Boost the Ecological Power of Your Yard with Native Trees & Shrubs

Boost the Ecological Power of Your Yard with Native Trees & Shrubs

Last 2 Days to Order native trees a shrubs! Browse the Wild Ones Shopify site to find trees, shrubs and flowers that create beauty for you and much needed habitat for wildlife. 

Fall is an ideal time to plant because our long Midwest winter gives plants lots of time to build roots before bursting into bloom in the spring. Plus, it’s more pleasant to dig in cool weather, right?

Immediate Opening for Development Coordinator

Immediate Opening for Development Coordinator

The Development Coordinator will be responsible for leading a comprehensive program to identify, cultivate, and solicit funds to support Green Community Connections (GCC) programs with a primary emphasis on the One Earth Film Festival. This leadership position is responsible for designing and implementing strategies to achieve annual fundraising goals and develop relationships with donors and prospects.

Town Hall Meeting on Moving Toward Clean Energy

Town Hall Meeting on Moving Toward Clean Energy

Wondering how to make your home and neighborhood more energy-efficient? Interested in getting solar and other clean energy projects off the ground, or in getting jobs in the industry?

You are invited to an informal town hall meeting about local and state clean energy initiatives and how they are translating into jobs in energy and sustainability. You will hear the latest from your elected officials and speakers from environmental groups advocating for clean energy. Afterwards, you'll have a chance to exchange ideas and opinions with the experts.

How to Make Friends and Influence People in an Age of Climate Change

How to Make Friends and Influence People in an Age of Climate Change

How many neighbors do you know? If you're the average American, maybe not too many. Recent studies have shown that loneliness is on the rise across the country. A 2014 study showed that more than 1 in 4 Americans have no one to talk to when they feel sad, or even when they feel happy.

Sugar Beet: from Red to Black in Less Than a Year

Sugar Beet: from Red to Black in Less Than a Year

Sugar Beet Food Co-op’s first birthday party, dubbed “Kale Yeah,” will take place the weekend of July 30-31, with tastings, raffles, giveaways, games, and more from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., at 812 W. Madison St., in Oak Park.

Recently, we talked with General Manager, Chris Roland, to get a reading on the downs and ups of this small grocery store’s first year selling local, sustainable food.

We Need a Better Gauge for Economic Development

We Need a Better Gauge for Economic Development

I attended the June 1 town hall meeting on development in the village, and I agree with your observation [Madison Street plan draws supporters, detractors, News,June 8] that the bulk of the discussion was about the effect of the Madison Street plan on traffic patterns.

Looking at the big picture, it appears that this proposed development is similar to the pattern established by the other "mixed use" projects at Lake and Forest, Lake and Harlem, Harlem and South Blvd., and the Tasty Dog site — retail space on the ground floor, some parking, topped with multiple floors of high-end or luxury residential space.

Halfway Through the Plan!

Halfway Through the Plan!

The PlanItGreen Sustainability Plan for Oak Park and River Forest – was created through compiling baseline data and holding many community forums, led by Seven Generations Ahead in collaboration with the Delta Institute.  The planning was funded primarily by the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation’s Communityworks Endowment Fund. Communityworks has three priority areas, including Environmental Sustainability.  PlanItGreen was established as a 10 year plan in this area, beginning in 2011. Thus, we are half-way through the Plan.

Do It Your Way with DIY Green Block Parties

Do It Your Way with DIY Green Block Parties

Summer is upon us and with it the annual block party season. Block parties are a special part of celebrating community and our wonderful outdoor spaces. It’s also a great way of recognizing and celebrating the many sustainability initiatives and resources in our community – whether it’s native or edible gardens, backyard or curbside composting (offered through the villages of Oak Park and River Forest), solar panels or learning about the awesome trees on your block. By shining a light on these important community assets, we encourage one another and help to build a more resilient future for our children.

Summer Green Guides theme: Healthy Lawn, Healthy Family

Summer Green Guides theme: Healthy Lawn, Healthy Family

Join us for refreshments, conversation and to learn how residents are getting beautiful lawns that are healthy for pets, children and all living things. Lawn care seems to be an ongoing challenge -- whether it's a battle with creeping charlie or the challenge of reaching agreement with your spouse about who and how lawn care is done -- you'll hear stories and tips from professionals and residents on their experiences and recommendations.