Coming Up:

Gardening with Mushrooms
Saturday, March 22, 2008. 12 - 4 pm

Find out how to grow food as part of natures recycling program. Select two (logs or other processes) from several species and techniques to take home with you. One is colorful and can remain so for months.

To register, $15 checks to Kenneth Otto, must be received by March 20.
Please include your phone number, in case registration limit is reached.

North Park Village Nature Center
5801 N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL, 60646.
(312) 744-5472
Send checks there.

Info: Rael Bassan, 773.756.5033, raelearth (at) yahoo.com

Coming up in June...

Using Native Plants
Wednesday, June 6, 7-9 pm

Almost all of the plants we call wild were utilized by Native American cultures. Many are delightful and easy to use. Some are growing throughout the city. Find out about their uses and help prepare and taste a few. Featuring Dawn Paskowicz, who lives in a tent in Michigan's upper peninsula in the summer, and incorporates many wild foods in her diet there. Preregistration required as space is limited.

At North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N Pulaski, Chicago.
Turn left at the first T intersection
Free. Call 312-744-5472 to preregister.

We will also have a copy of Samuel Thayer's recent (May 06) book, The Forager's Harvest to look at.A few of the articles are at http://www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com/The_Forager/forager.html
and a discussion forum on wild food is at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/forageahead/

Wild Things Conference 2-26-05 Presentation notes

Better Buckthorn Uses: Creative Revisioning in Invasive Plant Management
ABSTRACT: Invasive species can be used for many practical and artistic purposes. For instance, buckthorn has been turned into attractive fencing, furniture, sculpture and even kitchen utensils. Exploring and extending these options can increase public awareness of the nature of invasives and bring new enthusiasm to the restoration process. A panel of artisans will present their experiences and offer related ideas for better integrating ecological, sustainability and cultural concerns with restoration. Presented at the CW Wild Things Conference, 2-26-05. Track - Building the Conservation Community
PANELISTS: Panelists: (in order of appearance) and the uses presented
Rael Bassan , 773-907-1465, Coordinator, Chicagoland Urban Permaculture, Chicago.
- edibles, mushrooms, natural building uses, fencing
Tor Faegre , 847-869-1969. Artist, Evanston. - furniture, sculptures, structures, building components
Sean Shaffer , W 312-744-5472. Education Naturalist, North Park Village Nature Center , Chicago.
- toys, picture frames, ink pad, dyeing, folding stool, ID necklace, award badge, spoon/bowl burning
Judy Speer , 815-648-1372. Owner, Small Waters Gathering Center, Harvard, IL
- heating, home décor, wildcrafting

Many presentation marterials are available. Contact Rael