| |
Go Green Greater La Grange Monthly Update:
June 2026
"Recycle the present, save the future." ~Anonymous
| | |
| |
Tip of the Month:
One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic pollution is to avoid single use plastic bottles, bags, and containers. According to the EPA, preventing plastic waste at the source is more effective than trying to remove it after it reaches our rivers, lakes, and streams.
Click here for more plastic reduction tips!
| | | | |
President's Note:
This is going to be a bit of a long newsletter this month, but I could not help but be excited for all of the exciting things happening in our community. As summer comes rushing in, many of us find ourselves rushing outdoors. A huge thank you to all of the community members I have seen demonstrating quiet acts of kindness for our planet. Whether it be the young woman walking around the neighborhood picking up trash, the families choosing to bike to school and skip the car line, or the gym member turning off the running tap, all of these actions matter.
This month we have our annual fundraiser at Milk Money Brewing Company, June 20th 4:00-8:00pm. Please stop on by and share your support. Milk Money has generously offered to donate 10% of all sales to our organization during this event. We will also have a prize raffle pull going throughout the night with prizes being drawn every half our. Come between 5:00-6:00pm and have a chance to participate in the 'Brewery Blitz' where we will be pulling a local brewery gift card every 15 minutes sponsored by the Western Brew Collective. This year we decided to try something new and will be hosting an environmental trivia night at the fundraiser sponsored by Happier Now Cafe from 6:00-8:00pm. We can't wait to see you all as we celebrate summer, community and our shared planet.
If you are interested in volunteering at this year's fundraiser please sign-up here!
Have a great week!
Warmest regards,
Alexandria Zuck
Board President
Go Green Greater LaGrange
|
|
Bill to address plastic pellet pollution heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk
Illinois to officially recognize plastic pellets as a pollutant under state law
Tiny Pellets, Big Problem
A bill aimed at reducing plastic pellet pollution is headed to Governor Pritzker's desk. Plastic pellets, often called "nurdles," are the small building blocks used to manufacture many plastic products. While tiny in size, millions can be lost during production and transportation, eventually making their way into rivers, lakes, and streams where they can harm wildlife and contribute to microplastic pollution.
If signed into law, the legislation would require facilities that handle plastic pellets to implement stronger stormwater management practices designed to prevent pellets from escaping into Illinois waterways. Supporters view the bill as an important step toward stopping pollution at its source and protecting the health of our rivers, lakes, and the Great Lakes for future generations.
Click here to learn more!
| | | | Community Spotlight Series: | | |
Forest Road Elementary School Pollinator Garden Installation
Last fall, a small committee of parents from Forest Road Elementary School partnered with District 102 to submit an application for a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to install a pollinator garden on the school grounds. Early this year, they were thrilled to hear their application had been approved and they could begin the process of transforming an open patch of lawn into a functioning ecosystem to support local pollinators. Students from the school's Environmental Club lead the project and over the course of the next few months, they met to discuss the importance of pollinators and native plants, lay cardboard down to prepare the soil, and plan the spacing of the new plants. On May 7th, the students were finally able to get their hands dirty and get their brand new plants into the ground. As a result, Forest Road School is the proud new host of an important habitat for pollinators as well as a new outdoor classroom for students throughout the school to learn about and enjoy nature during the school day.
Today, the garden boasts a total of 88 native plants, including 24 different species along with a gravel path and two benches where students from all classes as well as visitors walking by can sit and enjoy the new view. This summer, families will take turns each week as "Keepers of the Garden" to care for and maintain the young garden and provide it with the care it will need to thrive and mature during the hot summer months. The Environmental Club's hope is that Forest Road's students, families and community members will enjoy seeing the garden in full bloom in the months and years to come.
| |  | |
Ogden Avenue Elementary School
Pollinator Garden Installation
Ogden Avenue School is buzzing with excitement! Thanks to an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Schoolyard Habitat Grant, the school is transforming an existing raised bed into a pollinator garden and butterfly waystation at the front of the school.The project was a group effort between Ogden Avenue School, District 102, the school's parent-led Beautification Committee, and students from the school’s Green Team. Together, they created a space designed to support butterflies, bees, and other important pollinators while giving students hands-on opportunities to learn about native plants, ecosystems, and the importance of pollinator-friendly gardens.
