Summer camp seems far away, but Camp CBG registration is open early this year. Discover what makes these camps unique, with 75% of the time spent outdoors learning about the natural world. New this year are two-week camps for 6-9 year olds. Learn more at http://www.chicagobotanic.org/camp/summercamp.

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This summer, 40 middle school students and 20 high school students were immersed in the world of science at the Chicago Botanic Garden. They learned from classroom experiences, working side-by-side with Garden experts, and from being surrounded in nature for the summer. The Garden is committed to preparing the next generation for careers in science through Science First and College First and the science careers continuum. Visit http://www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/sciencefirst for more information on Science First and also http://www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/collegefirst for more information on College First.

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Ecologically friendly gardening isn’t as tough a commitment as you might think. In fact, you won’t just be saving the planet, you’ll be saving time and money. Watch Eliza Fournier’s video for tips on how easy it can be or read on for the highlights.
1.) Repurpose packing materials by filling the bottoms of large pots with leftover styrofoam and packing peanuts. You’ll reduce the amount of potting soil needed, and make your pots lighter and easier to move around. 2.) Replace chemical herbicides with a natural mix. Boil 1 gallon of white vinegar with 1 cup of table salt, then cool. Add 2 or 3 drops of liquid dish detergent and pour into a sprayer. 3.) Reuse! Instead of buying cheap tools every year, consider investing in quality tools and maintaining them properly. Your tool-sharpening kit should include WD-40, a rasp, coarse sandpaper, and a clamp. 4.) Recycle garden pots at garden centers or at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s World Environment Day on June 4, 2011. 5.) Reinvent your garden to include native plants and organic vegetables. Native plants attract pollinators to make your veggies more productive. Natives are also low-maintenance. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org for more information.

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Children ages 2-4 learn about nature with their caregivers at the Little Diggers programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden. See what the kids get to do in this video. Registration is open now for 2011 programs. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/littlediggers for more information.
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Richard Hawke, plant evaluation manager, gives us an update on the Green Roof Garden one year after the opening of the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. The Ellis Goodman Family Foundation Green Roof Garden South features regional and national native plants, many of which are not currently used as rooftop plants; the Josephine P. & John J. Louis Foundation Green Roof Garden North features a mix of plants known as good green roof plants, plus native and exotic plants that have potential for green roof use. Visit for more information.
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Jennifer Schwarz Ballard explains how anyone can help scientists track climate change by getting out and observing plants. We want people all around the United States to periodically observe the plants around you and contribute data to Project BudBurst. For more information on Project BudBurst, visit www.BudBurst.org.
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Dr. Jim Ault, plant breeder at the Chicago Botanic Garden, explains how he created four new Baptisia hybrids. Dr. Ault selects the most interesting plants from his breeding program and introduces them to the trade through Chicagoland Grows. Visit www.chicagolandgrows.org for more information on these hybrids and other plants Dr. Ault has created.

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Chicago Botanic Garden camp instructor Aimee Frank discusses the fun and adventures kids experience during Spring Break Camp and Camp CBG. During Spring Break Camp (March 29-April 2) children ages 5-8 discover bulbs, look for birds and other wildlife, and learn about all aspects of nature at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Starting in mid-June, children start Camp CBG which provides exciting outdoor learning opportunities for kids ages 2-15.

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This fall a group of local first graders toured the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. Associate scientist, Pati Vitt, gave them a tour of the seed bank and answered their questions about plant science.

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Bob Kirschner tells us how the Rainwater Glen that surrounds the Plant Science Center functions to preserve water quality at the Garden.

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