School might be taking a summer vacation, but we are not. ME4E has already led events for summer reading programs at libraries and is getting ready for activities with camps and youth groups. It's not too late to schedule us for summer school enrichment or other programs. Only a few dates are available, so contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
If you are looking for some fun community programs, we have many to choose from in the
Chicagoland area. Visit our Facebook page for a list of locations, activities, ages, how to register and cost. Most are FREE so make sure to check them out. We are offering programs for young tots to senior citizens. Make sure to “like” us when on Facebook. ME4E posts daily with tips, program reminders, grants, activities and more. If you prefer Twitter, no problem! We post our updates there too. Just “follow” us. Either way you can stay in the green with ME4E.
Teal Tidings - MAY 2010
Did you know ME4E has led STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs since it's conception over three years ago? STEM education has received a lot of attention
in recent years. The federal government has appropriated around $3 billion annually for STEM support. Many teachers have to facilitate classes in subjects that they did NOT major or minor in college. Our staff has the education and experience to help. If you desire to make your STEM programs a little greener or just would like to try a new approach to the typical field trip contact ME4E.
Even though April has Earth Day & Arbor Day, May is one of our busiest months of the school year. The weather is usually warmer, testing is done for the year, spring breaks are over and who wouldn't want to get outside to have fun while learning? Several new groups will utilizing our services this month. Thanks to the new Wetland Discovery Center, we have an wonderful indoor lab to enhance our outdoor programs.
If you like ME4E let us know on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. We share grants, activities and list green events daily. You can even view photos of our programs. Have a nature or environmental related question, just ask! ME4E has access to numerous resources that we are happy to share with you. After you join us, get outside and enjoy the nature in your community!
Teal Tidings - April 2010
Happy 40th Earth Day! 20 million people participated in the first Earth Day and this year it is expected that billions will. How will you celebrate? There are many community events, workshops and service projects, but you can also make it a private event. Any activity that helps reduce your impact on the environment will do. Make a toad house, walk to the store, plant native flowers or fix a leaky faucet. Challenge yourself to make Earth Day everyday by making Earth-friendly choices in your daily life.
ME4E had their first program in the Wetland Discovery Center in Park Forest, IL. After participants made plaster casts of tracks and played a unique bingo game, everyone went outside on that snowy day to find actual footprints. With their newly acquired knowledge, participants were able to identify all the tracks they found. Additional programs will be offered in the Wetland Discovery Center throughout the year. Become a Fan of ME4E on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get notified of upcoming programs.
Celebrate Earth Day, Every Day!
Teal Tidings - March 2010
Spring officially starts March 20th. As the cold weather starts to break, get outside to experience nature at its finest. Help track light pollution with GLOBE at Night on March 3-16, test water for World Water Monitoring Day starting March 22, look for tree’s opening their buds with Project BudBurst or join us at one of our community programs!
Looking to do your own thing? Start some seeds, go on a hike, put out a bird feeder, geocache or watch a sunset. There are so many websites, blogs, groups and enewsletters with ideas. Now you can use your favorite search engine to help you explore the outdoors.
If you can’t get out, then participate in Earth Hour at 8:30pm on March 27. Turn off all non-essential electrical items for 60 minutes. This is a symbolic calling for action on climate change. You could also use this hour for some quality family time.
To all our teachers and students in Illinois, Good Luck with ISAT! We know you have been working very hard all year and have seen improvement during our February visits. ME4E knows retaining information occurs when information is repeated, taught in a variety of ways and understood outside the classroom. Best wishes again for all!
Thorn Creek Audubon Society Newsletter - January/February 2010
Teal Tidings - February 2010
Whether we have six more weeks of winter or not, we LOVE nature. It gives us clean air, water, food and shelter. Our environment can also impact our mental and physical health. Being out in nature can lessen stress, anxiety and tension.
You also may have many volunteer opportunities in your area for clean ups, restoration and community service. Contact us if you live in Will or Cook County for upcoming scheduled dates.
We are excited about the new Wetland Discovery Center in Park Forest, IL. On Feb. 18th ME4E will be leading an ISAT focused astronomy program called Just Look Up. Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page for details. This will be the FIRST of many programs ME4E will be offered in the WDC. When you become a fan of ME4E on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, you will receive updates for community programs, grants opportunities and other “green” news.
