March 31, 2022 Update from the Mayor

March 31, 2022 Update from the Mayor

Upcoming Community Events!

Local Church to Hold Fundraisers to Support Displaced Families in Ukraine on Saturday, April 16 and April 30  

The Evangelical Church of the Holy Trinity is hosting two upcoming food sales to support displaced families in Ukraine.  Below is more information about the events and some photos from a local pastor in Ukraine of displaced families and refugees who have lost their homes.       

Below are some pictures from a local pastor in Ukraine that is working with the refugees and displaced families that have lost their homes. 

Planting Advice from Sag Moraine Native Plant Community

Help Pollinators This Spring! 

At last, the birds are chirping, and spring has sprung. Within days our spring pollinators will be emerging to pollinate our plants and build their nests. Since our pollinators are in a steep decline, they could use our help. Fortunately, that is easy! 

Here are some simple steps to give our pollinators a hand this year. 

  • Wait until late April/early May to cut back last year’s plant stems. Many pollinators overwinter in old stems. 
  • Wait until late April/early May to remove any old leaves from your planting beds. Many pollinators, and other beneficial insects, overwinter in leaf litter. Better yet, let the leaves stay to break down and fertilize your soil. 
  • If possible, refrain from doing your first lawn mow until Mother’s Day. This will help spring emerging insects. It is also healthy for your lawn. 
  • Keep a few dandelions and violets around to help feed our early pollinators. 
  • Eliminate or reduce your use of pesticides. 
  • Use organic fertilizers only. 
  • And, of course, add some native plant species to your spring planting list. 

How to prepare for spring planting now! 

Are you planning to start a native garden this year or expand upon an existing one?  One of the best ways to create room for your garden and double its ecosystem benefits is to remove a section of lawn.  We are not suggesting that all lawn needs to be removed.  People value lawns and they are important for children and pets.  However, they are of no value and, in fact, a drain on our environment.  Removing a small section for a native plant garden would be a win, win! 

Sure, you can dig out the lawn section, but how about an easier method that will also add nutrients to the soil?  This method called sheet mulching is quick, easy, and if you do it soon, your garden space will be ready by May! 

  • Mow your lawn as short as possible and throw the clippings back. 
  • Water thoroughly. 
  • Layer cardboard over the area.  Be sure to overlap as we want to prevent all sun from getting through to prevent photosynthesis.  (Remove all tape and staples.)  
  • Wet the cardboard until it is soggy. 
  • Layer 4 to 6 inches of dirt, compost, or mulch over the cardboard. 

Let sit for 6 to 8 weeks.  By that time the grass will have died back, and earthworms and other composting insects will have broken down much of the organic matter leaving a nutrient rich planting bed.  Come on out to our native plant sale on June 4, 2022, at Moraine Valley Community College https://sagmoraine.org/sag-moraine-spring-native-plant-sale-2022/  or visit another local spring native plant sale.  Happy planting! 

The Great Escape

https://twitter.com/i/status/1509508654365564936

Jurassic Bark

https://twitter.com/i/status/1509372412176973827

Greetings from Laguna Beach

https://twitter.com/i/status/1509157443523203075

Have a great weekend!

Mayor Mike