Save the Prairie Society

An Afternoon at the Movies

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:25:19 +0000

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and an inspiring movie. At 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, in the Community Room at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library (on the corner of Wolf Rd. and Chestnut in Western Springs) we will be showing the highly acclaimed America’s Lost Landscape: The Tall Grass Prairie. This 60- minute historic, scientific, and poetic tribute to America’s great prairies is the story of a rich, diverse ecosystem. It reminds all of us of the importance of saving what remains. A discussion will follow, and a $3 donation is suggested. Call 708-354-5512 for more information.

The Use of Trees and Shrubs in a Sustainable Landscape

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:14:27 +0000

Please join us on Sunday, March 18, at 2 pm at the Westchester Library, located at 10700 Canterbury (West of LaGrange Rd. and East of Wolf Rd) to learn how to create natural spaces that are both beautiful and earth friendly. Landscaper Jeff Swano will provide advice about choosing trees and shrubs that are appropriate for our area, and by giving tips for their best placement, he will help us plan a landscape that is both sustainable and easier to maintain. This free event is sponsored by Save The Prairie Society and the Westchester Library. For more information, call 708-354-5512.

About the Presenter: Jeff Swano has a degree in environmental studies. He has a deep understanding of natural earth processes and has studied and assessed local soils, geology, and hydrology. Jeff helped form the Salt Creek Watershed Network, and is a lecturer for the horticlulture programs at College of Du Page.

Woodcock Courtship Flight

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:48 +0000

STPS is hosting two nights of Woodcock viewing this March. Please join us to see the after-dusk-courtship flight of the male woodcock as he does his best to attract a mate. Come also to hear the serenade of the male chorus frogs.

Friday, March 23 at 6:30 pm and Saturday, March 31 at 6:45 pm. Meet on the deck of the Prairie House, 11225 Constitution Drive, Westchester.

The Colorful Streetcars of Chicago

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:53:33 +0000

Streetcar aficionado Jack Doyle will present a color slide show program of the great streetcars of the Chicago surface lines. Despite their efficiency and popularity, these made-to-last cars were either sold off or mothballed while still in their prime. Find out how effectively they served the Chicago area and what was behind their early demise. The presentation will begin at 2 pm, Sunday, February 19, at the LaGrange Park Library, 555 N LaGrange Road. A $3 donation is suggested. Call 708-354–5512 for more information.

February Work Day

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:51:35 +0000

Weather permitting, there will be a workday on Sunday, February 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteer for an hour or for the entire time. Meet at the Prairie House, located at 11225 Constitution Drive in Westchester. We will be cutting and hauling buckthorn. Our prairie plants are more likely to bloom in the Spring if they are not overshadowed by this aggressive invasive. Hot coffee will be available. Call 708-562-3280 for more information. (Photo by Lawrence Godson.)

Take Action to Save Starved Rock State Park!

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:57:13 +0000

CONSERVATION ALERT: STARVED ROCK STATE PARK IS IN DANGER. An out-of-state company has proposed an open pit sand mine immediately adjacent to the park. This would involve draining a marsh and impacting the park with heavy traffic, as well as causing major air and noise pollution. To advocate

for Starved Rock, please click on the link below to open and print out the attached letter from Open Lands and mail it to Governor Quinn: Governor Pat Quinn Office of the Governor 207 State House

Creating Native Eco-Gardens

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:41:21 +0000

The Westchester Library is pleased to sponsor an upcoming event on Native Gardening. Master Gardener Dennis Paige will show how a suburban community transformed their lawn into a lush spread of wildflowers, sedges, and grasses. This event will take place on Saturday, January 21, at 10:30 am at the Westchester Library, located at 10700 Canterbury Street, in Westchester. Call 708-562-3573 for more information or visit www.westchesterpl.org.

An Afternoon at the Movies

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:03 +0000

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and an inspiring movie. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, at the LaGrange Park Library ( 555 North LaGrange Rd.) we will be showing the highly acclaimed America’s Lost Landscape: The Tall Grass Prairie. This 60- minute historic, scientific, and poetic tribute to America’s great prairies is the story of a rich, diverse ecosystem. It reminds all of us of the importance of saving what remains. A discussion will follow, and a $3 donation is suggested. Call 708-354-5512 for more information.

January 2012 Work Day

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:15:02 +0000

Weather permitting, there will be a workday on Sunday, January 8, 2012, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Volunteer for an hour or for the entire time. Meet at the Prairie House, located at 11225 Constitution Drive in Westchester. We will be cutting and hauling buckthorn. Our prairie plants are more likely to bloom in the Spring if they are not overshadowed by this aggressive invasive. Hot coffee will be available. Call 708-562-3280 for more information. (Photo by Lawrence Godson.)

A Traditional German Christmas

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:48:12 +0000

Please join us on Sunday, December 11 at 2 pm for a Traditional German Christmas. Many of the

Christmas traditions that we enjoy today were handed down from early German immigrants. Learn

the lore behind these customs while listening to holiday music, seeing handmade ornaments, and

enjoying old fashion cookies and stollen. Presenter Patricia Reaves has reserved the Community

Room at the Westchester Library, located at 10700 Canterbury, just east of Wolf Road and

west of LaGrange Road. Reservations are not needed. A $3 donation is suggested. Call 708-354-5512

for more information.