Community Corner

Earth Day Events: Make A Gentler Impact On The Planet

These events will inspire and instruct you in living more sustainably and being earth-friendly.

Tuesday, April 19

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

Friday, April 22

  • Get practical at the Earth Day Food & Crafts for Teens. Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. 2-4 p.m. For teens 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.  (847) 663-1234
  • View the "Smart Home: Green+Wired" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street at Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Take a tour of the "greenest house in Chicago" exhibit and see what measures you can adopt in your own home. The three-story home was redesigned for 2011. The exhibit has a separate entry fee and requires a ticket with stamped entry time. Exhibit opens April 22 and continues until Jan. 8, 2012. 

Saturday April 23

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

  • The Chicago Botanic Garden leads an Earth Day walk of the 100-acre McDonald Woods. Experience native communities of plants. 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $20 parking fee per car, includes entrance for car's occupants. (847) 835-5440. 
  • Urban Habitat Chicago Earth Day Workshop. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago (one block north of 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 for fees, (773) 755-5100. 

Monday, April 25

  • Tour the "First Green Energy Efficient House in North Chicago,"  9 a.m. to noon, 2108 Wallace St., 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 green businesses, meet business owners, public servants, interested citizens and volunteers, and enjoy refreshments. 847-473-3483 ext. 102 to RSVP or send an email.

Saturday April 30

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

  • Earth Day Celebration at Maine Park, 2701 W. Sibley Avenue (at Forestview Street), Park Ridge. This community celebration will feature activities, learning, music, vendors, interactive booths, crafts, games and entertainment. There will also be a rain barrel sale, a tree rope climb and a reuse a shoe drop-off.  Schedule: 11 a.m. Northern Illinois Raptor Center's raptors; 11 a.m. Cosmic Stu Band, 11:30 a.m., Naturalist led hikes every hour on the half hour until 2:30; 1 p.m., Scales and Tales Animal Show, 2 p.m., Green Fashion Show. (847) 692-5127. 
  • Electronics Recycling Event. 9 a.m. to noon. Park Ridge Public Works Service Station, 400 Busse Hwy., Park Ridge. Accepted for recycling are: household batteries, televisions, computer related electronics, cell phones, etc. $5 per car fee. Each driver receives a coupon good 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 human cells, as well as aquatic life. Keep the water supply safe by disposing of no-longer-wanted prescription and over-the-counter medications. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Niles Police Station, 7000 W. Touhy, Des Plaines Police Department, 1420 Miner and Park Ridge Police Department, 200 S. Vine.  Keep medication in its original container and cross out personal information.

May 14-15

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


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