Preparing for Careers in Science

This summer, 40 middle school students and 20 high school students were immersed in the world of science at the Chicago Botanic Garden. They learned from classroom experiences, working side-by-side with Garden experts, and from being surrounded in nature for the summer. The Garden is committed to preparing the next generation for careers in science through Science First and College First and the science careers continuum. Visit http://www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/sciencefirst for more information on Science First and also http://www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/collegefirst for more information on College First.

Students Enjoy Club CBG After-School Program

Club CBG at the Chicago Botanic Garden welcomes school-age children to come once a week for fun, hands-on, educational opportunities outside of school. Three six-week program sessions allow children in grades 2 – 5 to discover the Garden in fall, winter, and spring. They use scientific tools, plan and plant a garden, explore native habitats and more! Visit chicagobotanic.org/afterschool/clubcbg for more information.

Share your tips for conservation and sustainable living!

Tell us what you do at home to save energy, reduce waste and chemicals and save the natural resources we need for our survival. We’ll post your comments here to give others ideas for what they can do at home for the environment. Then celebrate World Environment Day with us on June 5 for free demonstrations on a variety of topics as well as plant giveaways and plant pot recycling.

Creating Coneflowers

Here at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Dr. Jim Ault has developed and introduced many plants, including a series of coneflowers: Orange, Mango, and Pixie Meadowbrite. Jim works with plants that are native to the Midwest and are adapted to this environment, creating new plants that can enhance a primarily native garden. We talked with him about some of the coneflowers he is looking to introduce in the next few years, and how he goes about the breeding process.