8.18.2011

Register Today: Sustainable Lawns & Landscapes Workshop

Back by popular demand, the Green Center will be offering a Sustainable Lawns & Landscapes workshop on Saturday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to noon in Workforce Development Center room 1143/1144 on the Lincoln Land Community College main campus.

Learn how to design, implement, and maintain an attractive and environmentally friendly lawn and landscape in this workshop taught by landscape designer Cathy Bilow. This course will guide you through proper plant selection and maintenance techniques that ensure beautiful lawns and landscapes without the overuse of water, gasoline, and unnecessary chemicals. In addition, Cathy will discuss traditional lawns, rain gardens, and the environmental benefits of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and native plants.

The course is $12 for students with a valid ID and $24 for all other attendees. Click here to register online or contact Julie Bates at julie.bates@llcc.edu or 217.786.2434 to register or for more information.



8.09.2011

Local Flavors Social August 15

Join the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and the Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois chapter in celebrating the peak ripeness of the summer harvest at a Local Flavors Social. This will be a great opportunity to taste delicious, seasonal locally produced food, socialize with friends, network with colleagues and just plain have fun.


When: Monday, August 15, 5:30-7:30 pm


Where: Caitie Girl’s, 400 E. Jefferson, Springfield
Here's a sampling of what the Local Flavors Social has to offer:

- Appetizers featuring local, seasonal foods prepared by Chef Caitie Barker

- Beer Tastings by Rolling Meadows Brewery

- Door Prizes (gift certificate, tshirts, cookbooks, farmers market basket and more)

- Live Music by Luke Turasky and Josh Parr

- Cash Bar with seasonal, fresh fruit cocktails (plus non-alcoholic beverages too!)

- Food and Farm Photography Show


Tickets are $15 in advance (by Wednesday, August 10) or $20 at the door.


Tickets can be purchased:

Online: http://www.ilstewards.org/content/10627 (Scroll down to "Local Flavors Social Tickets")

By check: Mail to Illinois Stewardship Alliance, 401 W. Jackson Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62704

Intro to Wine Making Class Offered at LLCC

Sign up today for LLCC's Intro to Home Winemaking class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. Learn how to make your own wine, following the entire process from grape to glass. Cost: $79. To register, call 217.786.2292.

8.03.2011

Register Now: Master Naturalist Program

It is time to register for the Master Naturalist program, according to Jennifer Fishburn, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension. The program is designed to train volunteers in natural resources, so they can become natural area stewards, educators, and advocates.

The program provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and helps them become engaged environmental stewards. The following subjects will be taught during the program: Ecological Concepts, Botany, Geology, Anthropology, Forest Ecology, Grassland Ecology, Ornithology, Mammology, Herpetology, Entomology, and Aquatic systems.

The Master Naturalist program is a combination of education and volunteer service. With the help of local experts, the U of I Extension provides the educational support for the program, while the volunteer service time will be done with the Lincoln Memorial Garden, Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, and Friends of Sangamon Valley.

Examples of volunteer service projects include: leading workshops and hikes for children and adults, writing brochures, restoration of natural areas and conducting bird surveys.

The classes will meet every Wednesdays, August 31 to November 2, from 9 am to 4 pm. There are two scheduled Saturday field trips for hands on training.

Space is limited and interested applicants should apply immediately. The fee covering classroom sessions and field training, handouts and the Master Naturalist manual is $175.00.

For additional information, please call 217-782-4617. The program will be held at a variety of locations in Sangamon and Menard Counties. If a special accommodation is needed to attend, please notify when registering.