[Communications] [Education] Action Alert: Join us for a Town Hall to support Native Gardening in Chicago!

Sat Feb 27 15:41:34 CST 2021

No worries! Mamie,  This is to communicate to many who were not at that
Zoom meeting, and to serve as a reminder that many, powerful
organizations have signed on to this, and we wonder why.

Lorraine

On Sat, Feb 27, 2021 at 3:39 PM Mamie Gray <mamiegray2012 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Sorry, Lorraine, I was mistakenly thought that we all heard May Toy’s
> report on the downside of this ordinance. Mamie
>
> On Sat, Feb 27, 2021 at 3:36 PM Lorraine Kells <lxkells at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Mamie has not mentioned that a good number of us do not support this
>> proposed ordinance.
>>
>> We fear alder peeps have had this drawn up by staff not by garden growers
>> or native plant enthusiasts. We don't believe that the many supporters of
>> this ordinance have read it, understood it or considered what a trap it
>> really is.
>>
>> Four of us are working on talking points for the town hall and a letter
>> explaining the shortfalls of this proposed ordinance. Here are just two
>> talking points. More to come Monday.
>>
>> 1) The ordinance requires owner occupied land/property only to be covered
>> and "free" from fines. So any garden planted for pollinators,  even "empty"
>> lots used for native planting  or Monarch sanctuaries are excluded. There
>> is no value to the native garden registry.  It's basically an out for the
>> City to continue to erroneously ticket gardners.  The current "weed"
>> ordinance already states that if a plant (or garden) is managed and
>> maintained then it's NOT a weed...which is the same language as the
>> registry.  Gardeners are mindful people who do this because they are
>> gardeners!
>>
>> 2) Some language seems to be borrowed from weed ordinance. Bad news. This
>> is a proposed band-aid to the weed audience, not a true native plant
>> registry. This proposed ordinance will allow only plants no higher than 10
>> inches. Spending time on wildflower seed websites, the best I can find is
>> mature height is 12".  The other option is search by 6". Most native plants
>> with a mature height of 10" would not be true natives, but variants called
>> nativars. These are native plants selected and hybridized genetically. Have
>> you seen the orange echinacea? It does not grow naturally. Horticultural
>> language makes this confusing. Natives are found growing naturally,  prior
>> to European settlement. Non natives are typically introduced intentionally
>> or by accident.
>>
>> *The power of diversity is lost!*
>>
>> 3)   It seems that this proposal is more problematic than a solution.
>> Only a few instances of these tickets can be found, and they have been in a
>> truly nuisance backyard and unmaintained parkways (and also this proposal
>> does not touch parkways).
>>
>> OK more Tuesday.  Before Tuesday, if you know a community gardener who
>> also grows at home who would be opposed to this garden, friends,
>> landscapers, block clubs, garden clubs who would oppose this ordinance as
>> it stands, want more citizen/public input, especially garden consultation
>> when any ordinance touching green space is being drafted, NOT after, would
>> want different language. Please let Amy & Lorraine know.  We are seeking
>> more people to sign on to a letter. A draft of the letter is in the works.
>>
>> Lorraine
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Feb 27, 2021, 2:48 PM Mamie Gray via Education <
>> education at chicagocommunitygardens.org> wrote:
>>
>>> *Subject:* *Action Alert: Join us for a Town Hall to support Native
>>> Gardening in Chicago!*
>>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> Get your questions answered and help pass the proposed Managed Native
>>> Garden Registry Ordinance
>>>
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzH9cg4t5evdm7r8lFOgX1atoXYZr8e7cmlaq1OksoQiaO9AmryvcJoXSbQCZm8RL-_th8R-PAI9-0Sef0Tdl0uM=&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==>
>>>
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzJqNWoKTagfP1GmShR3SptBS2NtfGzJ1FacvGImvI890jVI-vJH2asmbGDwF5L4v4N3Gf3Pq45HXNew_Kun5US8b2mKRN-jAB2xxdbnNb2_ErnXPl8llmmQ9ZMgApzAlZ5bAKeJDt0aq8-sfNjdPKzyinsw04A_6gRh65BiM-Ye1YAYylqf5PAQR_mG6nsCKzUJ7D5HBzjM1Myd9K_dOu-voT-adak1soErtmcImW3reUkBt-EZeUO3EOREVADd14txP_At7JftSBvHf0wOolldpxSiz6Bibaok2OaJzTCbKtzH2lKxoLcw=&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==>
>>> Join Us for the Managed Native Garden Registry Town Hall
>>> Please join us for a Town Hall on March 2 from 7-8 pm on the proposed Managed
>>> Native Garden Registry (10-32-055) for the City of Chicago. The Town
>>> Hall is co-hosted by Illinois Environmental Council, Field Museum, Blacks
>>> in Green, and Advocates for Urban Agriculture.
>>>
