An Organic, Organic Experience

Throughout the city of Chicago there are a plethora of parks. Each have their own "thing". From those that stand out with excellent programs to those which may harbor resentment for having to cater to a less affluent contribution network. I have experience on a small variety of this scale usually with a positive experience. Both times at Kilbourn Park have been most delightful. It is an oasis in the middle of the city. You're standing in the garden drinking in the oxygen from the amazing native plants that consume about 1/3 of an acre. Then the Metra drives by and reminds you how possible it is to have such an amazing escape in the middle of bustle. The winter is a little different as the outside is in hibernation or dead for the most part, so their activities move into the greenhouse. Filled with beautiful and healthy plants and veggies. I have been invited to participate with KP's Harvest Celebration last September and this past Saturday for their Gardening Exchange. Both were to present Rain Barrel and Compost Bin demos. It gives me great pleasure in participating amongst the similar minded folks with a balance of far right and really far left. The past week was filled with not only "green" activities, but some interesting characters. It's something else when you reach one person amongst those participants or attendees. Two student volunteers were assigned to help me with any needs for the day and it was awesome. They worked the raffle and I worked the info since it was a small area to handle the amount of info I had to distribute. Anna and Elizabeth. Anna was really inspired to start her C3 club at school. They are pictured here. The day was great. Good people lots of good and cheap resources for getting started on your first garden or plenty of seeds and tips for your continued growth as home gardeners. Check out Kilbourn Park or the programs at your nearest park (Chicago Park District or Cook County Forest Preserve). Also, keep up with the Department of Environment and C3.

Kilbourn Park - My Favorite Organic Greenhouse

Come out to the Kilbourn Park Gardening Exchange!

SPECIAL EVENT! C3 Leader Kathleen Boyle teams up the Kilbourn Organic Greenhouse for:
The Garden Exchange
March 5, 2011
1:00-4:00pm
3501 N. Kilbourn, Chicago
Information: 773-685-3359
Transit: #152 Addison west to Kilbourn
Cost: $5 per class

Demonstrations
-Rain barrels and compost bins with Kathleen Boyle
-SOILS with Robert Lee
-Worm Composting with Ella Russel

Workshops
1:15-Growing Veggies
2:15-Farming the Frost, Early Planting
3:15- Winter Sowing Techniques

Garden Exchange
Used gardening, canning and cooking supplies will be available for purchase.

Tooting My Green Horn

Volunteer Spotlight:

C3 Leader Kathleen Boyle

Neighborhood/C3 region: Belmont-Cragin/Northwest Region

C3 Volunteer Projects

During her short time with C3, Kathleen has quickly become a staple in the C3 Leader program. In less than two years, Kathleen has organized and led FOUR community based environmental action projects addressing a wide range of environmental issues.

1. 2009- Rethink Retrain Return: Recycling Panel Discussion

2. 2009, 2010- Low Cost Weatherization Education workshop series

3. 2010- Green Cleaning workshop at CPS

4. 2010- Rain Barrel & Compost Bin workshop at the Northwest Housing Fair

Going Above and Beyond

We are constantly amazed at Kathleen's boundless energy and enthusiasm. On top of working full time and leading grassroots initiatives, she is always willing to lend a helping hand to her fellow C3 volunteers and community members. Kathleen has taken part in a ton of new C3 events and initiatives, here are a few examples: Family Eco Night at Pulaski Academy, Kilbourn Park Fall Harvest Celebration, Portage Park Earth Day (team member with C3 leader Morgan Conlon), Carbon Nation screening event volunteer, C3 Northwest Regional Network participant, participant in C3 Explorer volunteer opportunities, and Speaker in the C3 Speakers Bureau. Professionally, she is a part of the Green Schools Symposium and the CPS Green Team.

Planning for Future Endeavors

Find Kathleen on March 5 at the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse leading yet another rain barrel and compost bin demonstration! Kathleen told us a little about her growing interest in water conservation, "I am working on ways to collect water when my building owner is not in support of rain barrels in her yard." She is also super excited as she gears up to harvest compost from her worm bin for the THIRD time!

Kathleen's main objective: EDUCATION

"My environmental interests are vast, but my main objective is education on the whole subject of conservation. I try to educate one person on a daily basis even if it is a tiny fraction of an element of conservation. People need to know about all avenues of conservation so they can live a better life and contribute positively to the whole world."