Learn about caring for environment at Schaumburg library fair
If you're awed by the golden hues of autumn, the mysteries of the sea or the dramatic beauty of snowcapped mountains, then you care, at some level, about our environment. Discover ways to respect it, enjoy it and protect it at the upcoming Environmental Fair, co-sponsored by the Schaumburg Township District Library and the village of Schaumburg Environmental Committee. The fair will take place from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 14, in the lobby and other areas of the library's central location, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.
A fun and informative variety of events and workshops will take place throughout the day. Be sure to register for any of the programs in the Rasmussen Rooms. Up first will be "Rain as a Resource," from noon-12:45 p.m. in Rasmussen North. Come and learn how to use rain barrels and create rain gardens and bio-swales that can transform a ditch into a flower bed. Attendees will receive a plant guide to help them create a sustainable and beautiful landscape.
During that same time period, you can choose instead to attend "Invite Nature to Your Yard" in Rasmussen South. Design and transform your suburban landscape to give birds and bees what they need to flourish. Attendees will receive a free native plant guide, and learn how to get a yard assessment to help accomplish the transformation.
At 1:30 p.m., Executive Chef Angela from Schaumburg's Seasons 52 Restaurant will present "From Farm-to-Table: Organic Cooking Demo," in Rasmussen North. She will demonstrate cooking with seasonal, organic foods. During this program, participants will get a peek at the list of vendors and entertainers coming to the 2016 farmers market on Fridays in Schaumburg's Town Square.
Want to build a home for some wild things? Sign up for "Build a Birdhouse," which will take place from 2:15-3 p.m. in Rasmussen South. This little home will attract wrens, which will serenade you with songs and eat plenty of pesky insects. Eagle Scout candidate Anthony Restivo will lead this program and provide guidance. Materials will be provided and no tools are needed. Children age 12 and younger should be accompanied by an adult. Register one person per birdhouse. Space is limited.
Throughout the lobby, various community organizations will host tables at which you can learn more their missions and activities, pick up handouts, and even see demonstrations and photos. In the north parking lot, Habitat for Humanity's Restore Collection will accept your unwanted home improvement items. Please donate only items which are truly reusable. A list of acceptable items is available at the Central Library's Reception Desk and on the organizations website at habitatnfv.org (click on "Donate"). In that same parking lot, Recycling Avenue will collect small electronics for repurposing. The list of acceptable items is available at the Central Library's Reception Desk. Televisions and CRT monitors will not be accepted. While in the parking lot, be sure to explore the solar home developed by the Illinois Solar Energy Association.
Children are invited to the Craft Room for "kidsZone Recycled Crafts" throughout the duration of the fair. Previously used crafts and other supplies will be available for making projects. No registration is required.
If you enjoy nature, biking, gardening, hiking, photography, boating, or anything that involves our natural world, come to the Environmental Fair on May 14. All ages welcome!