Summer interns became an active part of the WPC’s green initiative on July 9th’s Teen Ecological Adventure.
To begin the day, teen interns from the Center for New Horizons
came to Washington Park through their partnership with the Urban Juncture (www.urban-juncture.com), initiated by its' President, Bernard Loyd. Also joining the group was Zachary Price, a University of Chicago student working with the WPC through the Civic Knowledge Project, directed by Bart Schultz.
In the morning, the interns enhanced the appearance of the Washington Park Field House by planting cannas aroundthe building’s facade. Through this experience, they learned
tricks for successful planting and the importance of green sustainability by reusing chips of old fallen trees to mulch
a new cycle of plants. To take a break from their hard work,
interns enjoyed a game of basketball at the field house gym. Then, they went on a tour of the park with Madiem Kawa, Founder of the Washington Park Conservancy. The interns learned about the park’s history, starting from Frederick Law Olmsted’s
vision of a green urban space and ending with its evolution
as a timeless part of the community, as seen in Lorado Taft’s breathtaking Fountain of Time.
Interns also got a close look at the park’s wildlife, observing the intricate relationship between Monarch Butterflies and
the poisonous milkweed plants they thrive on, as well
as learning about the effects that dragonflies and bats have on lowering the park’s insect population. By the end of the day,
the interns’ new knowledge of sustainability was made
clear by their invaluable contribution to Washington Park.
as a timeless part of the community, as seen in Lorado Taft’s breathtaking Fountain of Time.
Interns also got a close look at the park’s wildlife, observing the intricate relationship between Monarch Butterflies and
the poisonous milkweed plants they thrive on, as well
as learning about the effects that dragonflies and bats have on lowering the park’s insect population. By the end of the day,
the interns’ new knowledge of sustainability was made
clear by their invaluable contribution to Washington Park.
