[Communications] Earth Month and spring happenings at the Conservatory & Gardens

Tue Apr 8 16:07:10 CDT 2025

Email from Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance April 2025 Newsletter You are receiving this because you subscribe to our e-newsletter. April 2025 Connecting People to Nature on Chicago's West Side Spring Flower Show: Rooted In Mystery Now through Sunday, May 11, 2025 Spring is blooming at the Conservatory!  Explore Rooted in Mystery—a vibrant display celebrating the hidden world beneath the soil. Daffodils, tulips, and over two dozen spring favorites fill the Show House exhibit with color and wonder. Included with your reservation—come see what’s growing! BOOK YOUR VISIT   Happy Earth Month April is a special time at the Conservatory, where we dig in and celebrate the Earth together. From nature-based art to conversations about environmental justice, our Earth Month programming invites families, neighbors, and nature lovers of all ages to reflect, create, and grow together. Join us! Some programs require registration and are identified below. Earth Month programming is made possible in part by the generosity from Griffith Foods and Wintrust Visible Mending w/ Goody Vault Wednesday, April 9, 5pm-7pm $25 Adults; Free for Teens Rediscover the art of hand mending in this relaxing, hands-on workshop led by Manny Edwards, founder of Goody Vault. Learn the basics of repairing damaged garments while exploring vintage mended pieces from the 1940s–70s for inspiration. Bring a well-loved item of clothing and give it new life using provided materials. Light snacks will be available. Register Wellness Walk at the Conservatory Saturday, April 19, 9AM - 10:30AM $20 General Public; $16 Members/Volunteers Take part in a sensory wellness walk through the beautiful Conservatory with guest instructor Navraaz Basati. This reflective experience invites you to explore the vibrant plants and their unique shapes, engaging both mind and body. After the walk, unwind with a soothing tea ceremony and a creative watercolor session on seed paper, capturing the essence of your journey through art. All supplies and tea are provided. Register Celebrate with us at Earth Day Fest! Join us on Saturday, April 19, from 11 AM – 2 PM for a day of discovery, learning, and fun! Earth Day Fest at the Conservatory offers hands-on activities, engaging talks, and interactive experiences for all ages. From Budding Botanist activities and a Black Plant-It artist talk to a Haiku Happy Hour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, don’t miss the Dinosaur Discovery, a wellness market led by teens in the Urban Roots Environmental Justice Program, a photo booth, and more! This free event is included with your reservation—come celebrate, learn, and take action for a more sustainable future. Book Your Visit Earth Month Family Programs Celebrate Earth Month with us all April long! Each week family programs will feature a special Earth Month activity designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and care for the planet. Intro to Environmental Justice Art After Dark on 4/9, Morning Glories on 4/11, Budding Botanists on 4/12 & 4/13 Have you ever imagined how a vacant lot could become something joyful? Through playdough exploration, we’ll reimagine neighborhood spaces and discuss how environmental justice can bring new possibilities to our city. Spring Bid Walk Art After Dark on 4/16, Morning Glories on 4/18, Budding Botanists on 4/20 (Sunday only) Birds are on the move and returning from their winter journeys. We’ll head outside for guided bird walks, listen for calls, and read stories all about feathered friends and their habitats. Plant Pound Prints Art After Dark on 4/23, Morning Glories on 4/25, Budding Botanists on 4/26 & 4/27  One of our fan favorite activities returns! Make beautiful prints from spring flowers using real hammers—safely, of course. All hammering will take place outside, weather permitting. Nature Education Family Programs are FREE and Drop-In every week Art after Dark | Wednesdays, 4pm - 7:30pm Explore nature through art, fun for kids and adults of all ages   Morning Glories | Fridays, 10am - 12:30pm Perfect for tiny nature explorers ages 0-3 and their caregivers   Budding Botanists | Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm  Hands-on experiments and nature discoveries packed with interactive fun and learning for young botanists of all ages Weekly Family Programs are made possible in part by The Dr. Scholl Foundation, Peoples Gas Community Fund and PNC  The Cultivation Exhibit: A Celebration of Growth, Resilience and Spiritual Freedom We’re excited to partner with Art West to present The Cultivation, a powerful exhibition as part of the 2025 Black Plant It activation. From April 17 – May 14, 2025, this exhibition explores the deep connections between the Black human experience and the natural world, celebrating themes of growth, resilience, and spiritual freedom. Through vibrant artwork, we reflect on how nature serves as a source of inspiration for storytelling and self-expression. Join us for the Opening & Artist Talk as part of the Earth Day Fest on April 19th, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about the inspiration behind their work. Spring Member Drive Members support our mission to change lives through the power of nature and our work to enhance equitable nature access and educational programs for all. Members receive fresh perks like reciprocal garden benefits nationwide, access to the annual Spring Tulip Bulb Giveaway, Seedling Sale, discounts on classes, Momentum Coffee, Gift Shop and more! Join Today     EVENTS & PROGRAMS Kitchen Herbalism: Herbs & Remedies for Spring Support Saturday, April 12, 10am-12pm $35; $28 Members/Volunteers Spring into wellness with our Kitchen Herbalism workshop. Join herbalist Britni Austin for a hands-on workshop exploring the nourishing power of herbs. Learn how to incorporate plant-based wellness into your daily routine, craft your own herbal preparation to take home, and deepen your connection to herbal traditions.   