Fall IS For Planting

With the right kind of weather, Fall is the ideal landscaping season. The early fall soil is usually warmer and mor workable than spring soils, and there can be more time to work outside. Cool air helps the plants avoid stress, and rains are usually just enough to povide moisture but not too muddy. Plants are slowing down and preparing for winter, and respond well to transplanting...

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Plant Native - Save Water!

Native trees use half the water of non-natives according to ecologists.
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More information on plants native to Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin

Electric Trees

Did You Know ... There's enough power in trees for to run an electronic circuit.

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Database for Conservation Easements

A collaborative initiative to create the first national database of conservation easement information will provide a comprehensive picture of the estimated 40 million acres of private lands that have been voluntarily protected for future generations of Americans.
Conservation easements are legal agreements voluntarily entered into between landowners and conservation entities (agencies or land trusts) for the express purpose of protecting certain societal values such as open space or vital wildlife habitats. Full article

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May and Charles Beeson Farm Protected by Conservation Easement

Illinois to receive $2.8M stimulus for forests

"Illinois will receive more than $2.8 million in federal stimulus money for forest health protection projects.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding Wednesday. Two projects in Illinois are among 78 projects selected for funding in 30 states.
The money -- nearly $89 million nationally -- will go toward restoring health to forests on federal, state and private lands in areas recovering from fires, forest insects and disease outbreaks.
The Forest Service's recovery Web site says specific projects in Cook and Kane counties will be selected by the state of Illinois."

chicagotribune.com

Livable Communities Resource Guide

"ASLA created a new online resource guide on livable communities. The guide contains lists of organizations, research, concepts and projects related to livable communities, and includes sections on: sustainable land use, place making, green schools, sustainable housing, sustainable employment growth, and health, safety, and security. Developed for students and professionals, the resource guide contains recent reports and projects from leading U.S. and international organizations, academics, and design firms."

Livable Communities Resource Guide

The Economic Benefits of Parks

The economic benefits of urban parks shouldn’t be underestimated. A 2003 study found that real estate values were higher on blocks closest to well-maintained parks. A 2007 study found that New York's Central park accounted for $395 million in economic activity. Parks also have environmental benefits and provide valuable ecosystem services.

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Can Urban Trees Reduce Crime?

New research suggests that trees can reduce crime. The study found that buildings with high levels of greenery had 52 percent fewer crimes and medium levels of greenery had 42 percent fewer crimes when compared to buildings with no greenery. The study also found that students perform better when surrounded by trees and children with attention disorders can minimize their symptoms by spending time in green spaces.

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