Local non-profits issue Call to Action to plant native species, pollinators this Fall
CARBONDALE, Ill. (September 21, 2018) – Keep Carbondale Beautiful and Green Earth are mobilizing property owners in Southern Illinois to bolster local ecosystems by planting native species of trees, shrubs and plants for the seventh annual National Planting Day. They are holding a one-day plant sale on Saturday, October 6, in front of Murdale Ace Hardware from 8 am to 2 pm.
Green Earth will be selling native grasses, ferns, and other perennials from Southernwood Gardens. Keep Carbondale Beautiful will be selling native trees and shrubs from Forrest Keeling and Tabor nurseries. The selection can be seen at keepcb.org. Pre-orders are encouraged (deadline is Sept. 30), and can include special orders of plants not on the list.
National Planting Day celebrates the critical nature of native plants and trees in enhancing biodiversity, rebuilding ecosystems and supporting pollinator health. Beautiful public places transcend aesthetic appeal to positively impact the lives of area residents, visitors, businesses and institutions. Green spaces restore our communities, helping to make them more environmentally healthy, socially connected, and economically sound.
“Keep America Beautiful and our affiliates are encouraging National Planting Day participants to focus their efforts on planting pollinators to increase biodiversity in our neighborhoods and communities,” said Helen Lowman, president and CEO, Keep America Beautiful. Keep America Beautiful is an original member of the National Pollinator Garden Network, an unprecedented collaboration of national, regional, conservation and gardening groups to support the promotion of the health of honeybees and other pollinators. The organization is also a proud participant in the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, encouraging anyone to register their pollinator garden and #PlantBeautifulThings. Expert advice on selecting the best pollinator plants for your specific area of Southern Illinois will be available at the one-day sale. For more information, contact Keep Carbondale Beautiful at 618 525 5525 or Green Earth at 618 201 3774.
About Keep Carbondale Beautiful
Keep Carbondale Beautiful is a nonprofit organization based in Carbondale, Illinois that focuses onlitter control, recycling, community beautification, waste reduction, and environmental education programs. Learn more at www.keepcb.org.
About Green Earth
Green Earth is a nonprofit land conservation organization. Our mission is to preserve natural areas for the benefit of the people of Carbondale, Illinois. We own and maintain six natural areas, totaling 220 acres, and nine miles of hiking trails, all open to the public for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. Learn more about our preserves and hiking trails by visiting us at www.greenearthinc.org.
About Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s iconic community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2018, Keep America Beautiful strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify America’s Communities. Behavior change – steeped in education, research and behavioral science – is our cornerstone. We empower generations of community stewards to deliver measurable environmental, economic and social benefits. The organization is driven by more than 600 state and local affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.