The Westmont Environmental Improvement Commission’s guest speakers that have presented at the Westmont Library, has brought out a number of residents who want to learn more about being green. “It’s great to see so many residents eager to make their homes more eco-friendly” said Jon Yeater, Village Forester. “The more residents who participate in this initiative, the greener Westmont will be. Even if you have a smaller yard and it seems insignificant, every little bit helps!”
The first presentation was CONSERVATION @ HOME was Thursday, Feb. 23, presented by Jim Kleinwachter of The Conservation Foundation. Kleinwachter shared a variety of conservation techniques including the use of rain barrels, rain gardens, and the selection and use of native plants. If you would like information on this topic, please visit www.theconservationfoundation.org
The second presentation was BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES on Wednesday, March 8. Judi Davenport, University of Illinois Master Gardener, talked about ways to welcome birds and butterflies into your yard using bird feeders and easy to grow plants and shrubs. To learn more about Judi Davenport and the University of Illinois Master Gardener program, please visit https://webextension.illinois.edu/mg/
The third presentation in the series was THE EDIBLE FOREST on Tuesday, March 14.The topic was about forest gardening, a low-maintenance garden designed with fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines, and perennial vegetables, presented by The Resiliency Institute. To learn more about The Resiliency Institute, please visit www.theresiliencyinstitute.net
The fourth presentation was NATURAL LAWN CARE BASICS on Monday, March 27. Residents learned how to create a healthier lawn and reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides and herbicides from Ryan Anderson of the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC).To learn more about (MPAC) please visit http://midwestpesticideaction.org/ The presentation was also video taped. To watch it on Youtube click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_8Gcu5syI&sns=em
The fifth presentation was SUSTAINABLE HOMES-INDOOR GARDENS on Wednesday April 12. Presented by Victor Zaderej from Molex’s Solid State Lighting Group, Zaderej taught residents how to grow leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables indoors year round.
The next presentations you won’t want to miss are:
WHERE ARE THE MONARCHS? - Wed., May 3, 7pm
Local resident Pat Miller will look at historical environmental factors which affect the monarch butterfly population. Find out about efforts to turn the tide of population decline and what you can do to help.
SOLVING YOUR YARD PROBLEMS - May 18, 6pm
Do you have water puddles in your yard or heavy clay soil? Learn how to deal with these water problems, and the secrets to composting all your organic material to make rich additions to garden and flower beds from Jim Kleinwachter of The Conservation Foundation.
For more information regarding the Environmental Improvement Commission and their initiatives, please contact Jon Yeater at green@westmont.il.gov
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov 