Located in the heart of U City is an urban oasis providing an antidote to what author Richard Louv calls "nature-deficit disorder." Settled in alongside Kaufman Woods and its very own native prairie is the Green Center, a non-profit organization that connects children and adults to nature through education and the arts.  Making use of its natural spaces,  The Green Center provides  after school activities, summer camps, art openings and adult workshops.

The Green Center is hosting its third annual Green Tie Affair on Saturday, June 9 from 5:30-8:00 pm.  Attendees will enjoy cocktails, canapés and music as they explore the greenhouse, wander through the Discovery Garden, and check in on the Center's newest addition, --6 hens. Proceeds from The Green Tie Affair will help with funding programming and operations for over 1,800 youths in year round field experiences and summer programs and provide the resources to plant over 1,000 native plants to enhance wildlife habitat in its 30 acres of natural spaces around the Center.

The Green Tie Affair will feature food by Michele C Catering and Events, local brews by Urban Chestnut, a presentation by Backdoor Harvest, Fresh Poetry, Ink, a silent auction, live music, Cool Delights  and demonstrations by local artisans. The event is sponsored by Michele C Catering and Events, Mad Tomato, Certified Solar Solutions, Pedro's Planet and ARBA Studios, L.C. Tickets can be purchased by calling The Green Center at 314.725.8314, or by visiting their website at www.thegreencenter.org. Tickets are $40 for non-members and $25 for members. Tickets must be purchased by June 1, 2012. The Center is located at 8025 Blackberry Ave. in University City.

Contact: Jan Oberkramer, 314-725-8314.