Lansing is part of a larger community that includes Cook County Forest Preserves and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Their programs are a resource for Lansing, and the stories posted in this category often answer questions about plants and animals that surround us and impact community life.
Architect explains options and constraints; Board moves to choose temporary fix now, with plans for permanent solution later by Melanie Jongsma LANSING, Ill. (July 21, 2018) – In the space of five weeks, School Board 158, JMA Architects, and dozens of Lansing residents have become chimney swift experts and, to varying degrees, chimney swift advocates. … Read more
Reasons include conservation, history, and benefits to Lansing by Melanie Jongsma LANSING, Ill. (July 12, 2018) – “Delay the Coolidge chimney demolition until October for the Chimney Swifts,” is the title emblazoned at the top of the online petition. It was posted three days ago by Lansing resident and recent activist Julie Blackwood. Blackwood lives … Read more
by Melanie Jongsma MANHATTAN, Kan. (July 3, 2018) – “I heard about the tremendous colony of Chimney Swifts at Coolidge School. That is really cool! Lansing is lucky to have them doing pest control this summer. Swifts are becoming rare in some parts of the country. They are amazing birds.” So read the June 27 … Read more
by Carrie Steinweg LANSING, Ill. (July 1, 2018) – Honeybees are vital to the survival of agriculture. It’s estimated that one-third of our global food supply is pollinated by bees, yet the population of honeybees has dwindled in recent years and sits at about half the number that existed at the end of World War … Read more
information provided by the Illinois State Fire Marshal SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 2018) – The Illinois State Fire Marshal offers these safety tips to users of barbecue grills and fire pits: When grilling out this summer, keep in mind that propane and charcoal grills should be used well away from the house and deck railings, and … Read more
by Melanie Jongsma LANSING, Ill. (July 2, 2018) – This video clip is only seven seconds, and within the first three, a chimney swift is seen diving into the chimney:
“Definitely a learning opportunity—for all of Lansing,” says Superintendent Heiberger by Melanie Jongsma LANSING, Ill. (June 20, 2018) – Dr. Ceal Heiberger was surprised to learn about the large colony of chimney swifts that has been nesting at Coolidge Elementary School for 20 years or more. It was only after construction plans were well underway … Read more
Lansing residents gather to watch Coolidge chimney swifts by Melanie Jongsma LANSING, Ill. (June 15, 2018) – Julie Blackwood and her sons, Logan and Alex, were the first to show up at the corner of Henry and Adams the evening of June 15. Unsure of what to expect, they had walked over from their home … Read more
Large colony is a unique summer tradition in Lansing by Melanie Jongsma LANSING, Ill. (June 14, 2018) – Coolidge Elementary alums might not be the only Lansing residents who are feeling nostalgic about the 1928 building at the corner of Henry and Adams. A large colony of chimney swifts has an attachment to the old … Read more
Adjustment by IDOT aims to re-establish food source for official state insect, other species information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 1, 2018) — As concerns for declining pollinator species continue to buzz throughout the country, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public of a change in mowing operations … Read more