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News and Event Highlights
Chicago Wilderness news, events, and announcements.
 Browse or search environmental events and programs sponsored by Chicago Wilderness member organizations.
photo: Jim Nachel |
CW Excellence in Conservation Awards, Submission Deadline: Friday, August 15, 2008
The Chicago Wilderness Excellence in Conservation Awards program is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate both the work and the spirit of the conservation efforts underway in our region. The awards honor two categories of conservation work –the people and projects that advance the goals of the Biodiversity Recovery Plan: · Individual achievement: volunteer, professional, lifetime achievement · Projects, program, or initiatives o projects with a budget of less than $15,000 o projects with a budget of more than $15,000 Awards will be presented at the Chicago Wilderness Congress on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. For more information or to nominate a person or project, visit http://www.chicagowilderness.org/members/documents/2008_GUIDELINES_and_NOMINATION_FORMfinal.doc. (Posted 08/12/2008)
Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Training, Saturday & Sunday, August 23 & 24, 2008
The Chicago Wilderness Natural Resources Management Team is pleased to offer the CW Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Crew Member Training. Based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's (NWCG) S-130 and S-190 courses, this training covers the basics of such topics as prescription burn techniques, fire behavior, and smoke management. The objective is to provide participants with the background necessary to safely participate on the crew of a prescribed burn. Please be advised that while many CW land-owning organizations accept this course as their standard minimum crew member training, it does NOT carry the official NWCG S-130/S-190 certification. The workshop is offered free of charge, but you must register to attend. The workshop is open to volunteers, professional natural resources management staff, and others interested in the restoration and management of natural areas. Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. To register, please use the attached registration form or contact Chris Mulvaney at cmulvaney@chicagowilderness.org or 847-242-6424. (Posted 08/12/2008)
Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council
The Chicago Wilderness (CW) Corporate Council - an alliance of over 25 for-profit organizations – is proud to support CW initiatives, including Leave No Child Inside, a regional effort to connect kids and nature. The Corporate Council aims to improve the quality of life in the CW region by knitting together economic goals and social values to achieve a sustainable relationship between people and nature. Please consider utilizing the services of Corporate Council members, and please forward the directory with a recommendation to others in need of such services. The Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council Yellow Pages Directory is now available as a resource for the following services: Design Services, Ecological Consulting & Contracting, Energy, Engineering & Consulting, Environmental Law, Financial Services, Geospatial Data Management, Home Building, Nursery Stock, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Printing, Restoration, Tree Care and Water Resource Solutions. The directory is available at http://www.chicagowilderness.org/members/documents/CWCC_Member_Directory_-_July08.pdf. (Posted 08/12/2008)
Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee of McHenry County: Natural Garden in Your Yard Program, Application for Mentoring Opportunity Deadline: September 15, 2008
Established in early 2005 by the Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee of McHenry County (WPPCMC), the goal of the "Natural Garden in Your Yard" program is to assist and encourage homeowners in transforming traditional lawn and garden spaces to native plant gardens. Homeowners interested in getting started with native plants, but lacking confidence, gain knowledge and support through the program. Please note that this program is intended for McHenry County residents. As a Natural Garden participant, you will be given assistance in the planning of a small native garden area, including rain gardens, butterfly gardens, native plant borders, stopover habitats for migrating birds, or formal plantings. The garden becomes a living classroom where you gain first hand knowledge of native wildflowers and discover the wonders of nature. WPPCMC will provide participants with mentors, reference materials, a gardening network and plant discounts. To read more about this program and to apply, visit http://thewppc.org/yard.html; please note the clickable link at the bottom of this page for the Application. Interested parties can print out the form and mail it in. Please note that all applicants will be interviewed, and decisions will be finalized by the end of October. For additional information, please contact Carol Rice at goforsix@aol.com or 847-382-1181. (Posted 08/12/2008)
RESOURCES
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Launches “Living with Wildlife in Illinois” Web Site The website was developed by IDNR and the University of Illinois Extension in order to provide residents with information about how to coexist with Illinois’ wildlife, especially in urban areas. The site is available at: http://livingwithwildlife.extension.uiuc.edu. Urban Wilderness: Exploring a Metropolitan Watershed New book Celebrates Urban Natural Areas Urban Wilderness: Exploring a Metropolitan Watershed, a new book by Milwaukee photographer Eddee Daniel, intertwines the arts of photography and storytelling to celebrate the joy of discovering unexpected natural beauty in an urban setting. Excerpts can be found on www.eddeedaniel.com. Copies may be ordered from the University of Chicago Press at http://www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/282387.ctl. Regional Water Supply Study Demand for water in 11 counties of northeastern Illinois could increase as much as 64 percent by mid-century, creating potentially serious shortages. So says a new report commissioned by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The report is a product of CMAP's work with its Regional Water Supply Planning Group, which is preparing a strategic plan for avoiding problems that have plagued other parts of the nation. Due for completion in mid-2009, the plan will become part of GO TO 2040, CMAP's comprehensive regional planning campaign. To view the report, visit http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/watersupply/default.aspx. To learn more about GO TO 2040, visit http://www.goto2040.org/. (Posted 08/12/2008)
EVENTS
What the Heck Are you Doing to My Yard?! August 14, 12:15 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Join Friends of the Parks and the Chicago Bicycle Federation and turn your lunch hour into “gardening hour” as Mike Nowak of WCPT Radio discusses how to incorporate native plants into your garden and grow green without pesticides. The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.fotp.org or call 312-857-2757. Lake Michigan Coast Week, September 5-14, Northwest Indiana The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Coastal Program and several other organizations are working together to sponsor a wide variety of events to celebrate the diversity and splendor of the Lake Michigan coastal region. Events include the Denis Sullivan Sail, the Gary Clean Water Celebration at Marquette Park, an informative hike of historical interest through the Indiana Dunes, and the Michigan City Eco-Fit Challenge. For more information, visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/lakemich/news/coastweek.html. Climate Cycle: Clean Energy in Motion, October 4, Chicago Climate Cycle organizes bicycle rides that raise awareness about climate change. The ride will begin and end in Chicago's Grant Park, offering three different course options and showcasing a variety of green urban landmarks and scenic trails along the way. The money raised goes to purchase and install solar energy systems and funds educational programs for Chicago Public Schools. For more information and to register, visit http://www.climatecycle.org. (Posted 08/12/2008)
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