Birds, Bees and Beets Lecture Series
Funded by the Southeast Chicago Commission
Funded by the Southeast Chicago Commission
Garden Tool Sharpening Workshop
March 26, 2011, 10 to Noon
Description: Save money and time by salvaging your dirty and dull tools by attending this wonderful workshop. Bring your tools and leave with a brand new tool and prepare yourself to garden again.
Seed Starting Workshop for Beginners
April 2, 2011, 10 to Noon
Description: Would you like to save money by growing seeds or flowers from seed? This lecture will teach how to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers from seeds in your home.
Backyard Beekeeping
Michael Thompson
April 23, 2011, 10 to Noon
Description: Honey bees has been making honey for centuries but backyard beekeeping in urban communities is just beginning to catching on. Michael Thompson has been a beekeeper since the age of twelve years old. He is the beekeeper for city hall, Chicago Honey Coop and Museum of Science and Industry. Michael will come to Washington Park to teach the very basics of backyard beekeeping using a powerpoint presentation and demonstrations.
Food Preservation Workshop
October 1, 2011, 10 to Noon
Description: Save money by preserving your harvest by drying herbs, freezing and canning veggies/fruits. Recipes will be shared and salsa taste test will be enjoyed.
Migratory Bird Walks
Marianne Hahn, our birding expert, will lead four leisurely bird walks in 2011 to learn about and enjoy the markings, sounds and behaviors of our avian friends. Washington Park is a designated bird and butterfly sanctuary and, according to the Chicago Audubon Society, is one the best places to bird in the City of Chicago. Each bird walk will meet at 7am in the Refectory parking lot on 5531 S Russell Drive.
Birding Dates: May 7, 14, August 27 & October 15.
Dyett High School Kids Go Native Art Garden
The Washington Park Conservancy was awarded a grant from the Southeast Chicago Commission to install a native art garden partnership with Dyett High School. The garden will be planted by Dyett students with flowering species native to the Midwest that will attract native insects and birds in search of food and shelter. The planting will be bordered with beautiful mosaic pieces designed by Dyett students under the direction of their talented art teacher, Janine Favia. The project will enable the teens to learn about the environmental benefits of native plants, how art integrates with nature and the importance of stewardship. The garden will be seen from the street so drivers and pedestrians can also enjoy beauty. A botany teacher will use the garden as an outdoor classroom to teach students how flowers are pollinated and how native plants can be an ecological asset to an urban community. Currently, this project is still in its planning stages and some adjustments maybe made. We will keep you posted as we progress.