Teal Tidings - January 2010
Happy New Year! As we start 2010, ME4E is excited about all the new possibilities that are in our sights. We have been told that the windows and floor are almost complete in a new environmental classroom. If construction stays on schedule, make sure to check it out on February 18th for an ISAT focused Astronomy program. Visit our Facebook events
page for more details.
We also have started talks with several organizations about partnering for future programs. Once plans are finalized, we will be making the announcements on our website so check back often. If you prefer to have our updates sent to you, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
Of course we cannot forget our past. ME4E is grateful to all our supporters over the years. An individual can make a difference, but when people work together the effects are exponentially compounded. Thank you for your positive feedback and your desire to incorporate our environment into daily life.
Teal Tidings - December 2009
No matter what you celebrate, we hope you are able to enjoy the wonders of nature this winter. Dec 21st is the Winter Solstice. Since we will be experiencing almost 15 hours of darkness, get out and view some winter constellations.
All month long you can check out Jupiter
and on December 14th you can view the Germinid meteor shower. The moon will be full on both the 2nd & 31st, perfect time to view its craters and seas. For additional astronomical information, check out Sky Maps. You can print out a map of the night sky that is great for all sky watchers especially newcomers to Astronomy. Each month a new map is available.
We are also excited about the new educational classroom being constructed in the Aqua Center. Students visiting the Central Park Wetland in Park Forest, IL will now have access to an indoor lab too. More details will be available in future Teal Tidings. An astronomy program is currently scheduled there on February 18th 2010. Let’s hope they stay on schedule!
Large windows will be on both exterior walls.
Teal Tidings - November 2009
Well the deciduous trees have lost their leaves and the temperatures have been a little chilly, but there is still one constant reminder of autumn lurking outside and in our homes…the ladybug. We have been receiving a lot of questions and comments about this notorious critter lately, so here is a little information we would like to pass along.
Ladybugs serve a useful purpose by devouring aphids on plants during both adult and larva stages. There are around 450 species in North America and about 5000 species worldwide. In Japan, the multicolored Asian Lady Beetle cluster on high cliffs and in caves, but since their arrival to North America, our homes become a hibernation substitute. Our native ladybugs will hibernate in leaf litter so the chances of
seeing them in your home are rare.
Also, many native species including the nine-spotted, two-spotted and transverse ladybugs have declined dramatically in the last decade. A captive native ladybug program was stated in New York to try to understand the decline. Unfortunately, other useful insects like bees are also majorly declining.
The Asian Ladybug is attracted to light colored homes, especially older homes since more heat escapes due to lack of insulation. They hibernate in groups, so if you see one, the chances are they are more. Most ladybugs will die in your home because they need more humidity then many houses have. They also release pheromones, that last for years, so current and future generations to find a good hibernating location. If squashed the lady beetles may stain fabric and painted surfaces and their blood has a unique odor, so it is better to vacuum them or just catch and release back outside. They have been known to occasionally “bite” but they are actually drinking perspiration so they do not dehydrate.
In most cultures, a Ladybug is considered lucky and killing one is said to bring sadness and misfortune. People in Switzerland told their young children that they were brought to them, as babies, by Ladybugs. In the 1800's, some doctors used Ladybugs to treat measles and others mashed ladybugs to put them into a cavity. They said the insects would stop a toothache, but please do not try this! In some folklore, if you catch a Ladybug in your home and count the number of spots, that is how many dollars you'll soon find. Anyway you put it, ladybugs are a well-know across the world and now hopefully you understand them a little better.
Don’t forget to check out our upcoming public events on our Facebook page. We would love to see you soon. If you would like us to come to your town, let us know! ME4E would be happy to contact your library, park district, school, scout group, etc. to inform them how much we have to offer.
Ladybugs can be found world wide.
Teal Tidings - October 2009
It officially feels like autumn. The leaves are starting to change and the wildlife is preparing for winter. This is a great time to view the natural beauty in your community so get out and enjoy the nature in your own backyard.
