Go Green Wilmette to Host Spring Fling

Courtesy of Go Green Wilmette

At long last there is evidence of spring and Go Green Wilmette is offering several opportunities to experience the wonder of this season.

Guided Bird Walks, Gillson Park, Wilmette, Sundays in May.Beginners and experienced birders of all ages are welcome to join the free bird walks sponsored by Go Green Wilmette and the Wilmette Park District. Meet at the top of the Wallace Bowl near the Lakeview Center.  Don’t forget binoculars and bird books.Guided bird walks on May 5th at 7 & 8 a.m. Group bird walks on May 12, 19 & 26 at 8 a.m. For information see http://www.gogreenwilmette.org/ or contact info@gogreenwilmette.org 

We are in a fortunate position because the Illinois shoreline juts farthest into Lake Michigan at Gillson Park, making this an excellent spot to observe migrant birds and an important place for their survival as they rest and eat on their long journey north every spring. 

You will be doubly rewarded if you can also plan enough time for the flowers or you may want to return again.

Wildflower Garden Tours Sundays in May 9-11 a.m. Gillson Park, Wilmette.

Come see what’s blooming in the Gillson Park Wildflower Garden. Join the Little Garden Club of Wilmette for a tour of the Wildflower Garden and learn about native plants that thrive in our yards and gardens. This is a perfect complement to the early Sunday morning bird walks also scheduled for May 5, 12, 19 & 26. Coffee will be served. Meet at the top of the Wallace Bowl.  

An important word on gas powered leaf blowers. the two-stroke engines (like the ones used on the blowers) are very inefficient and emit an incredible amount of air pollution, kicking up dust, animal feces, herbicides, etc. that people breathe and are particularly harmful to the lungs of young children.  They are also noise pollutants (averaging 90-110 decibels). 

The ban in Wilmette runs from May 15 - September 30.  Homeowners should remind their landscaping service about this, perhaps when they pay their bill at the end of the month.  They may also have to remind the workers who come out with the trucks and actually do the work because the reminder about the ban doesn't always filter down to them. 

If there are landscaping companies who are consistently violating the Village ordinance, residents can call Officer Ted Blumenthal @ 847-853-7521 to report them.  If possible, they should take a picture with the name of the company on the truck and the guy with the blower on his back.  Officer Blumenthal is not always able to get out to the site before the truck leaves.

We all want to breathe cleaner air so be forwarned.