From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:
'Back from the Future' is the theme for this year's Awards Celebration. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Global Awards Celebration, where you can meet these young filmmakers in person or online and see their extraordinary films.

• Film details soon

• Doors open 11 a.m. for check-in/registration

• Program begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

• Program ends 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Free popcorn

• Free beverage

Since 2013, the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest has awarded over 100 prizes to short environmental films from youth age 25 down to 3rd grade. A jury of 31 environmental and film professionals selected the final, top films from among 400 submissions around the world in this first year as a global, rather than national contest. Each film is 1 to 8 minutes long and ranges from animation to live action to documentary.

Free registration for in person event.

Free registration for virtual event.

Free registration for Asia/Pacific virtual event.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held on Wednesdays in the later half of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.

In Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse award-winning entomologist and conservationist Dave Goulson, drawing on thirty years of research, examines the evidence of an alarming drop in insect numbers around the world, which could cause an ecological disaster. The book ends with practical advice and actions to avert the insect apocalypse.

REGISTER HERE

From Oak Park Public Library:

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held on Wednesdays in the later half of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.

In The Overstory by Richard Powers, an air force loadmaster in the Vietnam War is shot out of the sky, then saved by falling into a banyan. An artist inherits a hundred years of photographic portraits, all of the same doomed American chestnut. A hard-partying undergraduate in the late 1980s electrocutes herself, dies, and is sent back to life by creatures of air and light. A hearing-and speech-impaired scientist discovers that trees are communicating with one another. These four, and five other strangers—each summoned in different ways by trees—are brought together in a last and violent stand to save the continent's few remaining acres of virgin forest.

REGISTER HERE

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.

Registration Required

If you have any questions, please email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Find out how to turn your parkway/hellstrip, also known as that dried out, compacted narrow bit of land between the sidewalk and the road into a gardening opportunity! Two experienced native plant gardeners will give you a virtual guided tour of their stunning parkway gardens and share tips, challenges and successes in turning this challenging area into habitat.

Register for this online event.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join a lively discussion of '“An Immense World” by Ed Yong, about animal senses. In partnership with Forest Park Public Library. Ages 18  & up.  

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Call Trailside at 708-366-6530.

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Step up your birding game by learning how to identify the complexities of birds.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/ET19A1pFf6iydW5Q9.
Zoom Presentation

Camilo de Castro, Brad Allgood/2023/80 min/Conservation, Climate, Justice, Food & Agriculture, Historical Perspectives, People & Cultures, Wildlife

FILM DESCRIPTION: Nicaragua is facing an escalating crisis. Illegal cattle ranchers and miners are decimating the Indio-Maiz Biological Reserve — one of the last remaining rainforests in Central America. Climate change and deforestation are leading to destruction of biodiversity and traditional ways of life. Commodities produced on illegally converted lands are finding their way to unsuspecting consumers in the US and other major markets. The indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples are addressing the threat head on—fighting back to protect their territory and way of life and is on Leonardo DiCaprio’s list five environmental documentaries people should watch.

Virtual Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/patrol-virtual-watch-party-tickets-858502342617

Rebecca Tickell and Josh Tickell/2023/105 min/Climate, Food & Agriculture, Conservation, Health, Wildlife

FILM DESCRIPTION: From the filmmakers of “Kiss the Ground” (Netflix) comes the follow-up documentary “Common Ground,” winner of the Tribeca Film Festival. “Common Ground” is an important new documentary film featuring Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Donald Glover, Rosario Dawson, Mark Hyman, Gabe Brown, and many others. This film provides hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system. “Common Ground” explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health and the planet.

The short film “Hope” by Jodi Wu will precede the feature film. “Hope” tied for the Animation Prize in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest 2023.

In Person Tickets at Chicago Cultural Center: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/common-ground-chicago-cultural-center-action-fair-tickets-858510015567

Arrive at 12 p.m. for the Action Fair in the 2nd Floor Rotunda.
Enjoy free refreshments and fellowship with environmental advocates.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

In Person Tickets at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/common-ground-peggy-notebaert-nature-museum-tickets-863367484387

Doors open 30 minutes before start time.
Arrive early to talk with action partners, avoid lines and get best seats.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

In Person Tickets at Illinois Institute of Technology: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/common-ground-illinois-institute-of-technology-tickets-863369951767?aff=oddtdtcreator

This is a collaboration with Bronzeville Partners.
Meet community leaders and organizations that are dedicated to
Earth Justice and learn how you can get involved. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Free parking lot across the street between 34th and 35th Streets.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

Illinois Tech is located in Bronzeville, also known as the “Black Metropolis” and the “Black Belt,” and is at the epicenter of African-American history on Chicago’s South Side. Its residents transformed the area into a mecca for innovation, business, culture, and community institutions with national influence that rivaled and even exceeded New York’s Harlem. The film will be screened at the former site of the Binga Bank and Arcade, owned by Jesse Binga, the first Black man to found a privately owned bank in Chicago.

