the gardens in her presentation and will bring to us what she has learned from her discussions with the gardens' designers.

The gardens were designed primarily by their owners with only a couple designed by professionals. She has included a very exciting garden designed by Dennis Paul, recipient of Mayor Daley's Gardener of the Year 2003 and will offer slides of some interesting roof-top container gardens.

Carolyn is a prolific writer; her articles have been published in the Chicago Tribune, Horticulture magazine, House Beautiful, and Garden Design. She has received the Quill and Trowel Award for magazine writing for three of her articles, most recently in 2000 for a story on ornamental grasses in the September-October 1999 issue Chicagoland Gardening magazine. The award is presented by the Garden Writers Association of America.

RSVP Please–Limited Seating to dougrwood@aol.com

UPCOMING: Plant Sale--May 5-6; Container Workshop May 5; Garden Socials-June 23 and August 12; Nowak Lecture May 7, www.wpgarden.org

Wildflowers are only one part of the native plant universe and our native ashes are in peril. The emerald ash borer is no secret these days and Pam Holy of Wisconsin's Chiwaukee Prairie will speak to the Wild Flower Preservation Society, this Thursday, April 4, 1:15 p.m. on dealing with the pest threatening our native ashes and how it affects the entire native landscape.

Ash trees come in several varieties -- blue, green, white -- and Pam will discuss methods and means of dealing with the menace. A visual presentation and lots of supporting material will be available.

Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, 1:15 p.m.

Optional Dutch-treat lunch at the Original Pancake House, 2020 North. Lincoln Park West, 11:30 p.m. Guests are welcome and there is no charge.

Jeanne Zasadil
jeannezasadil@hotmail.com

Good morning, Master Gardeners,

I will not be approving any submitted Volunteer Hours, Continuing Education Hours or Suggested Continuing Education until after Monday, April 9.

You can go ahead with submitting new hours, but hours will not be approved until next week. Hours for the calendar year 2006 are no longer accepted.

This week, I'm finalizing the volunteer hours for the graduation of the 2006 Interns. Since we are also finishing up the 2007 Intern Class on Monday, April 9, I find that I'm getting behind with email responses. Please, be patient.

Thanks, Elizabeth.

ebruhns@uiuc.edu

Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse needs your support! Here are the projects that can use more hands. If you are available call or e-mail or stop on by!

Hardening Off Area Development
Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Help create the Hardening off space for the Plant Sale Seedlings! I need people willing to move sand to level a space and then assemble large tiles on top for carts to move over. It needs several people to make it work. This will be a free workout for all that come. Wheelbarrows, gloves, and refreshments will be provided for all that come!

Transplanting Support
Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The seeds have been sown and now they are ready to be potted up! Come and help pot up the peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and flower seedlings for the sale. Instruction will be provided and questions encouraged! If you are an experienced transplanter that is fabulous, come and lend a hand!

Plant Sale Preparation
The following days between April 23 - May 11
Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays, Noon - 8 p.m., Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturdays 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Help harden off the delicate seedlings. All plants for the sale need to be taken out regularly during these last three weeks of the sale. This means rotating over 10,000 plants through the week outside for extending lengths of time. First 2 hours, then 4 hours, ect. We want to toughen the plants up. Other tasks will be labeling and organizing plants on the bench and when the weather is good getting the outdoor gardens ready with woodchiping and spring planting.

Plant Sale Final Preparation Days
Wednesday, May 9 from Noon - 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 10 from 9 a.m.-Noon
Friday, May 11 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Help put the finishing touches on the Plant Sale. Final layout, signage, and whatever needs to be done!

Organic Plant Sale Support

Friday, May 11 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. -
Greeters, plant information, check out, information table. If you speak Spanish or Polish, please let me know.

Saturday, May 12 from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. - morning prep!
Reorganize plant material, refresh stock where possible. Remove damaged material, clean up!

Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
More people are needed in the morning, but let me know if you are willing to work the entire day. Positions include greeters, check out assistance, and information on programs and plants. If you speak Spanish or Polish, please let me know.

Please contact Kirsten Akre at 773-685-3359 or e-mail me at kakre@sbcglobal.net to volunteer! If you can help this Saturday just stop by! It may be cool, but the work is heavy so this is a plus! If you want to help with transplanting I will have an indoor and outdoor crew.

Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse is located at 3501 N. Kilbourn. This is just south of Addison and between Milwaukee (east) and Cicerco (west). Accessible by public transportation by taking the Blue Line el to Addison and transfering to the Addison bus heading westbound.

Coordinator of Interpretive Programs

Purpose: To coordinate, implement and maintain a diverse range of informal learning experiences, activities, and programs for garden visitors. Programming and work takes place primarily in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Train, schedule, supervise and recognize volunteers who assist in the development and delivery of ongoing public programs.

Develop and implement Garden Chef Series demonstration schedule. Work closely with sponsorship department and Series sponsor as directed and needed.

Manage regular slate of weekly volunteer-led programs. Coordinate special themed weekend programs throughout the season.

Collaborate on and assist with public and family programs that take place at the Fruit & Vegetable Garden such as Grapes & Hops, Harvest Festival and weekly drop-in family programs. Coordinate as needed with other garden departments that host classes in FVG spaces.

Maintain interpretive signs, exhibits and the garden guide. Produce a variety of brochures, handouts and print pieces annually.

Serve as primary contact person for maintenance and repairs to the Fruit & Vegetable Garden facility.

Coordinate closely with Development and Horticulture staff for donor and VIP visits. Lead tours and represent the Garden as required.

Manage program budget and prepare reports as requested.

Work with interpretive and horticulture staff to planting plans on an annual basis that support and enhance programs.

Assist with guiding work and supervision of seasonal (weekend) program aide.

Cross train in other interpretive program areas. Be familiar with operation of other programs and be prepared to facilitate as needed in volunteer training sessions and daily assignments of volunteers.

In off-season, focus on winter interpretive programs, interpretation in the cold frames and greenhouse at the Fruit & Vegetable Garden and preparations for the coming season.

Support and assist other department programs and projects as requested by the Manager of Interpretive Programs.

Department: Visitor Programs

Reports To: Manager, Interpretive Programs

Supervises: Volunteers and Program Aide (assist)

Cooperative Relationships: Visitor Programs, Visitor Services, Horticulture, Volunteer Services, Development, Sponsorship, Communications, Buildings and Maintenance, Custodial, Security, and Education. Numerous external contacts and relationships.

Position Requirements: B.A. or B.S. in Horticulture, Education, Museum Studies, or related field.Three years experience working in public programming and interest in working closely with volunteers and the public both desirable. Experience in horticulture preferred. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.Wednesday through Sunday work week (primarily), occasional holidays and evenings.

You may apply for any of our positions using these methods:

E-mail employment@chicagobotanic.org

Mail Attn: Human Resources
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

In Person: Human Resources Department
Botanic Garden Center
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

Please visit our website for job opportunities and exciting news about the Garden.