Changes

On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease.  Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise.  In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote:  “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth.  Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners.  Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off.  The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

On January 1, 2010 Dr. Golden announced a program to raise $100,000 to inoculate trees against Dutch Elm disease.  Elm trees require inoculation every three years to prevent the devastation of this disease, but governments prefer to cut down diseased trees rather than prevent their demise.  In his press release, Dr. Golden wrote:  “One of the most effective means that the individual can do to prevent global warming is to secure the lives of trees, the natural cooling infrastructure of the Earth.  Each moderate size tree has the cooling capacity of dozens of air conditioners.  Trees provide habitat for animals, both in their canopy and in their root structure, food, natural mulch, and prevent water run-off.  The longest living and largest of all of nature’s creatures, we should devote ourselves to saving trees.”

Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money.  Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal.  Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

[[File: JulyTreeRallyCalledbyLesGolden.jpg |thumb|right|125px|<small> Learning of the fate of thirty old growth trees in Field playground at Friday, July 6, at noon, within 48 hours Les Golden printed up flyers, had them distributed throughout Oak Park, obtained speakers, and notified the press of a Rally to Save the Trees.  Over 200 people attended on Sunday, July 8, on the hottest day of the year on the July 4th weekend.</small>]]Dr. Golden seeded the “Trees, Our Natural Infrastructure for the Environment” or “TONE” program with $5,000 of his own money.  Each Arbor Day, Dr. Golden and his volunteers in the CARE Party place exhibits in the parks and raise money to reach the $100,000 goal.  Once achieved, it will provide a lasting fund to pay for the inoculation of all village trees against Dutch elm disease.

==Ban on Pesticides==

==Ban on Pesticides==

===Organization of Neighborhoods===

===Organization of Neighborhoods===

He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park.  The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

[[File: July2007MeetingLesGoldenMannSchool.jpg |thumb|left|125px|<small> Les Golden notified the State of Illinois in July, 2007, of the unannounced plan of the Oak Park Park District to destroy all thirty old growth trees in Field playground.  The State cancelled their matching grant and held emergency community meetings.  As a result, numerous trees were saved.</small>]]He has for many years organized neighbors to pay for preventative treatment of elm trees against Dutch Elm disease and ash trees against Emerald borer-born disease and this has led to the saving of many trees in Oak Park.  The village provides no money for such preventative measure.

==Water Quality==

==Water Quality==

===Citizen Mulch===

===Citizen Mulch===

When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains.  He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material.  This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

[[File: TreeRallyinFieldPlaygroundJuly2007.jpg |thumb|right|225px|<small> Over 200 attended the Save the Trees Rally.  Speakers included organizer Les Golden and the Green Party candidate for Lt. Governor of the State of Illinois.  Children were well-reprsented and spoke eloquently of their love of trees and the creatures who inhabit them.  Chicago television stations were present and carried the news on the evening broadcasts.</small>]]When a tree in his neighborhood is cut down (usually for Dutch elm disease), Dr. Golden by himself or with the help of neighbors, contacts the neighbors to see if they want the chipped up remains.  He then carries bushels of chipped mulch to the homes and lays down the material.  This saves the gas of the trucks carrying the chips to landfills and provides material for mulching trees and landscaping.

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==

==Water Conservation and Waste Reduction==