Other News:

• Congratulations to our own Kathleen Garness who was recognized by The Chicago Audubon Society as Protector of the Environment for her exemplary work educating the public (and land managers and those who can make decisions) about orchids, rare plants, conservation, and also for all her fine botanical work and teaching about art.   She is also honored for her work as a volunteer Citizen Scientist monitor of rare plants and as a stewardship volunteer in a number of preserves. Kathleen is an important member of West Cook Wild Ones, and we benefit from her expertise and connections.  She is always willing to help and share.  
• Read Doug Tallamy's (our conference's keynote speaker) cogent New York Times  OP-ed piece in which he argues that we should choose plants that help the environment: "The Chickadee's Guide to Gardening." 

              Photo: Kersti Nebelsiek

• Register here to attend the conference and take advantage of Early Bird pricing: Living Landscapes
• An inspirational story about a couple creating a mulit-layered bird habitat and the role of natives in their landscape: The Sorensons
• On Sunday, March 22nd from 1-5 pm, the Oak Park Art League will be hosting a Bus Tour of the Chicago Tree Project, with the tour narrated by Margot McMahon.  Dying trees are recreated into beautiful sculptures which also provide habitat to insects and the birds that depend upon them.  The ticket price is $28.  The tour will originate at OPAL and conclude with a pizza dinner and private viewing of their March exhibition "Nature Untamed."  Below is a picture of McMahon with one of her sculptures "Flock."