Caring for God's Creation

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The mission of the Earth Stewardship ministry is to raise awareness
of Catholic teaching on our responsibility to care for the environment
and to provide practical suggestions on living out the teachings.

Lake County Green Congregation (LCGC) Earth Day Fair Saturday April 24

12-4 pm First United Methodist Church, Libertyvyille.

Rain barrel Sale: Offered for $79 by Lake County, preorder by April 30, 2010

Caring for God’s Creation as Spring Begins

As we journey through Lent and begin thinking of Easter and renewal, we observe the signs of spring around us, the songs of the cardinals and robins, the tulips and crocuses peaking through the last remnants of snow. We notice that the stores are stocking up on gardening supplies, and we, too, are planning our gardens either by clearing our property of last year’s growth or maybe just planning what we intend to plant. What should we be keeping in mind as stewards of the earth as we consider what to plant? We should avoid planting invasive species such as English ivy and myrtle. Invasive plants endanger native species by robbing them of sunlight, water, soil nutrients, and space. These invasive plants replace the local source of food for native animals, and some such as common buckthorn are even toxic. (www.invasive.org provides a list of invasive plants and gives native alternatives) We should also be thinking of ways to limit the use of chemicals that will end up in our water. One way to do this is to use natural treatment for plant diseases. The best way to avoid plant diseases is to prevent them in the first place by choosing disease-resistant varieties. In addition, you can help prevent diseases before they become a problem by keeping a clean garden and well-balanced soil and avoiding over-watering and over-mulching. –And while you are planning your garden, praise God for the Spring!

Be praised, my God, by butterfly and dragonfly wings exercising for their first flight.

Be praised by lightning and thunder causing spring showers.

Be praised by the silent voice of grass growing and trees budding.

Be praised by all the colorful flower trumpets of spring.

Be praised by downy feathers freshly dried on newly hatched ducklings and chicks.

Be praised by the songs of birds, crickets, and frogs.

Be praised, my God, by all your creation which tells of new life.

Prayer by Mary Goergen, O.S.F. www.conservation.catholic.org

Hints and Tips

Thanks for taking the time to find out more ways to cultivate and care for the world. Here are this month's tips:
Tip 1 Try hanging a bag under the sink, in your garage or basement, in which to place recyclable plastic bags, and then to grab it on the way to the store for a weekly recycle.

Tip 2 Collect small appliances and consult the SWALCO website for where and when to dispose of them. Ace Hardware on Route 137 will recycle all kinds of batteries (including those from cell-phones, electronics, etc.), fluorescent bulbs and latex paint! You may also call SWALCO for help in figuring out how to dispose of something at: 847-336-9340.