The garden was planned with pollinators in mind, taking into account sunlight, plant height, seasonal blooms, and a colorful variety of shapes and textures. Beyond creating a habitat, the project also gives students hands-on opportunities to learn about native plants, healthy ecosystems, and the important role pollinators play in our environment. Be sure to stop by and check out the garden just off Ogden Avenue in front of the school. You may even spot a butterfly or two enjoying their new home!
| | |
Community Park District’s Memorial Park Achieves Arboretum Accreditation | |
April 22, 2026 -- La Grange Park, IL – The Community Park District of La Grange Park has announced that Memorial Park, the community’s flagship park, has been officially recognized as an accredited arboretum, earning Level I Accreditation from The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum. The designation places Memorial Park on the Morton Register of Arboreta, a global database of tree-focused public gardens.
The accreditation recognizes the Community Park District of La Grange Park’s commitment to tree stewardship, environmental education, and maintaining a diverse and sustainable urban forest. Efforts led by Superintendent of Parks Sara Earhart, an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional, including tree identification, labeling, and ongoing care, have helped transform Memorial Park into both a recreational destination and a living learning space.
“This recognition is the culmination of our staff and board’s commitment to enhancing Memorial Park as a community asset,” said Park Board President, Robert Corte. “We’re proud to offer a space where residents can enjoy, learn about, and connect with nature.”
In 2021, the Community Park District of La Grange Park was awarded an $8,265 grant to complete tree inventories and develop a management plan for its urban forest. The funds were provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban and Community Forestry Core Grant Program and administered by The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI).
| | The Community Park District Board unanimously adopted its first Urban Forestry Management Plan in 2022. The plan outlined significant goals to accomplish by 2032, including developing a cyclic pruning program, increasing tree diversity, managing utility conflicts, and working to establish trees as infrastructure. In 2023, the district hired ISA Certified Arborist, Sara Earhart, as its Superintendent of Parks. Earhart immediately began working towards the goals outlined in the plan. “Superintendent Earhart’s incredible knowledge and passion for the urban forest accelerated the progress of this plan beyond all expectations,” said Executive Director, Jessica Cannaday. | |
From 2023-2024 Earhart secured grant funding through the Chicago Region Tree Initiative (CRTI) and Trees Forever, to assist in planting 60 trees throughout the district. She also established a comprehensive pruning program, developed community volunteer and educational opportunities, and maintained a pristine inventory. By 2025, the park district had to complete an update to its Forestry Plan. Great Lakes Urban Forestry assisted with the update and established that the Community Park District of La Grange Park’s tree inventory had increased from 257 trees to 330 and the number of species throughout the park district increased from 39 to 62. As of this date, the Community Park District has planted 76 trees since Earhart was hired in August of 2023.
The impressive increase in tree diversity and the district’s efforts to increase public awareness and education were integral in achieving arboretum status for Memorial Park. “Superintendent Earhart’s diligent planning and work to increase tree diversity in La Grange Park has greatly improved the overall health and environmental impact of the trees managed by the park district and taken Memorial Park to a level we can all be incredibly proud of,” said Executive Director Cannaday.
Click here to learn more about the Park District’s Urban Forestry Management Plan.
| | | |
|
2026 Upcoming Meeting Dates:
-Board Meeting: Thursday July 16th, 2026 7:00PM (La Grange Public Library)
-Board Meeting: Thursday October 15, 2026 7:00PM (La Grange Park Public Library)
2026 Collection and Program Dates:
-Sandal and Shoe Share: June 6, 2026 (La Grange Public Library)
-Annual Going Green Fundraiser: June 20, 2026 (Milk Money Brewing Company)
-Sustainable Summer Expo: August 8, 2026 (Plymouth Place, Dole Hall)
-Native Plant Sale: September (TBD)
-Community Forum: Thursday October 15, 2026 (La Grange Park Public Library)
-Fall Clothing & Textile Take-Back: October 25th, 2026 (St. Michael's Lutheran)
-Community Boot & Shoe Share: November (TBD)
| | | | |
Please note updated end time for this year's Sandal and Shoe Share is 2:00PM.