In Person Tickets at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/common-ground-three-brothers-theatre-tickets-863372479327?aff=oddtdtcreator

Doors open 30 minutes before start time.
Arrive early to talk with action partners, avoid lines and get best seats.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

In Person Tickets at Oak Park Public Library:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/common-ground-oak-park-public-library-tickets-863373432177?aff=oddtdtcreator

Doors open 30 minutes before start time.
Arrive early to talk with action partners, avoid lines and get best seats.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

Young environmentalists, join us for 7 award-winning short films and discussion, where we'll get loud about our planet! We'll also settle in to contemplate and celebrate the power of creativity, art, and nature. Enjoy healthy snacks and activities.

Oak Park Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmaker-voices-for-families-with-kids-age-7-to-12-tickets-858513816937?aff=oddtdtcreator

Austin Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmaker-voices-for-families-with-kids-age-7-to-12-austin-tickets-872912804697

Maggie Hart and Brittany Zampella/2023/19 min/Waste, Health, Justice

FILM DESCRIPTION: “A Good Neighbor” is a feature-length documentary about a Latina single mother’s fight against racism and climate change as she campaigns for city council in one of the nation’s most polluted zip codes.

Farhoud Meybodi/2023/48 min/Waste, Health, Justice, Built Environment, People & Cultures

FILM DESCRIPTION: Amidst a catastrophic plastic waste crisis in her hometown of Nairobi, Nzambi Matee risks everything to pioneer technology that transforms plastic waste into sustainable paving bricks. A former engineer in the oil and gas industry, Nzambi walked away from a lucrative career after a trip to the coastal city of Mombasa, where she discovered a sea of plastic bags and bottles in the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This inspired Nzambi to create a possible solution to the country’s plastics problem by converting waste into sustainable materials.

The short film “The Speech of Txai Surui” by the students of Escola Parque (in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) will precede the feature film. This film won two awards in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest 2023.

VIEW & BREW tickets for Kehrein Center: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/view-brew-w-one-earth-collective-swsw-pt-3-tickets-881167544847?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

$25 includes film, food, and beverage starting at 5 p.m.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.
The Kehrein Center for the Arts is the product of a years-long effort to restore an architecturally-significant but unused auditorium into a vibrant fine and performing arts center, complete with a 900-seat storytelling theater, art gallery, and community gathering place. Original construction was in 1954 by Belli & Belli.

In person tickets for Unity Temple: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earthbound-nzambi-matee-a-good-neighbor-unity-temple-tickets-858539353317

Doors open 30 minutes before start time.
Arrive early to talk with action partners, avoid lines and get best seats.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

In person tickets for Triton College:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earthbound-nzambi-matee-a-good-neighbor-triton-college-tickets-858537668277?aff=oddtdtcreator

Doors open 30 minutes before start time.
Arrive early to talk with action partners, avoid lines and get best seats.
ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

Maggie Burnette Stogner/2023/30 min/Water Justice, Conservation, Health

FILM DESCRIPTION: "Upstream, Downriver" takes viewers into the heart of the battle for water justice. Powerful stories with frontline community activists are interwoven with historical context about landmark regulations that significantly reduced water pollution in the U.S. but failed to serve disadvantaged communities that are hardest hit by today’s climate crisis. 

Giorgio Ghiotto/2023/30 min/Water Justice, Conservation, Health, People & Cultures

FILM DESCRIPTION: Vidal Merma, a Peruvian Indigenous journalist, risks his life daily to secure a future where his son, Erik, can savor the simple joy of drinking clean water. "Wings of Dust" is about a father's sacrifice, community resilience and the unwavering human spirit in the face of environmental injustice. This film won the 2023 Gold Medal Student Academy Award for Documentary and was also shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards for Documentary Short Film.

Two short films will precede the feature films: “The Island” by Mahmut Taş and “Submerged” by Neo Sky James. “Submerged” tied for the Animation Prize in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest 2023.

VIEW & BREW Tickets at Epiphany Center for the Arts: Chicago Tickets

Doors open at 5 p.m. for food and drink available for purchase,
networking, and self-tours of this adaptive re-use space.
Film program starts at 6 p.m.

ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

In Person Tickets at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church: Oak Park Tickets

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for Action Fair and refreshments.
Film program starts at 6 p.m.

ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

In Person Tickets at Park Ridge Community Church: Park Ridge Tickets

Doors open at 5 p.m. to meet action partners.
Film program starts at 6 p.m.

ADA-compliant accessible venue. Click here for more ADA details.