>>> The ordinance, introduced by Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd) with 15
>>> co-sponsors, protects residents with native gardens and landscaping from
>>> unwarranted citations, ticketing, and fines under the existing weeds and
>>> nuisance ordinance.
>>>
>>> Since the Department of the Environment was dissolved in 2011, weed
>>> citations have increased, resulting in a number of cases where native
>>> gardeners were fined $600. Residents and local sustainability organizations
>>> have been cited, which has the perverse consequence of discouraging native
>>> plantings that can reduce basement flooding, help purify the air, and
>>> provide habitat for wildlife, like the monarch butterfly. The Managed
>>> Native Garden Registry would allow Chicagoans to register planted native
>>> gardens on their properties at no cost, shielding them from these citations
>>> and fines.
>>>
>>> At the Town Hall, you can learn more about the proposed native gardens
>>> registry and ask any questions, helping us to move this ordinance forward.
>>> Representatives from the offices of co-sponsoring aldermen and the
>>> Department of Planning and Development will be present.
>>> Register Now
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzJqNWoKTagfP1GmShR3SptBS2NtfGzJ1FacvGImvI890jVI-vJH2asmbGDwF5L4v4N3Gf3Pq45HXNew_Kun5US8b2mKRN-jAB2xxdbnNb2_ErnXPl8llmmQ9ZMgApzAlZ5bAKeJDt0aq8-sfNjdPKzyinsw04A_6gRh65BiM-Ye1YAYylqf5PAQR_mG6nsCKzUJ7D5HBzjM1Myd9K_dOu-voT-adak1soErtmcImW3reUkBt-EZeUO3EOREVADd14txP_At7JftSBvHf0wOolldpxSiz6Bibaok2OaJzTCbKtzH2lKxoLcw=&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==>
>>> Show your support for the Managed Native
>>> Garden Registry by contacting your alderman
>>> Take Action
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzJqNWoKTagfPpu3AxADZg1_RKObMp5vRr-3FeAN22nXJtogGE_b_Z2nkXlQvk-1FNKqNGRZ2aXcNCOrXznHcJcQt9eC-w0cdUGNnGWIJ3dNPOJ8eKY3rrTa2oo5heO9e7vxq13aoFAsin3K6m2Ai9aldMqAkJUQPEQ==&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==>
>>> Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of
>>> northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air
>>> and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and
>>> enrich our lives.
>>> [image: Facebook] ‌
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzHsrFqc8UD0yCdIqG1r-KZ___DHT5GeOm2YHHcoSG1Afjph5vB_IwvmdOa780dz45Qg4xH1IVSLcZ6H304lDxntjrUDTwiG2gCnf2kCSUg6BEyAtU8pUSl8=&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==> [image:
>>> Twitter] ‌
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzB_oloXbROJdp4dBp91d_LeDuqj5_2kH2M6klvy1OGfq7A8MmCx-oPG6HIWP79Yh0fd2hAYkyaqRce7LANuUwr3YhPB3T7hD4A==&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==> [image:
>>> Instagram] ‌
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzFYw1j5stHjoI7erytoh5w1BdlxdCXn0bNFuLtafVlAIDVvFJc8JH_LXNoqYnxcNB3tCm8VLgUuV-9ThlSJzLznXiWALQ2lwSD5mjSfHtDTs&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==> [image:
>>> LinkedIn] ‌
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzEu01ax84LBH3Wl7qWh6AApFTf92L3mzsSu_WwwjyW9AOlrmlULivLaMHvbkadzF0DuX6B7WAPl4nG1kBjDaAa3JXyBd2hGgf9CS0_EOiDiJrTcJKZpe0egSBL_iwS85aAdz1SWUcvjhbGiMwBROP2w=&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==> [image:
>>> YouTube] ‌
>>> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001c7DOcEarbq6ie-822bWVk8kxpdX1ZkYnC7Qtn5hHpmW-883nfDeWzGSp9fvLukSqsnBpmjwaHxhjdkTXULJI42h7z-0p726rcMbaOxgpgZPhz1flmm-15MffIndLY7qFqmM8z7u5_uvJJ_-lUwi05mZRlHS7QD5HkT04FsZCIAw=&c=n7yzxc6fTaf5sBFSKiWj0eBbVpF7NjiZlNZxH71CtwyCP2smtt9GIw==&ch=MAyd8nC8WdDvEWzSTXurnGAOIlwwxQCvtq4L4DlbzcOBHIt5CkfeEA==>
>>> Openlands | 25 East Washington, Suite 1650, Chicago, IL 60602
>>> Unsubscribe schnell.susanne at gmail.com
>>> <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001hNFPhpmjHS99Vz-ruCw9sw%3D&ch=4f984710-338a-11e3-b1d2-d4ae5275b546&ca=8410db1b-83b9-40bb-9769-7aafe95904d1>
>>> Update Profile
>>> <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001hNFPhpmjHS99Vz-ruCw9sw%3D&ch=4f984710-338a-11e3-b1d2-d4ae5275b546&ca=8410db1b-83b9-40bb-9769-7aafe95904d1>
>>> | Customer Contact Data Notice
>>> <http://www.constantcontact.com/legal/service-provider?cc=about-service-provider>
>>> Sent by ereusswig at openlands.org powered by
>>> [image: Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.]
>>> <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE>
>>> Try email marketing for free today!
>>> <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF19_3GE>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Education mailing list
>>> Education at chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>
>>> http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/mailman/listinfo/education_chicagocommunitygardens.org
>>>
>>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/pipermail/communications_chicagocommunitygardens.org/attachments/20210227/c04954d6/attachment-0002.html>