Last month we tested water for World Water Monitoring Day and National Public Lands Day with students from Prairie State
College, School District 162 and School District 163. Thanks to all who helped with this day of special programming, especially the staff of the Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department. We also want to congratulate all the individuals who completed the Walk the Wetlands 5K.
Pictures, videos and upcoming events can be found on our Facebook page. We also have links to some great articles on our In the News page.
Enjoy the colors of fall
Teal Tidings - September 2009
Welcome to a new school-year! The weather has been very fall like and we are excited to work with so many great new and returning groups this autumn. Several new sites are in the works, so check back for updates. Whether you will be celebrating National Blueberry Popsicle Month or Honey Month this September, make sure to thank nature for all of its sweet treats.
Results from water tests will be sent to WWMD
Get outside and be healthy on Labor Day, Monday, September 7th! We will be at the Walk the Wetlands 5K event in Park Forest, so stop by and say hello. Want to give back? On Thursday, September 24th ME4E will celebrate National Public Lands Day. Water quality testing, clean ups and more are planned for the afternoon. Please RSVP so we have enough supplies for everyone! Make sure to check out our Facebook page for pictures, updates and additional public events.
School will be back in session soon. Don’t forget to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are riding a bike, looking for wildlife or just hanging with friends, the open spaces in your community are the perfect setting.
If you are looking for a fun FREE outdoor activity, check out our Walk the Wetlands Training on
Saturday, August 22 at 9 am. We will start by the Aqua Center at 30 N. Orchard in Park Forest, IL. We will be hiking the entire perimeter of the Central Park Wetlands (2.5K) and you can ask the ME4E staff questions about what you see. Small activities will take place around the wetland too. Dress for the weather and all ages are welcome. Please register by clicking HERE!
You can also use this morning to prepare for the 5K Walk the Wetlands on Monday, Sept. 7th.
Fall is a busy time for ME4E. Make sure to contact us early when scheduling a program so you can get your first choice in dates and times. If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter you will receive regular updates and have access to pictures and public events. Check us out today!
Teal Tidings - July 2009
July is National Recreation and Parks Month. It is a time for you and your family to get outside and enjoy the sunshine by visiting a local park! Participate in a quality leisure activity like biking or hiking. Maybe help out at a scheduled workday. We have lots of ideas for folks who want to visit a natural spot in their community, but not sure what to do when there. Contact us for suggestions!
Congratulations are in order for several students whose design won the “Art on a Rain Barrel” contest. They will be painting it on a rain barrel at Navy Pier on Saturday, September 19th from 9am till noon. Their painted barrel will then be judged at 12:30 and awards given out at 1pm. Once dry, the barrel will be used at their school to collect water for their schoolyard native garden. We can’t wait to see their design become a reality.
We have several public events occurring this summer. ME4E will be at libraries, the Chicago Botanic Gardens and local naturalized areas. Check out our Facebook page for dates, times and locations. Pre-registration is required for most programs so make sure you contact the event sponsor.
There are many trails and natural areas. Check one out today!
Teal Tidings - June 2009
Summer is upon us. Did you know June is “Leave No Child Inside" month in the State of Illinois and nationally it is “Great Outdoors” month? Make sure to get outside and explore your community’s natural areas. Also, many libraries are using the “Read on the Wild Side” theme for their summer reading program. Check out a book about nature and read it outside! This is just one of many ways you can reverse nature deficit disorder by reconnecting with the outdoors.
ME4E will be leading programs for summer schools, libraries, daycares and park districts this summer. If you are looking for educational and fun programs for your group, contact us today. To see pictures, get updates and learn about public programs follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. You can see past Tweets at the bottom of this page.
Front page of the Southtown Star Neighborhood Edition 6-4-09! Click to enlarge
Teal Tidings - May 2009
April was a busy month and May will continute that trend. To see more about ME4E happenings check out our In the News link to the left if this artical.
This month we wanted to show off some of the pictures students have taken at the wetland with our digital microscope. They did a great job! Additional program photos can be found on our Facebook page. Become a fan today!
We only have a few more ME4E T-shirts left. The back of the shirt has a tree frog and the words “be green celebrate earth day”, while the front-left chest has the ME4E logo. Available in adult sizes small, medium and large. Only $10 each! Please contact us if you would like to place an order.