From West Cook Wild Ones: 2024 will be a unique year as the 17-year periodical cicada will be emerging throughout northern Illinois. This is a short, but very interesting entomological event worth enjoying. In this presentation we will discuss the fascinating biology and feeding habits of the periodical cicada, egg laying preferences, susceptible woody plant species, and potential for damage to young trees and shrubs, and natural pruning of mature trees. Practical management methods will be presented for both members of the green industry and homeowners.

Get Tickets: https://westcookwildones.ticketbud.com/the-periodical-cicada-coming-to-a-neighborhood-near-you

From Oak Park Public Library:

Cindy Crosby is the author, compiler or contributor to more than 20 books. Her most recent book is “Chasing Dragonflies: A Natural, Cultural, and Personal History”. Listen to stories of the history of the tallgrass prairie and its amazing plants and creatures – from blooms to butterflies to bison. Discover plants that work well in the home garden as you enjoy learning about Illinois’ “landscape of home.”

From One Earth Film Fest:

This year’s total eclipse will go through Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Learn more here: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us as Forest Preserves staff introduces you to technology that can be used to enhance your birding experience.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Register at https://forms.gle/GcRGRXxaoJYTeW6n9.

Zoom Presentation

From Oak Park Public Library:

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature in the Earth Lounge Environmental Book Discussion Group, held the last Wednesday of the month every other month beginning in January 2024.

Islands of Abandonment: nature rebounding in the post-human landscape by Cal Flyn explores the places where nature is flourishing in our absence. Flyn visits the eeriest and most desolate places on Earth that due to war, disaster, disease, or economic decay, have been abandoned by humans. What she finds every time is an "island" of teeming new life: nature has rushed in to fill the void faster and more thoroughly than even the most hopeful projections of scientists. The book is a tour through these new ecosystems, in all their glory, as sites of unexpected environmental significance, where the natural world has reasserted its wild power and promise.

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/earth-lounge-environmental-book-club-islands-abandonment-60941

From Oak Park Public Library:

Plant Swaps are for everyone of all ages! This event encourages plant lovers to come together and trade pest- free plants of all kinds, which can include: Houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, seedlings, starters, succulents, air plants, wildflowers, annual or perennial, etc. No money is exchanged and it is a great way for beginners and expert gardeners to clean out or add variety to their collections. Drop in any time between 1pm - 3pm to give some plants and get some plants. 

From Oak Park Public Library:

There are simple things we can all do to make our homes and planet healthier. Come learn how to properly recycle household hazardous waste materials and make your own green cleaning alternatives that are safer for both humans and the environment. After a brief presentation and Q&A with the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability's Community Outreach Coordinator Kate Carney there will be an opportunity for participants to make their own green cleaning mix to bring home just in time for Spring Cleaning!

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/sustainability-home-green-cleaning-63106

From First United Church of Oak Park:

First United Church of Oak Park invites the public to hear Chicago area environmental leaders such as Naomi Davis of Blacks in Green and Pamela Tate of Climate Reality Project at “Environmental Stewardship/Environmental Justice.” This series will take place in person from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. over the next five Sundays beginning March 3 (and excluding March 31), at 848 Lake St., in Oak Park. Topics include biodiversity, environmental justice, waste, plus local Chicago and Oak Park-vicinity conditions and initiatives. No advance registration is needed. Simply show up each Sunday at First United Church of Oak Park.

Speakers March 3
Engaging Communities for Urban Stewardship
Trinity Pierce, Stewardship Manager, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Wolf Road Prairie
Wild City; Human Ecosystem
Wyatt Widmer, Steward, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Wolf Road Prairie

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Learn the basics of bird identification, including the lingo birders use to describe birds and how to identify birds using size and shape.

Registration Required at https://babb2024-3.eventbrite.com/

From West Cook Wild Ones:

Explore how native gardening can address climate challenges in the next Wild Ones national webinar, “Cultivating Change” with author and activist Lorraine Johnson.

Learn about the pivotal role of gardening as an act of stewardship in the face of climate and ecological challenges. Discover the profound connections between individual gardens and the broader world and learn how these green spaces can serve as catalysts for positive ecological and social change. Join Wild Ones for a practical and insightful discussion on gardening’s positive impact on the environment and our future. 

Lorraine Johnson has been researching and writing about environmental issues for three decades. She is a community activist and advocates for protecting, supporting, and growing the urban forest. Johnson is a former president of the North American Native Plant Society and served on the national board of Wild Ones.

Johnson is the author or editor of 14 books, including City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing and Tending the Earth: A Gardener’s Manifesto. Her most recent book was coauthored by Sheila Colla, A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators.

Through her books, articles, presentations, and community projects, she strives to advance the understanding that everything and everyone is connected and that, through our actions, we all have a role to play in making this world a better place for all life. 