We also kindly ask when possible please presort your shoes for reuse from your shoes for recycling. -Thank You!
| |
| |
Crafters for Climate:
Let's "make-it" happen!
Makers, we are looking for ideas about what our next workshop should be.
If you are a maker and would like to share your craft please reach out to us directly at:
info@gogreenglg.org
| | | | Are you interested in learning more? | |
Know your impact:
Use this interactive calculator to
learn your carbon footprint and actions you can take to reduce it.
| | | |
|
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act Democrats in Congress passed last year, there are new energy cost-saving benefits available right now, including:
-
30% back for the cost of many clean energy upgrades to your home, including solar panels, water heaters, and battery storage, no matter the price.
-
Up to $1,200 to add insulation, install new exterior windows and doors, or other improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home.
-
Up to $2,000 for a new heat pump (which can provide efficient air conditioning and heating) as well as a heat-pump water heater.
-
30% off the cost of installing a new electric vehicle charger if you live in a rural or underserved community.
| | | | |
Go Green LaGrange had the pleasure of listening to this Webinar hosted by the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability on Recycling guidelines in Cook County. We hope to share it with any interested participants. Click here if you are interested in hearing more!
| | |
Looking to continue cleaning out your home or business in an environmentally conscious manner? Consider this:
Center for Hard to Recycle Materials
Cook County has partnered with South Suburban College to create the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM Center). This is a permanent recycling drop-off facility available to Cook County residents that helps divert millions of pounds of waste and other hard-to-recycle items from regional landfills and water systems. More information about materials accepted at the CHaRM Center can be found below.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ALN 21.027 awarded to Cook County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Location
15800 State St., South Holland, IL 60473. The drop-off site is located on north side of campus in the overflow parking lot. Enter at traffic signal on State Street.
Hours
- Every Tuesday: 7 a.m. - noon
- Every Thursday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- 2nd Saturday every month: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (TVs accepted during Saturday hours only)
Click here for a more comprehensive list of accepted materials!
| | | | |
Interested in how to turn your parkway into a gardening opportunity!
Two experienced native plant gardeners will give you a virtual guided tour of their stunning parkway gardens and share tips, challenges and successes in turning this challenging area into habitat.Go Green LaGrange had the pleasure of listening to this Webinar hosted by the West Cook Wild Ones. We hope to share it with any interested participants. Click here if you are interested in hearing more!
| | | | | |
Green Infrastructure and Flood Mitigation
“We will have a bigger impact if we think systemically,” Frisbie explains in her one-on-one interview with WBEZ’s Sasha-Ann Simons this week. Spearheading the Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance, Friends and Watershed Alliance members, are pushing for substantial shifts in watershed governance and infrastructural development and maintenance.
The use of nature-based green infrastructure leverages the inherent intelligence and resiliency of nature to develop future-focused strategies for just and sustainable living. Developing tactics for educating local leaders, planning and policy experts, and the public, the Watershed Alliance urges that we think with nature, rather than against it.
Click here to learn more!
| |
Interested in learning more about Composting?
Don't worry if you missed it you can still click here to learn more!
Join Mark Teegen, owner of IFSCC member organization Teegen Compost, and learn about his community garden and backyard compost services. Mark takes trimmings from gardens and shreds them to return the material to an available bin onsite which completes the composting process locally. Mark will highlight the benefits and circularity of a typical compost season for residents and community gardeners, Teegen Compost Style!
| | |
Save the Monarchs, Heres How:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has added migratory monarch butterflies to their list of Threatened Species. This means Monarch butterflies are now in danger of extinction. In fact, 99.9% of the Western monarch butterfly population has disappeared since 1980.
We all can help by planting milkweed which is the monarch caterpillar's only source of food. And since Fall is the best time to plant milkweed, hurry and visit mwrd.org/save-monarchs to take the pledge to receive free milkweed seeds to help save monarchs.
| | |
| |
How to Donate
-
Donate cash or checks at our in-person events.
- Mail checks to:
Go Green LaGrange,
PO Box 11
La Grange, IL 60525
| | | | | | |
