Community Corner

Earth Day Events: How to Make a Greener Impact

Events aim to inspire and instruct you in living more sustainably and being earth-friendly.

  • Rededication of Niles Community Rain Garden at 1 p.m., 7104 W. Touhy Ave. Coca-Cola, which partnered with the village to turn some vacant land into a specialized garden, is pledging to continue its efforts and has donated 125 rain barrels. The garden contains plants that help prevent flooding and filter runoff. 

April 22

  • Get practical at the Earth Day Food & Crafts for Teens. Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., 2-4 p.m. For youth in grades six through 12. Get into the earth-friendly spirit by recycling plastic bags into crafts and reusable fabric, and make snacks from eco-friendly ingredients. Register at 847-663-1234
  • View the "Smart Home: Green+Wired" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street at Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Take a tour of the "greenest house in Chicago" exhibit and see what measures can be adopted at your home. The three-story home was redesigned for 2011. The exhibit has a separate entry fee and requires a ticket with stamped entry time. It runs from April 22-Jan. 8. 

April 23

  • The Chicago Botanic Garden leads an Earth Day walk of the 100-acre McDonald Woods. Learn more about plants native to the area.  The garden is at 1000 Lake-Cook Road in Glencoe. $20 for parking, which includes entrance for the occupants. 847-835-5440. 
  • Urban Habitat Chicago Earth Day Workshop. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive in Chicago--one block north of the Lincoln Park Zoo. Teams of urban farmers, educators and architects will be sharing their knowledge. Learn about home storm-water management, seed starting, organic gardening, local vegetables and vermicomposting. Call 773-755-5100 for fees and more information. 

April 25

Find out what's happening in Skokiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Tour the "First Green Energy Efficient House in North Chicago,"  9 a.m.-12 p.m., 2108 Wallace St. in North Chicago, as part of the Youth Build Lake County's Earth Day celebration. Tour the house, see demonstrations of green technologies, network with local eco-friendly businesses, public agency representatives, interested citizens and volunteers, and enjoy refreshments. Call 847-473-3483, ext. 102, to make a reservation or send an e-mail.

April 30

  • Earth Day Celebration at Maine Park, 2701 W. Sibley Ave. in Park Ridge. This community celebration will feature activities, music, vendors, interactive booths, crafts, games and entertainment. There will also be a rain barrel sale and a tree rope climb among the activities. Schedule: 11 a.m. Northern Illinois Raptor Center's raptors; 11 a.m. Cosmic Stu Band; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. naturalist led hikes every hour; 1 p.m. Scales and Tales Animal Show; 2 p.m., Green Fashion Show. Call 847-692-5127 for information. 
  • Electronics Recycling Event: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Park Ridge Public Works Service Station, 400 Busse Hwy. Accepted for recycling are: household batteries, televisions, computer-related electronics, cell phones, etc. $5 fee for each car, with the driver receiving a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase at various local businesses. Sponsored by Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, City of Park Ridge and Park Ridge Park District
  • Medication Take-Back Day. Researchers are finding trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water and lab studies show they affect humans as well as aquatic life. Keep the water supply safe by properly disposing of expired and discarded medications. Drop-off times: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Niles police station, 7000 W. Touhy Ave.; Des Plaines Police Department, 1420 Miner St.; and Park Ridge Police Department, 200 S. Vine Ave.  Keep medication in its original container and remove any personal information.

May 14-15

Find out what's happening in Skokiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Green Festival, a project of Green America and Global Exchange, takes place at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. in Chicago. It features 125 speakers on environmental, health and nutrition topics as well as workshops and family activities. There will also be organic wine and beer. 10 am.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 am.-6 p.m. Sunday. $10 a day or $15 for both days. 


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