Register here: https://wildones.org/webinar-cultivating-change-with-lorraine-johnson-on-january-25th-at-6-pm-cst/

From Chicago’s Music Box Theater:

From the filmmakers of ‘Kiss the Ground’ (Netflix) comes the follow-up documentary ‘Common Ground’, winner of the Tribeca Film Festival. Common Ground is an important new documentary film featuring Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Donald Glover, Rosario Dawson, Mark Hyman, Gabe Brown, and many others. Directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, ‘Common Ground’ provides hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system. The film explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health and the planet.

After the film, join ‘Common Ground’ filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell to learn more about the film and the incredible regenerative agriculture movement planting across the country. VIP Reception tickets also available before the screening.

Get tickets: https://musicboxtheatre.com/films-and-events/common-ground

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Webinar teaching skills to begin to learn to identify local bird songs.

Registration Required: Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-a-better-birder-tips-for-learning-to-identify-bird-sounds-tickets-629237776127.

If you have any questions, please email Jessica.becker@cookcountyil.gov

From Goethe-Institut Chicago:

The Goethe-Institut Chicago is hosting "Land in Common", an interdisciplinary symposium on land justice, on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 1 to 6 p.m. at The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St., in collaboration with the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

Topics include the ideological underpinnings of the idea of ‘the commons’ and its application in Europe and the US; how urban farms become microcosms for new social worlds; and how civil rights law can combat environmental racism.

The event will conclude with a plant and seed swap, and is free and open to the public. Dinner and drinks available for purchase on-site at The Plant, including Heffer BBQ at Whiner Beer Co.'s Taproom and MeetStop by Ste. Martaen's vegan comfort food.

Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/land-in-common-tickets-745507441827

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us for a book discussion about “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Registration Required: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Join us for an artist talk and panel discussion to learn more about  The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) and Lindsay's Olson's work as their first-ever artist in residence! Presentation to be followed by a Q&A session and closing reception in the Main Library Gallery.

See the exhibit October 10-November 11 
All around the world, wetlands support a tremendous diversity of plants and wildlife. These ecosystems also improve water quality, reduce erosion and flood damage, and even sequester carbon dioxide. But they continue to be degraded and drained at an alarming rate. Restoring these valuable, often-overlooked ecosystems is the work of The Wetlands Initiative (TWI). As their first artist in residence, artist Lindsay Olson draws inspiration from the funeral regalia of ancient Egypt, specifically, the fresh floral collars buried in the tomb of King Tutankhamun that have survived for thousands of years. These funeral collars were symbols of life death and rebirth. The metaphor of a collar also can be seen as a broken circle. Humans have forever interrupted the natural processes of wetlands. Wetland restoration is a way to reverse some of the damage caused and return these parcels of land into beautiful, functional wetlands again. Using various textile processes, Olson has created art that helps explain to the public the science, process, benefits, and joys of restored wetlands. 

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/artist-talk-and-panel-discussion-our-once-and-future-wetlands-art-ecology-and-engineering

From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:

On Saturday, Nov. 4, watch 6 short, One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest honorable mention films from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT, take a half hour break, and then see 6 more films from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CDT. We will hear from each filmmaker before their film screens.

Free tickets: https://contesthonmention1.eventbrite.com

Elementary School
1) “Lost But Not Forgotten (4 min)” by Scott Lee from Georgia.
2) “The Salt Solution (5 min)” by Hasan Muhammad from Illinois

Middle School
3) “Invasive Fish in the DesPlaines River (3 min)” by Andrew Thomas Older from Illinois
4) “A Reason for Hope (5 min)” by Mason Mirabile of Virginia

High School
5) “Voices of the Water (8 min)” by Jenny Kim Ha Vu from Virginia
6) “Expedition (3 min)” by Milo Smith, Matthew Wilson, Romeo Keyser from Michigan

From Climate Ready COOP:

Oak Park Fall Tree Stroll will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, on the 100 S. Scoville block. Learn about our trees and do bark rubbings. Bike, roll, or walk to this event to get a prize.

Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjk8vrcravq48igiOL96RHkRukapF1urG42RLswP5OSE5gbQ/viewform

From Oak Park Public Library:

Join us for a presentation about the harmful effects of light pollution on wildlife and human health, and what you and your local government can do to reduce the impacts.

About the presenter
Robert Sullivan is a visual resource scientist specializing in scenic resource management who worked for 30 years in the Environmental Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory. In addition to designing visual resource management methods, systems, and guidance for U.S. federal agencies, he also developed best management practices for reducing impacts from artificial light at night. He currently works as a private consultant, and uses his expertise in horticulture and landscape architecture in a volunteer capacity to manage a rooftop pollinator garden and other green spaces at the Center on Halsted in Chicago.

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/dark-side-outdoor-light-light-pollution-and-its-effects-environment-and-human-health