Interactive learning & hands-on herbal crafting. Open to participants 21+ (due to tincture-making). Register by April 11 at 5 PM Register  Hands-On Beekeeping Class April 12, 2:30PM - 3:30PM $30; $24 Members/Volunteers Get up close and personal with the world of beekeeping in this hands-on class led by our Head Beekeeper and two teen beekeepers from the Urban Roots program. This class is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of learning essential seasonal beekeeping. Scholarships available! Space is limited, registration ends April 11. Please note: Participants will work directly with active beehives. Personal protective equipment is encouraged, and provided if needed. Register Art & Apothecary: Honey Sugar Scrub Workshop Wednesday, April 30, 6pm-7:30pm Free with Registration Discover the art of self-care in this hands-on workshop in collaboration with Art West! Bring your own mason jar and craft a honey-infused sugar scrub using natural ingredients while learning about the healing properties of herbs and botanicals. Personalize your creation with custom stickers or labels, and take home a soothing, handmade scrub along with a deeper appreciation for botanical wellness. Sign me up! Yoga with DuShaun (In-Person Only) Wednesday, April 23, 6pm-7pm $5 Join us for a calming in-person yoga session with instructor DuShaun Branch Pollard at the Conservatory. This class, held in Horticulture Hall in front of the fountain, is open to all levels and abilities, offering a peaceful space to stretch, breathe, and unwind. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, DuShaun will guide you through a mindful practice focused on movement and relaxation. Register Origami Open House 2nd Saturdays Saturday, April 12,12pm-3pm Free On the 2nd Saturday of the month, Chicago Area Origami Society presents a free drop-in Origami Open House to our visitors. Adults and kids accompanied by an adult are welcome. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required. If you’d like to visit the Conservatory before or after joining this program, please book a reservation. Learn More Ask a Master Gardener Saturdays April 19 and April 26, 10:30am-1pm Free Alternating Saturdays, there's a University of Illinois Extension Ask a Master Gardener table in Horticulture Hall to answer your plant questions. Make a reservation to visit them. Learn More   Updates & Coming Soon Play & Grow Garden open for the season! The Play & Grow Garden is officially open for the season and waiting for you! This fun, interactive garden is the perfect spot for families and nature enthusiasts to get their hands dirty and connect with nature. Book Your Visit  Annual Seedling Sale Saturday, May 3  10am for GPCA Members/Volunteers/West Side Community members 11am-1pm General Public Access Stock up at our Annual Seedling Sale to kickstart your garden for the growing season! All seedlings are lovingly grown by GPCA volunteers and Urban Roots Teens, without the use of pesticides.  Discover a variety of heirloom treasures and resilient hybrids to suit your gardening needs. Exclusive early access at 10am for West Side Community Members, GPCA Volunteers, and GPCA Members. Book Your Visit  Momentum Coffee At GPC Wednesday-Sunday: 10am-3pm In Horticulture Hall Sip Into Spring with Momentum Coffee! Momentum Coffee has the perfect seasonal drinks to match the changing season. Treat yourself to the Golden Glow Latte, a warm blend of turmeric and honey, or cool off with the Rose Matcha Fizz, a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Looking for something bold? Try the Citrus Cardamom Cold Brew for a zesty pick-me-up. Book a Reservation 2025 Volunteer Group Opportunities Now Open! We’re excited to partner with corporate teams and nonprofits for impactful volunteer projects this season! From seasonal tasks in our gardens to behind-the-scenes work in our production greenhouses; your group can help maintain and enhance our vibrant 12-acre space—right here in the heart of Chicago. This Earth Month, we’re also celebrating sustainability in action with a huge thank you to Griffith Foods, who rolled up their sleeves to help clean up our visitor parking lot. Their commitment to community care and environmental stewardship is a perfect example of how small actions can make a big impact. Ready to get involved? Click here and start planning your summer or fall 2025 experience. Full Calendar Of Events OPEN WEDNESDAY FROM 10AM - 8PM ; THURSDAY- SUNDAY FROM 10AM - 5PM VISIT US | PHONE: 773.638.1766 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Garfield Park Neighborhood Market Saturday, April 12, 10am -2pm The Hatchery 135 N. Kedzie Ave. Chicago IL 60612 Be our guest at the Garfield Park Neighborhood Market on Saturday, April 12, from 10am - 2pm at The Hatchery (135 N. Kedzie Ave) This indoor market features hyper -local produce grown in community gardens, along with unique goods from local entrepreneurs. For more information contact: 773-948-8989 Earth Day Celebration: Planet * People * Plastic Saturday, April 26, 9AM - 12PM Garfield Park Gold Dome, 100 N. Central Park Ave Give back to the planet this Earth Day! Volunteer with us to help restore Garfield Park during a morning cleanup. Explore resource tables, connect with community organizations, and take action for a healthier environment All are welcome—let’s make a difference and celebrate sustainability together! Sign up to volunteer For more information, contact: Derion: derionb at yahoo.com Africa Out West Sunday, April 20, 4PM - 7PM Kehrein Center for the Arts - 5628 W. Washington Blvd Old Town School of Folk Music is delighted to present their 2nd Africa Out West in partnership with Kehrein Center for the Arts! The FREE of admission event will feature Farafina Kan, one of the premiere traditional West African performance ensembles in the United States and Bala Fanga, a New York City-based collective of West African musicians that specializes in balafon music from Mali and Guinea. Also included will be performances by local youth djembe orchestra Azania Drum and DJ Bonsu. You can RSVP here LET'S BE FRIENDS         GIVE VOLUNTEER RENTALS The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance changes lives through the power of nature. We are a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Chicago Park District. The Garfield Park Conservatory is owned and managed by the Chicago Park District and has showcased "landscape art under glass" for over 100 years on the West Side of Chicago.  Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance | 300 N. Central Park Ave. | Chicago, IL 60624 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://chicagocommunitygardens.org/pipermail/communications_chicagocommunitygardens.org/attachments/20250408/777c7a81/attachment-0001.html>