The Earth Day ~ Arbor Day Celebration was held from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the historic Konow Farm, 16849 S. Cedar Road and will include speakers, demonstrations, exhibits, food and more for all ages.
Children were able to meet "H.G. the Talking Tree," while Jim Nesci will entertain with his "Cold Blooded Creatures" including "Bubba" the alligator. Big Run Wolf Ranch entertained with a wildlife education presentation introducing Wilson the groundhog, Kirby the skunk, Shorty the raccoon, and Chenoa the grey wolf. Konow's farm animal friends joined in on the fun, too, and Pilcher Park Nature Center volunteers will offer information about the live snakes and turtles. Prairie State Nature Programs featured a live barn owl and talked about the endangered American Barn Owl.
Boy Scout Troop 63 exhibited camping techniques that "Leave No Trace Behind." Brian Skrabutenas of Homer Township demonstrated his blacksmith skills and personalized horse shoes for the visitors.
Children were able to participate in the u-pick your own veggies from the Lauffer Growers traveling vegetable rows. The whole family enjoyed a ride around the farm on a hay wagon.
Landscape, yard care and safe cleaning methods were featured. The Morton Arboretum shared information on energy efficient landscaping, tree selection, and the benefits of trees. Will County Master Gardeners
were on hand to answer your gardening questions. The latest techniques regarding orchids
were demonstrated by the company called Anything Orchids who brought a variety of orchids they grow.
Demonstrations and exhibits pertaining to energy efficient lighting,
geothermal, wind and solar power educated about the latest energy saving possibilities. Bloom Township High School displayed the school's mobile version of their award winning invention that filters particulates from waste cooking oil and uses this product as a fuel.
Transportation enthusiasts admired electric bicycles, fuel efficient, electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Also, antique cars
were on display such as the 1910 Stanley Steamer and several Model A Fords, which showed Homer Glen's appreciation for preserving the past.
The dedication of the historical Tilsy Barn at the Konow Farm was scheduled at noon.
A donation drawing featured plants, trees, gardening items, and Lanie, the American Girl Doll.
Proceeds benefited the Village of Homer Glen tree fund.
Those in attendance could receive free light bulbs, seeds, radon test kits, and stickers. Local produce, flowering plants, many eco-friendly products and items made from recycled materials were available for purchase.
Guests could bring cell phones, CFL light bulbs, eye glasses, keys, and pop top tabs to place in the readily available re-cycle bins.
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