Did you know that native plants – once established – do not require the use of chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides to maintain their beauty? Or, that they don’t require extra watering from our precious supply of potable water? Did you know that our native pollinators and birds generally prefer native plants for nectaring and seed?
University of Illinois Master Naturalists would like to invite you to attend a free showing of Hometown Habitat – Stories of Bringing Nature Home on:
May 31 at 7:00 pm; Case Halsted Public Library, Carlyle, IL
June 5 at 6:00 pm; C E Brehm Public Library, Mt Vernon, IL
June 19 at 7:00 pm; Ayers Science Center, Greenville IL
June 24 at 2:00 pm; Centralia Regional Public Library, Centralia, IL
Through its profile of seven hometown habitat heroes, this film will help to answer these questions for you. The narrative thread of this documentary is provided by renowned entomologist Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D. whose research, books and lectures about the use of non-native plants in landscaping sound the alarm about habitat and species loss. Tallamy challenges the notion that humans are here and nature is someplace else. Tallamy says, “It doesn’t have to and shouldn’t be that way.”
For two years, producer/director Catherine Zimmerman and film crew traveled around the country to visit hometown habitat heroes and film their inspiring stories of community commitment to conservation landscaping. Zimmerman shares these success stories and works in-progress that re-awaken and re-define our relationship with nature. The message will inspire you – all of us have the power to support habitat for wildlife and bring natural beauty to our patch of the Earth. The goal will energize you – to build a new army of habitat heroes and make natural landscaping the new landscaping norm.
Hometown Habitat is a 90-minute film. The film will be of interest to a diverse audience such as homeowner associations, landscape designers, nurseries, city councils, parks and recreation divisions, land developers, and landowners. In addition, information presented can be incorporated into school lesson plans focusing on sustainability and action. All professional and hobbyist environmentalists are encouraged to attend.
Film Chapters will cover:
The Basics – Douglas Tallamy
Ecosystem Services – Million Trees NYC
Water Conservation – Habitat Hero Program
Environmental Art Solutions – EcoArtists
Sustainable Practices – Redefining the Horticulture Industry
Restoration and Conservation Development – Steven Apfelbaum
Interfaith Environmental Movement – Sacred Grounds
Environmental Activism – Wild Ones
The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists will be on hand for questions and discussion 30 minutes prior to movie.
For additional information or questions, call Gail DeVilbiss at 618-526-4551.