Teal Tidings - April 2009
April is a special month for all of us at ME4E. Hopefully you know that Earth Day is on the 22nd, Arbor Day is April 24th and maybe you are aware that National EE week is from the 12th -18th. Many wonderful nature discoveries will be taking place in both indoors and out during this entire month. Photos will be posted on our Facebook page regularly so become a fan today. If twitter is more your speed, follow us for instant updates.
We have had several inquires for ME4E T-shirts and now we can fulfill your requests. The back of the shirt has a tree frog and the words “be green celebrate earth day”, while the front-left chest
The back of our shirts
has the ME4E logo. Limited quantities of shirts are available in adult sizes small, medium and large. Only $10 each! Please contact us if you would like to place an order.
Schedule your summer enrichment programs now! ME4E is a perfect match for many of the public libraries’ summer reading theme. View our flyer to see what ME4E has to offer. Remember we customize all our programs to meet the needs of our partners. Summer camps and schools can also benifit from our services. Our knowledge and resources are available to make your program unique and successful.
Teal Tidings - March 2009
March is upon us and teachers around the state know what that means. Good luck to all your students! We hope our S.M.A.R.T. program helped them prepare. Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. If you would like to share more suggestions or comments about this or any other ME4E program, please contact us. We can be called, emailed, blogged, Facebooked, faxed and even Twittered! We want to be easily accessible, so pick the format that is best for you.
Rumor has it that Spring is just around the corner. ME4E is looking forward to getting outdoors again and discovering all the wonders that nature offers with you. We have a very packed schedule, but
would love to work with your group. Please contact us at your earliest convenience to confirm a date on our schedule. Don't miss out on having fun while learning!
We also have been getting a lot of interest in our summer reading enrichment programs. ME4E is a perfect match for many of the public libraries’ summer reading theme. View our flyer to see what ME4E has to offer. Remember we customize all our programs to meet the needs of our partners. Our knowledge and resources are available to make your program unique and successful.
Click to enlarge
Teal Tidings - February 2009
Don't forget to participate in the 2009 Great Backyard Bird Count! On February 13-16 look outside (from a window is fine) and count the birds you see visiting your community. Their website has games, data sheets and information that will help participants learn about our winter feathered friends.
Did you know ME4E is now on Facebook? Get our public program event schedule, candid photos, updates and more. We would love for you to become a fan! It is another way our supporters can interact with us year-round. Visit our page today by clicking on the Facebook logo. We look forward to hearing from you!!!
Become a fan TODAY.
Teal Tidings - January 2009
Looking for some fun this winter, but want to stay warm? Participate in the 2009 Great Backyard Bird Count! On February 13-16 look outside (from a window is fine) and count the birds you see visiting your community. Their website has games, data sheets and information that will help participants learn about our winter feathered friends.
Mark your calendar! On Saturday February 7, 2009 ME4E will be presenting at the Wild Things Conference at the U of I at Chicago. From 3-3:30 we will be on a panel discussing how we create successful community partnerships and at 3:45 play with our “toys” to get a closer view of our natural world. For conference registration and schedule information click on their ad.
Come, Learn, Enjoy!
Teal Tidings - December 2008
Did you know the Earth is actually nearer the sun in January than it is in June -- by three million miles? This is irrelevant to our planet’s seasons. The Earth leans slightly on its axis like a spinning top and this tilt makes the sun’s rays shine unevenly across its surface. Winter solstice, December 21, is when our hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun. The shortest amount of daylight occurs and the sun has its lowest arc in the sky.
Many cultures around the world perform solstice ceremonies. In Europe many people feed wildlife. Fill a bird feeder, string some cereal or put out some dried corn. Your backyard wildlife will be grateful.
December is also when ME4E is begins its S.M.A.R.T. workshops. We come to classrooms and help the students prepare for their March state tests. Hands-on activities with an environmental theme cover math, reading and science skills. Students work in small teams so that collaboration is also part of the program. A post-evaluation can be requested so that teachers can focus future skill reviews on areas that may need additional assistance. Contact us today to schedule your workshop.
