Yom Tikkun Olam, Sunday, April 22

It's time to register for the Sixth Annual Shir Hadash Yom Tikkun Olam, our day to repair the world. This year we will show our enthusiasm for Earth Day by choosing one of the refreshing outdoor activities. Browse through this list, decide what works for your family, and simply RSVP via e-mail to Education Director Emily Ascher at eddirector@shir-hadash.org or Administrator Lillian Zoloto at admin@shir-hadash.org.

1. The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This activity was created just for

The Grove

Shir Hadashniks! We will be doing some brush-cutting, raking of burned areas in order plant wildflower seeds. and possibly putting in some new trees. If we get a large group of people we can divide in small groups and rotate.

2. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebrate with a day of hands-on activities inspired by nature to nurture your sense of appreciation for the natural world.

3. Wilmot Woods (Help! The Garlic Mustard Weed is Taking Over!) (Exact meeting place within woods TBD; directions: On Route 137, one and a half miles east of Route 21 turn south on to N. Oak Grove Ave. Go four blocks to Wildwood Ct and turn left. At the T of Wildwood and Park Lane, turn right.) 9 a.m. (be on time) to 12 p.m. Grab some work gloves and join other volunteers to save some of Lake County's natural areas. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, make new friends who share a concern for preserves and make a meaningful contribution. Work with stewards to rid this "high quality preserve area" of the dreaded garlic mustard weed. Learn about the beautiful woodlands wildflowers in this very cool place along the Des Plaines River. Great opportunity for an educational experience combined with hard work. Wear boots and long pants and shirts. This is an activity best undertaken by teens and adults.  

4. Nippersink Forest Preserve, Clean Water, Healthy Bats. The entrance is located on Route 120 (Belvidere Road), just west of

Nippersink Forest Preserve

Cedar Lake Road and east of Fairfield Road near Round Lake. Drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about the relationship between water and our local bats while picking up litter along the shoreline.

5. Gan Project-Earth Day Mitzvah Mania. The Gan Project is run and was founded by former Shir Hadash teacher Jill Zenoff! The Gan Project Homestead at Bernard Horwich JCC, behind the CJE Shwartzberg building (3003 W. Touhy Ave, Chicago), free parking lot, optional $18 donation or in-kind garden donation. All are Welcome! Begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues through BYOPL. There is also an afternoon session from 2 to 5 p.m. Chicago Earth Day is the perfect opportunity for Jewish and non-Jewish community members come together and get their hands dirty, learn, laugh and get the Gan Project Homestead ready for the 2012 growing season. There will be a morning work session from 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and an afternoon work session from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a BYOPL--Bring Your Own Picnic Lunch. Both sessions will include activities for all ages: seeding and transplanting, building raised beds, composting workshops, bicycle maintenance workshops, The majority of activities are suited for adults and children over the age of 12. Families with children under the age of 12 are invited to plant raspberry bushes during the morning work session