What Is PCI

What is Parkway Corner Initiative (PCI)
THE PARKWAY CORNERS INITIATIVE will restore Northcenter parkway corners with pollinator-friendly landscapes created from native plant sources. These corners will create a colorful array of pesticide-free, bee, bird, butterfly and even bat-friendly corners within our neighborhood. These native plant landscapes are visually beautiful, flowering three seasons while providing pollinator forage that require no chemical additives or pesticides. There is no longer the need for mowing, further decreasing the carbon footprint. Native plants are ideal for the corners, since they are deep-rooted plants and help to absorb rainwater deep into the soil versus short rooted plants/grasses. In addition, native plants withstand a large range of wet-to-dry conditions making the requirements of these landscapes low maintenance. These native plant corners will be constructed and maintained by volunteer "land stewards" living on that block where the corner is located, trained and aided by Northcenter Neighborhood Association (NNA) volunteers. Plants will come from North Branch Restoration Project (NBRP) wild gardeners. These are native species that escape from the garden and would normally be weeded out, but instead will find a new home in the parkway corners. This project is very much in line with NBRP's long time interest in promoting the wider use of native species in gardens and beautification projects. This initiative is a volunteer collaboration between the Northcenter Neighborhood Association (NNA) and the North Branch Restoration Project (NBRP). This initiative is a pilot program for NBRP, and one of NBRP's first attempts of creating native plant landscapes within an urban, high-trafficked area.
Who is eligible to apply for a corner?

Resident members of Northcenter Neighborhood Association Membership is annual $10 for individuals, $20 for families. To become a member visit www.northcenterneighborhood.org
What if I have never gardened before?

No worries! This initiative is part educational, part environmentally responsible and part fun. All corner stewards will receive hands-on instructions and support from the PCI team as well as be invited to a variety of exciting educational events.
What is expected of me?

Create a team of 2-3 or more corner stewards to rotate in care and maintenance of your chosen corner for a 3-year term. Prepare corner area for planting Water Weed Maintain and nurture Prepare for winter and spring Etc.
How many corners are available to be installed?

Our goal for the 2012-year is 14 corners.
How are corners chosen?

Combination of first come first served, and whose corner is most ideal to be converted into a thriving corner garden. The work currently being done by Peoples Gas and the city for sewer lines in our neighborhood needs to be completed before breaking ground on a parkway corner.
What can I expect the corner to look like?

Each corner will receive approximately 30-40 plants (depending on size). At first the plants will seem small and somewhat spread apart (with the exception of the anchor plant which will be larger and more established) but by the second year the corner will fill out and take on a beautiful appearance.
What am I not allowed to do with my corner?

The goal of the PCI corners it to create an urban native plant ecosystem so therefore we ask that only native plants be planted. We require your agreement that your corner NOT be treated with chemicals (pesticides, herbicides and fungicides etc.) It makes no sense to create a beautiful ecosystem for our wildlife and let the chemicals run off into our drainage system (most catch basins are at the corner). PCI will provide fensing, a sign and a few barrier rocks to keep the corners looking consistent.
What can I do to make my corner a little extra special?

Insects need water! Consider providing a shallow dish with twigs in it to keep our bees hydrated. Mason bee house Birdbath Small sitting area Etc. However remember that this is the big city and sometimes things get stolen, so dont put any item out that would break your heart to loose.
What is the cost?

$125.00 per corner will give you plants for your corner as well as replacing any needed plant due to damage or loss over the 3-year commitment. Bought at your local nursery the cost for an average size corner with plant alone would easily reach the value of $400! The reason you will get your corner for such a low price is because North Branch Restoration Project will be donating a majority of the plants. The rest of the money will go toward signage, fencing and supplies for general maintenance etc. Each group of corner stewards will also be responsible for providing a water source and hosing as well as basic gardening tools for the general care and maintenance.
What are some of the perks to maintaining a corner?

Your corner will automatically be added into the annual Northcenter Neighborhood Garden Walk map. Stewards will be invited to any of the special events held by the Northcenter Neighborhood Garden Club. Stewards will be invited to mid-summer or fall seed processing event with the North Branch Restoration Project. Steward will be invited to any of the special events held by the Environmental Committee. Most importantly, you will have made this already beautiful neighborhood even more beautiful. Value = priceless!
Sounds Great! How do I sign up?

Fill out the attached application form and send that along with your check payment of $125 to the address below. Because the Parkway Corner Initiative is a community effort, consider raising the money collectively from families on your block, or include PCI as a fundraised effort at your block or other neighborhood gatherings. You can also find a generous donor that wants to support the beautification of your neighborhood.
Northcenter Neighborhood Association C/O PARKWAY CORNER INITIATIVE P.O. Box 180180 Chicago, IL 60618
Questions?
Call Elizabeth Wenscott at 773-396-2653 or Email us at
[email protected]

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What Is PCI

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What is Parkway Corner Initiative (PCI)

Who is eligible to apply for a corner?

What if I have never gardened before?

What is expected of me?

How many corners are available to be installed?

How are corners chosen?

What can I expect the corner to look like?

What am I not allowed to do with my corner?

What can I do to make my corner a little extra special?

What is the cost?

What are some of the perks to maintaining a corner?

Sounds Great! How do I sign up?

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