Wednesday, 1/6/21 Soil Carbon in Natural and Restored Lands
Climate change is a real threat and there is plenty of buzz about how to pull greenhouse gasses, like CO2, out of the atmosphere. Soil is the largest terrestrial pool of carbon in the world and deeper understanding of how carbon ends up in soil, and how long it stays there, can inform actions to directly address global climate change. Our presenter Elizabeth Bach, Ecosystem Restoration Scientist with The Nature Conservancy at Nachusa Grasslands will provide an overview of soil carbon, why we care, and how conserving and restoring land in Illinois can be part of global climate solutions.
Wednesday, 2/3/21 Alternatives to Conventional Lawns
Pollinators, especially bees, provide us with valuable services by pollinating plants that contribute to food production and beautify our landscape. Sadly, there is increasing evidence that many of these important pollinator species are in decline. This is especially true in urban and suburban areas where natural habitats have been replaced by subdivisions, roads and parking lots. The dense, green carpet of lawns that may be aesthetically pleasing to some are actually food deserts to our pollinators and other beneficials.
This program will provide information on the many sustainable and wildlife friendly alternatives to turf grass such as bee lawns, shade gardens and mini prairies, plus plant suggestions and how to get started.
This is an online program. Registration Is Required To register please click this link
This new invasive species was first identified in Illinois in 2015 but has since been found across the state. Jumping worms, native to East Asia, are voracious consumers of organic material, which can affect soil quality. They breed quickly and eggs survive Illinois winters. There are concerns about the effects these worms will have on forests and other natural spaces as well as agricultural and landscaped areas. Populations of jumping worms have the potential to change the soil structure, deplete available nutrients, damage plant roots, and alter water holding capacity of the soil.
This presentation will review what we know about jumping worms, their potential impacts to natural ecosystems and managed landscapes, and what can and should be done about them.
Speaker: Chris Evans, Extension Forestry and Research Specialist with the U of I.
This is an online program. Registration Is Required To register please click this link
Our monthly in-person meetings take place atFremont Public Library located in Mundelein, Illinois, usually on the 1st Tuesday of each month.
If you would like to receive our monthly meeting program email go to the Contact Uspage and leave your name and email address (or mailing address if you prefer).