Teal Tidings - November 2008
November can’t be beat for both outdoor field trips and in-class programs. We are looking forward to seeing last year’s 4th graders who helped adopt the Central Park Wetlands (CPW) kiosk. They will be updating the CPW kiosk with photos, stories and drawings so make sure you check it out.
Our study-buddies at Arcadia will investigate quadrats at a local community woodland and the CPW. After a teacher workshop with ME4E, our buddies then get to compare their schoolyard quadrat to the one from their trip. We can’t wait to hear their results.
Let us not forget our community programs. Look for us at the Crete Library for an Animal Track program on Saturday the 8th, every Tuesday night for Nature P.J. Story Time at Green Hills Library and the TogetherGreen Volunteer Day at Bartel Grassland on November 22nd. These are all great opportunities to learn about our environment and the wonderful critters in it.
Southtown Star - November 2, 2008
Teal Tidings - October 2008
October is a busy month for ME4E. We are leading programs at Bartel Grasslands, Flossmoor Library, Izaak Walton, Crete Library, Schoolyard Habitats, and Central Park Wetlands.
Topics include monarch migration, how wetlands help humans, abiotic & biotic quadrat study, life cycle of butterflies, bluebird conservation, the water cycle, bird beak adaptation, rock cycle, restoration, GPS studies and wetland ecology. Our calendar is filling up quickly, so email us soon to schedule your program.
Make sure you visit us at the South Suburban Earth Science Club's Annual Fossil, Gem & Mineral Show on Saturday, October 18th at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights. We will be helping anyone especially Girl, Boy & Cub Scouts with learning about geology. ME4E staff is Merit Badge certified in Geology too, so bring your blue card!
Students looking at seeds
Teal Tidings - September 2008
ME4E would like to congratulate all the participants in the Central Park Wetlands (CPW) 5K walk. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed seeing so many of you getting healthy with nature. We hoped you had fun and will continue to walk around CPW throughout the year.
So far ME4E has scheduled over 25 classrooms to visit CPW during the 2008-2009 school year. Topics include monarch migration, how wetlands help humans, life cycle of butterflies, bluebird conservation, the water cycle, wetland biotic identification, restoration, GPS studies and wetland ecology. Our calendar is filling up quickly, so email us soon to schedule your program.
Don’t forget we also lead programs at several other habitats including prairie and woodlands. If you are unable to travel, ME4E is happy to come to you. We can utilize your schoolyard as an outdoor classroom or lead activities inside. The possibilities are endless and we look forward to hearing from you.
Teal Tidings - August 2008
Wow! ME4E has been online for over a year and looking back in our archives what a year it has been. Thanks to the Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Gardens for putting on a wonderful event. We had a great time on July 26 & 27 leading our three different programs that were specifically designed with the club’s philosophy in mind.
If you missed us there or if you are looking for some additional family fun before school starts, ME4E will be at several other events. Come check us out. We would love to see you there.
On Saturday, August 9, we will be at the Grand Opening of Whalon Lake in
Naperville, IL. You can find us in the Green Team Tent from 10 am – 3 pm. Activities include a Fishing-for-Trash game, discovering microscopic critters in the lake then emailing yourself a picture of them and creating paper pots for planting seeds in. More information about the event can be found on the FPDWC website.
The Park Forest Scenic 5 and More will be held on September 1. ME4E will have our event tent out there so make sure to look for us! Location and activities are still being determined so check back here soon for updates. For details about the full day of events happening in Park Forest visit the Village's website.
A water boatman is a special treat to see under a microscope
Teal Tidings - June 2008
We recently received letters from one of the classes we worked with this spring. Click on any of the thumbnails to better view the letter.
ME4E had a great 2007-2008 and have already started to book for the 2008-2009 school-year. If you are interested in having ME4E enhance your curriculum do not hesitate in contacting us. We would love to hear from you. You deserve to get your needs met during a program instead of trying to fit “their program” into your group’s goals and objectives.
Make sure to check out our summer enrichment camps! There are opportunities for students entering grades 1 through 7 and no matter where you live everyone gets the same low rate. These programs were designed just for the summer so whether you have experienced ME4E’s quality programs before or you would like to try something new, we would love to see you there.
