Initiatives
In 2011, MELA will pursue a number of program initiatives, designed to provide opportunities for our members to learn more about and practice sustainability in the built environment.
In 2010, MELA launched Sustainability in Action, an online project designed to assist members in learning about and practicing sustainability. In 2011 we will be opening this unique virtual learning and networking project to a wider audience and inviting participants to share their sustainability ideas and successes.
To supplement the virtual learning of Sustainability in Action, MELA engaged in its first real time demonstration project in 2010, in collaboration with Neighbor Space. This project, located near O’Keeffe School, will continue for another year in 2011. The purpose of this project is twofold: to help the community and demonstrate to our members how the principles of sustainability are applied in a specific landscape.
“MELA brought hope to the South Shore community. No matter how ugly things get with all of the street violence. Every now and then, the beauty of mankind rears its magnificent head, and people, like the MELA family, appear to perform small miracles that impact individuals and communities.”
- Emily Kenny, Science Teacher
O ’Keeffe School
In 2011 MELA adds a second demonstration project in Little Village, where we will assist with the design and construction of a sustainable community garden covering 4 city lots. Little Village has the least green space of any neighborhood in the City of Chicago.
This demonstration site is a collaboration with Neighbor Space and Enlace Community Center.
Both demonstration projects are funded in part by the City of Chicago Department of the Environment.
MELA offers a premier sustainability Conference each year for 200 professionals in all branches of horticulture. This year, our conference was held February 17th at The Morton Arboretum. To find out more, click here.
WE also hold an annual meeting for members in the late summer. See the Calendar for details.
New events this year will include:
Eco-tours of our demonstration sites and other locations where we can see the impact of sustainability.
Green Lunches, which will give members and friends an opportunity to gather for in depth look at the science of sustainability, innovation in sustainability and how sustainable systems work.
Watch the calendar of find us on Facebook to find out when and where!
MELA is in the early stages of building a collaborative with member companies who employ interns interested in learning about sustainability. We hope to provide resources so that your intern, if you have one, can document what your company is doing to practice Sustainability in Action. Watch for more information about this project!
This initiative still needs sponsors, so if you our your company are interested in this effort, contact us! |
