The next Chicago Living Corridors webinar will be on October 14, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Landscaping for Birds will be presented by Lisa Maier, who has been active with WPPC’s mentoring group for several years and is an experienced birder, (officer of McHenry County Audubon). She will be sharing her knowledge of birds and native landscaping. And did I mention she has some terrific photographs.Please register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/regi…/7546845912561068302 to join us.
A Strategy for Control of Phragmites
This approach was posted on the Facebook Page of Nachusa Grasslands. It describes an approach to control that targets small populations. 100% glyphosate is used, with blue dye.
In recent months, I have learned about more approaches to control of invasive species that are taking over our wetlands. It’s good to have another approach to add. Read the description, with photos, here.
Chicago Living Corridors Next Webinar, September 23, 2020 at 7:00 pm “The Native Bumble Bees in Your Yard: Reflections of a Backyard Bee Chaser”
Join us at 7:00 pm, on September 23 for our next webinar: “The Native Bumble Bees in Your Own Backyard: Reflections of a Backyard Bee Chaser”.
Our presenter will be Brandie Dunn, who has merged her love of native habitat and bumble bees with an interest in photography to highlight these very important pollinators. Please register at :https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7707852896894527759
Chicago Living Corridors Next Webinar, Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants – August 12, 2020, 7:00 pm
Identifying and Controlling Invasive Species will be the next CLC webinar on August 12 at 7:00 pm. Presenter will be Peggy Simonsen, board member of CLC and former president of Citizens for Conservation. Please register to join us at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4606442855619760141
Indiana Bans 44 Species of Invasives
In the TriState.com publication, Indiana reported a ban on the sale and exchange of 44 species of invasive plants. This was reported in the Indianapolis Star on April 25, 2020. It provides guidance for the Chicago Living Corridor area.
Please click here for the link to the full list.
Million Trees Project Giveaway
Read about the Million Trees Project Giveaway provided by Living Lands and Waters. This project will offer bur oaks, red oaks, swamp white oaks, and persimmon tree seedlings. There are detailed instructions on when and how to order the trees, which will be available on February 25 at 10 AM. Please check the links and follow the instructions carefully. You’ll be able to order for your own use, or for an organization.
The moving force behind Living Lands and Waters is a young man, Chad Pregracke, who started out wanting to clean up the section of the Mississippi River near his home. From that beginning, his efforts have grown substantially and he has undertaken many initiatives to clean America’s rivers, and restore the native habitat – especially the oaks. His story is an inspiring one, and readers are encouraged to find out about the accomplishments of this young man with a vision. He has inspired armies of volunteers.
Jumping Worms – Caution at Plant Exchanges
There are many organizations that conduct plant exchanges. If you are participating in an exchange, advise everyone to carefully wash the roots and remove soil to prevent the possible spread of jumping worms. They strip vital nutrients from the soil, and eat the leaf litter layer. If jumping worms are present, the soil will take on the appearance of coffee grounds.
These worms present a threat to the ecology of our woodlands. Please be on the alert and do everything you can to control their spread. They can be identified by a light-colored ring.
Seven Simple Actions to “Bring Birds Back”
Cornell and its partners have launched a website – 3BillionBirds – in response to reports of the alarming loss of bird populations. It includes the 7 actions people can take. Citizen science projects are suggested, (see Chicago Living Corridors listing of projects) as well as other recommendations: make windows safer; keep cats indoors; reduce lawn and plant natives; avoid pesticides; choose coffee that’s grown in bird-friendly plantations; eliminate plastics, and join bird-watching groups – share what you see. There are many Facebook pages that have great information on birds, and fabulous photos. This past summer, I was able to follow the saga of the piping plovers at Montrose beach.
There are findings and access to news reports.
Pollinator Partnership’s Project Wingspan
Pollinator Partnership is excited to announce an extension to the online native pollinator habitat survey.
Are you committed to enhancing your land for monarch butterflies, rusty patched bumble bees and other imperiled pollinators?
Pollinator Partnership invites public land managers and private landowners with at least one acre of land who are committed to long-term conservation of monarch, rusty patched bumble bee, and other rare pollinator habitat to be a part of Project Wingspan!
Please join us in our conservation efforts for native pollinators and fill out this preliminary survey. Public Lands survey extended until Oct.31, 2019 and Private Lands survey extended until Aug. 15th, 2019
Survey: https://pollinator.org/wingspan/survey
Interested in volunteering to native collect seed for these efforts? Please join us at: .https://www.pollinator.org/wingspan/seed-collection
(Please see attachments below to share these fliers)
Openlands Launches “Get Outside” Map
This is an important addition to Openlands’ effort to connect the people in Chicago to nature where they live. Openlands is a major conservation organization, and is focused on the whole metropolitan region. The “Get Outside” map offers 350 places and ways to enjoy the numerous locations. It is offered in a list version, or an interactive map version. Each location highlights the nature activities at the site. Readers can filter the map to obtain a selection of the best sites for the desired activities.
Openlands has created a wonderful new tool to learn about the nature available in the Chicagoland region.