Descriptions of each week are available on the Village of Park Forest website under camps . To register either call 708-748-2005 or print out the registration form and mail it in. Space is limited!
Teal Tidings - May 2008
We just completed our second event for the Fitness @ the Library program with School District 162. It was funded by a LSTA grant. The goal was to provide information during fitness activities. ME4E created two different days of interactive and informational stations along Old Plank Trail. Students from the middle school were also trained to lead the 20 different stations. Over 350 students, family members and community supporters participated in the educational walks.
Summer is just around the corner and we have partnered with the Village of Park Forest to offer summer enrichment camps! These can be taken “a la cart” or in conjunction with the village’s traditional camps. There are opportunities for students entering grades 1 through 7 and no matter where you live everyone gets the same low rate. These programs were designed just for the summer so whether you have experienced ME4E’s quality programs before or you would like to try something new, we would love to see you there.
Descriptions of each week are available on the Village of Park Forest website under camps . To register either call 708-748-2005 or print out the registration form and mail it in. Space is limited!
Teal Tidings -- April 2008
We knew ME4E was a starting point for many of our clients to enhance their curriculum with environmental studies, however just in the past year several of them have taken the next step on their own. This month’s article is to highlight a few of their accomplishments.
School District 162 has a new podcast page that teachers are able to show off their students’ videos. Ms. Godin’s 4th grade class of Indiana School in Park Forest, IL created two videos. One is about wetlands and the other is on vandalism. Both were created after ME4E led several student workshops at Central Park Wetlands and in their classroom.
We look forward to working with them again this spring. Rehabbing and posting information on a kiosk at the Central Park Wetlands will be their major focus.
The Village of Park Forest has been a wonderful community partner to work with. They assisted with erecting bat houses that 5th graders from School District 163 built as well as offering indoor space when the weather has not cooperated. Every summer they offer traditional day camps and this year they have asked ME4E to provide summer enrichment camps. They can be taken as a stand-alone camp or as an
addition offering during the regular day camp program.
We are excited to offer unique and fun programs and appreciate Park Forest’s “go green” attitude.
If you are looking to start something “green” visit us at the NWI Earth Day Event on April 19th or email us today. Summer and ‘08-‘09 school year scheduling are already taking place. Don’t let your group miss the opportunity to environmentally enhance their activities!
Teal Tidings - March 2008
Trying to go green? ME4E has been able to assist groups with Earth Day programs, schoolyard habitats, recycling events and more. We have even partnered with an ink cartridge recycling company so funds raised by groups will be credited to future ME4E services.
With ME4E, our youth are becoming environmental stewards of Chicago’s south suburbs. They are more aware and interested in animal
and plant populations. They also are studying biodiversity, participating in restoration and learning about our area’s critically important habitats.
Visit us at the NW Indiana Earth Day on April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We will have a table set up at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, which is in Valparaiso at the corner of Hwy 6 and Meridian. There will be workshops, hikes, food, children’s tent, eco-friendly vendors and more. Make sure to stop by and say Hi.
Give our Earth a hand or two this Earth Day!
Southtown Star - March 4, 2008
Teal Tidings - Jan 2008
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friendships and community partnerships that we created in 2007. From schoolyard rain gardens to traveling through time at Izaak Walton, ME4E has offered a diverse range of programs to a mixture of schools, libraries, and youth groups.
Looking forward to 2008, ME4E will be offering video field trips, after-school programs, restoration projects and more. If you would like to know how to partner with ME4E to enhance your program, contact us today!
Thorn Creek Audubon Society Newsletter - January/February 2008
Teal Tidings - December 2007
Thousands of people across the globe will be participating in bird counts this winter. ME4E wanted to share these wonderful opportunities that collect actual data that scientists will use; as well as allowing you to be part of something that connects people worldwide.
January 5, 2008 is the Thorn Creek Audubon Society’s day to count birds for the Christmas Bird Count. If your home is inside the boundary, then you can report the birds that visit your feeder to Dory Grosche. If not, join a group of birdwatchers in the field by contacting Al Thomas.
Never been on a CBC before and you want to participate in a count this year? Visit the Audubon’s website for more information and make sure to contact the appropriate contact prior to January 1.
