TCAS Fall Program Calendar
     Wednesday, September 3rd, 7PM
           Park Forest Library

The first program of the new fiscal year features Glyn and Sylvia Dawson with a report on "Wildlife in Australia". The Dawsons spent last winter(Australian summer)working in Adelaide and will present a program of their weekend travels around the south and east portions of the country to see about 400 of the diverse species of birds found "Down Under".

"We will visit habitats ranging from the Adelaide Hills, Gluepot Reserve, and Kangaroo Island, the Island of Tasmania, to the Outback of South Australia and Victoria, and both the temperate and tropical rain forests of Queensland. In addition to large flightless birds such as the Emu and Cassowarys, Australia boasts three Megapodes, Bower Birds, Riflebirds and a host of specialized birds such as Honeyeaters, Lyrebirds, Logrunners, Plains Wanderers, and of course, the fairy wrens. We will also take a look at some of the unique marsupials that inhabit Australia: the monotremes(Duckbill Platypus), Koalas, Kangaroos, Possums and, close to Adelaide in a reserve sponsored by the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago to preserve its habitat, the Hairy-nosed Wombat. A view of some exotic lizards found in the "Red Continent" will conclude this visit to the country larger than the U.S. with a fraction of the population.

PS: Don't forget the Markham Prairie flower and butterfly walk August 6th. It's a real treat for lover's of an orginal prairie.

TCAS GRANTS and SCHOLARSHIPS!

The TCAS ECOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to a high school student or a teacher for elementary or secondary education who is interested in attending an environmental workshop or enrolling in a college credit course in environmental studies. They must be in the TCAS area and the scholarship will not exceed $500.
Submit two references, print the application and mail to 201 krotiak Road, Park Forest, Il. 60466, Attn: Joan

Twice a year the TCAS GRANTS Committee provides financial support for local projects that promote environmental education and the protection and enhancement of wildlife and the environment. Grants are not to exceed $500 per program and are available to schools and local organizations. Download the 2008 application here and good luck to all.

Scholarships and Grants are now awarded twice a year. Applications are due April 1st and October 1st to be awarded in May and November.      

      Natural Pest Repellants

Mice: Place cotton dipped in peppermint oil near problem areas. Used kitty litter is another repellant.

Mosquitoes: Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water placed on your deck or balcony or dab lavendar oil on your wrists and elbows.

Ants: Sprinkle cinnamon, bay leaves, cayenne pepper or baby powder in problem areas and along baseboards and windowsills.