The Nordson Green Earth Foundation met Jan. 28 to finalize its proposal to increase green space in the South Suburbs in the coming year.
The group will present its final plan on Feb. 23 at the Markham library. It will call for using the Miyawaki Forest method to demonstrate why green spaces are vital within communities. Project Markham Library Forest, if approved, is set to be southwest of the public library’s parking lot, across the street from the organization’s first planted Miyawaki Forest in Illinois at Markham’s Courthouse.
The Miyawaki method, started by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, applies specific soil preparation and densely plants a range of native plants valuable to nature. Utilizing this method, the organization’s goal is to help bring tree equity to communities in Chicago metropolitan areas.
“We are still in need of community help when executing this project and method to the Markham Library Forest; members interested in preventing invasive species in planting,” said Christine Diploma, founder and CEO of Nordson Green Earth Foundation. “Our mission is focusing on areas historically red-lined by improving tree equity as defined by American Forests; everyone deserves trees and the health, climate, and social benefits they supply.”
“The Miyawaki method is so valuable when maintained well; it provides so much for our communities,” said Christine Dannhausen-Bruh MPH, cofounder, and Chief Operations Officer of Nordson Green Earth. “The benefits, the endurance, as a result, become more trees planted and independent as quickly as three years.”
Supportive local organization groups Chicago Southland Green Drinks, a group for networking occasions where environmentally minded people exchange ideas, and South Suburbs for Greenspace, a community-led movement to preserve 120 acres of green space, presented information and formed connections with School District 144 to partner on a future project for school grounds.
“Community engagement has been very supportive and is great; more ways of engagement from different communities offer voices from different places,” said Dr. Sheetal Khedkar Rao, cofounder, and Chief Health Officer of Nordson. “Generating talk and attention towards the goals of our mission, getting the word out, and receiving input from the community has been so supportive throughout all stages of our proposal.”