The 11th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is February 15-18, 2008. This fun event that takes as little as 15 minutes, and anyone can participate. It’s a great activity for kids, families, and adults of any age. Beginners and experts alike are welcome. All you have to do is count birds at your favorite location for at least 15 minutes during the count. You enter your tallies on the GBBC web site. Then you’ll be able to see your results, as well as what others are reporting from around the United States and Canada as the count progresses. Visit the GBBC website for more information.
Reading about birds in the winter time can be and outdoor adventure!
ME4E has created “Buddies 4 Bats”, a district-wide initiative with all 5th and 2nd graders in School District 163. After several meetings with the district’s Science Depot, ME4E formed a solid community partnership between the Thorn Creek Audubon Society (TCAS), the Village of Park Forest and District 163.
The Science Depot will be teaching 2nd graders about native bats in November while ME4E will prepare the 5th grade students. Members of TCAS built 8 bat houses for the 5th graders to assemble and decorate during the month of December. Placing the bat houses will be at the Central
Park Wetland with assistance from the Village of Park Forest.
Over the next several months, each 5th grade class will be researching about Illinois' bats. Their behaviors, feeding habits and lifestyles will be written and illustrated in a book for a 2nd grade class. Special needs students will be designing their own bat houses to compare with the Audubon design. In spring, ME4E will lead field trips to the wetlands to bring the entire project full circle.
Don’t let your school or community miss out on fun learning experiences! When we partner with you and your local organizations, almost anything is achievable. View our showcase page to see additional projects. Contact ME4E to discover a new world of program possibilities.
A typical bat house
Thorn Creek Audubon Society Newsletter - November/December 2007
Teal Tidings - October 2007
ME4E would like to thank Dick Riner (Bartel Steward), John Elliot (FPDCC Education Manager), the local Conservation Officers, Jim Wagner (FPDCC Volunteer Services), Ron Wegrzyn (Suburban Aero Club of Chicago) and School District 163 for the wonderful programs that occurred in early October.
Over 200 2nd graders, their teachers and parents were special guests at Bartel Grasslands in Matteson, IL. Students learned what animals make Bartel home with games, hikes,
self-discovery and journaling. Classification and adaptation were the main themes of the day.
We were very fortunate with having almost perfect weather. Even the local model airplane group gave the students an air show during lunch.
If your group is looking for a unique outdoor learning experience, contact ME4E. We partner with many local organizations to bring you a diverse series of activities that will complement your current curriculum.
Students taking a closer look at what lives in a grassland.
Teal Tidings - September 2007
Have you heard of Learn and Serve America? Schools and community organizations try for Learn and Serve grants to help them expand high-quality service-learning initiatives.
Service-learning is a method of learning and teaching that connects classroom lessons with meaningful service to the community.
Building academic skills while strengthening communities through service is the main goal. Increasing student engagement, developing civic skills, improving academic achievement and building stronger communities are just a few of its benefits.
ME4E has been privileged to assist
with providing curriculum, teacher workshops and programs for grantees. We ensure that the service that students perform has a strong connection to the curriculum they are already studying and that there are clear and specific learning objectives. Customized journals for the students to analyze and think critically about their service have also been created for some clients.
If you have received funding and are looking for a proven and reliable organization to assist in completing your grant requirements, contact ME4E via email today. We would love to meet and discuss your project’s needs.
Teachers learning vocabulary with the student journals.
Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve Newsletter - August 2007
Teal Tidings - August 2007
We would just like to thank the Cactus and Succulent Society of Greater Chicago (CSSGC) and the Chicago Botanic Gardens (CBG) for putting on a wonderful event .
ME4E was sponsored by the CSSGC to offer activities for children during their 20th Annual Plant Show and Sale. Three different programs were specifically designed with the club’s philosophy in mind.
Both staff of the CBG and members of the CSSGC requested our services for future events. “It was fun to watch the kids get excited about cacti,” stated the CSSGC president.
If your group is looking for fun, hands-on and educational programs please email us with your request. Customization is our specialty and we will work with you in order to provide the best activities that meet your needs.
This family is making their own prickly pear cacti
