Macomb, IL – Perennial flowers bulbs will be planted on the Western Illinois University campus to form the shape of the number 350.
The event is part of an international day of climate action promoted by 350.org. The group is pushing for worldwide solutions to climate change and has planned thousands of events around the planet.
WIU history professor Peter Cole hopes that when people see the display of perennial flowers, they will think about the need to reduce emissions.
"The reason the number 350 was selected is because scientists believe that the planet needs to get beneath 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in order to ameliorate the worst effects of climate change," says Cole.
Cole says the flowers, like all plants, can play at least a small part in helping reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Cole says volunteers are welcome to help with the Macomb event. They should stop by at 9:00am Saturday (October 24). The bulbs will be planted between the University Union and the Malpass Library.
Cole says WIU's Physical Plant will provide the tools needed to plant the bulbs.
He plans to eventually place a small sign near the flower display to explain the significance of the design.