Explore New Sustainable Techniques, Eco-Friendly Products & More at Elmhurst's GreenFest

Explore New Sustainable Techniques, Eco-Friendly Products and More at Elmhurst’s GreenFest

Learn about the return of mega predators to DuPage County, explore eco-friendly products and services, and enjoy speakers and workshops on environmentally friendly practices and outdoor education at GreenFest.  Hosted by the Elmhurst Park District, GreenFest will link members of the Elmhurst community and Chicagoland area with resources to enhance environmental awareness and reduce impact on the environment.  Featuring guest speakers, green vendors, a recycling drop-off event, and awesome kids’ activities, this year’s GreenFest, taking place on Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Wilder Park, is truly a family affair. 

The Elmhurst Park District Environmental Education staff is hosting several environmental classes and craft projects for kids and families.  Each class and craft project will coincide with the adult workshops, so you can drop the kids off at class and enjoy one of our guest speakers.

The kids’ classes include Predator & Prey (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.), in which kids will learn about one of Elmhurst’s most fascinating predators, owls, and dissect owl pellets to identify bones from the owl’s prey.   Fun with Science (1-2:15 p.m.) allows kids to experiment with some classic science projects, including geysers, volcanoes, and a new one – hover crafts!  From 2:30-3 p.m. in Adaptation Artists, kids can discover special adaptations of birds from around the world, from webbed feet to sharp talons and big beaks to little beaks. All participants will have an opportunity to build their own bird sculpture from recycled materials.  

Crafts will also be featured throughout the day, including Homemade Paper Making, Buckthorn Bling, Project Budburst, Fun with Bubbles, and Tracking.  

The adult workshops, hosted by the Elmhurst Public Library, explore local wildlife patterns and sustainable landscaping:

11:15 a.m. – Noon – The Urban Coyote and The Return of the Mega Predators presented by Jack MacRea.  MacRea is a Naturalist at the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

1:15-2 p.m. – Rain Water Management and Sustainable Landscaping presented by Jim Kleinwachter.  Kleinwachter is a land protection specialist with The Conservation Foundation.  He will demonstrate how rain barrels, sustainable landscaping techniques and integrating more native plants may address many of your yard problems and help control rain water and flooding.

 Elmhurst Cool Cities and Elmhurst College will also provide the opportunity to walk through a “green” home owned by the college to demonstrate techniques you can use to make your home more energy efficient. Home is located on Prospect Avenue; directions will be provided at GreenFest. 

We’ll also be collecting small recyclables at Elmhurst GreenFest.  Check out http://www.elmhurstgreenfest.org/recycling/ for accepted items.

Exhibitors include Elmhurst Cool Cities, SCARCE, The Conservation Foundation, Center for a New American Dream, Elmhurst Park District, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, JC Licht/Epco Paint & Decorating Centers, Renewal by Andersen, and more.  GreenFest is free and open to all ages.  For more information, contact greenfestinfo@epd.org or call (630) 993-8980.