Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration packed with activities

Trib Local May 4, 2011 - Homer Glen is planning an atypical Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration.

It’s four weeks behind Earth Day, which was celebrated April 22, and three weeks behind Arbor Day, which was held April 29. But the delay is only to capitalize on the promise of better weather that May brings with it, local officials say.

The village’s planned event, scheduled for May 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes more than your typical tree planting and eco-friendly demonstration.

“It doesn’t just feature green living. It doesn’t just feature conservation. We are appealing to families,” said Trustee Margaret Sabo, chairwoman of the village’s environment committee, which is overseeing the event.

The event, in its third year in its current form, will be held at Konow Farm, 16849 S. Cedar Road.

New this year, among other things, are free pony rides and a presentation by John Basile’s Big Run Wolf Ranch, scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

A presentation from Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures is scheduled for 1 p.m. A dedication of the Tilsy Barn – an 1870s barn that was transferred, plank by plank, from a Will County Forest Preserve to the Konow Farm – is scheduled for noon.

Other demonstrations are planned by the Northern Illinois Raptor Rescue, Green Woodworking by Robbie J. Field, and hand forging of ironware by blacksmith Brian Skrabutenas, among others.

Dr. Scott Keller will host an “Ask the Vet” session that includes demonstrations of first aid for cats and dogs. Antique and eco-friendly vehicles will be on display, including a 1910 Stanley Steamer, a Pioneer Conversion electric car, a new Chevy Volt from Phillips Chevrolet, and new Ford Fiesta and Fusion hybrids from Willowbrook Ford.

A donation drawing will raffle off items donated from businesses, including two large trees, nature photographs, an American Girl Doll, and a refurbished laptop computer.

More information about the event is available by calling the village at 708-301-0632 or visiting the village’s website at www.homerglen.org.

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