Bees, mosquitoes lead CFC Winter Program Series

Bees, trees, and mosquitoes. Citizens for Conservation's Community Education Committee speakers will discuss all three subjects - along with plant conservation - in its winter program series, beginning Saturday, Jan. 9.

"Native Bees in the Garden," the first program, will feature Adrian Fisher, sustainability coordinator at Triton College. She will discuss how to create a garden that functions as an ecosystem for native bee species. Most people recognize the nonnative honeybee, but few are familiar with the many species of native bees, our finest, most efficient pollinators. Learn how to create a garden for native bees like bumblebees, mason bees, and sweat bees. The program will include Fisher's stunning bee photographs.

Other upcoming programs in the series include:

"Mosquito Abatement," Saturday, Feb. 6. Ruth Kerzee, executive director of Midwest Pesticide Action Center, will describe the detrimental effects of mosquito fogging and discuss alternative controls.

"A Wealth of Possibilities for Native Shade Gardens," Saturday, March 5. Peggy Simonsen, chair of the Community Education Committee, will discuss native shade plants for all seasons. "Plant Conservation in a Changing World," Saturday, April 9. Learn which plants may adapt to climate change and which may go extinct locally or globally. Featured speaker will be Dr. Kay Havens, director of the division of Plant Science and Conservation, Chicago Botanic Garden.

Programs begin at 10 a.m.; come for coffee, conversation and handouts at 9:30 a.m. All programs will be held at Barrington Village Hall, 200 S. Hough St., Barrington. Parking is available in the lot behind the building. Program is free for CFC members; $10 for nonmembers.

Please RSVP to (847) 382-7283 or to communityed@citizensforconservation.org. Provide your name, phone number an the program name.

Citizens for Conservation will continue its winter schedule of volunteer workdays through March. Volunteers cut winter brush on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. Experienced and new volunteers of all ages are always welcome.

Meet at CFC's office, 459 W. Highway 22, Lake Barrington, across from Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. Bring work gloves, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

For information, call CFC at (847) 382-7283 or visit its website at www.citizensforconservation.org.

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