From West Cook Wild Ones

Explore the ecological and aesthetic advantages of hedges and hedgerows in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows” with Heather McCargo, founder of Wild Seed Project.

Native hedgerows are diverse plantings of woody plants from shrubs to small trees along with herbaceous groundcovers at their base.  Learn how these low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience. Discover practical tips for designing and implementing hedgerows in various landscapes, from farms to urban settings, and understand their role in supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. 

Get ready to gear up and ride for a cause that matters! The "Ride for Peace" event is your chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a day of community. Whether you're an avid cyclist or just looking for a fun, family-friendly activity, this event is perfect for everyone. Meet us at BUILD (5100 W Harrison St) for a peaceful ride through Austin on September 7th at 10AM (ride starts at 11AM sharp). Join us after the ride for community resources and activities for the whole family. Register now to secure your FREE shirt! This event isn't just about cycling—it's about coming together to promote peace and unity in the community. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and every pedal stroke supports a great cause.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Sat, September 7 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County for a paddling event at Kickapoo Woods! This FREE event offers a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the natural area while engaging in a fun and relaxing paddling experience.

To register please email Gloria Orozco at gloria@fotfp.org

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

In partnership with Ride Illinois, join us for a family-friendly event promoting riding bikes. Safety demonstration, techniques, tips, and a guided ride included. Helmets and loaner bikes are available. This event is perfect for cyclists of all skill levels who want to explore beautiful trails and enjoy the great outdoors.

From West Cook Wild Ones

Explore how native plants can enhance biodiversity and support ecosystems in our upcoming Wild Ones national webinar, “Combating the Biodiversity Crisis with Native Plants” featuring Sarah Gray and Coralie Palmer from the Indiana Native Plant Society.

Native plants are essential for maintaining biodiversity as they provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By incorporating native plants into your landscape, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports local fauna and flora. These plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Attendees will learn how native plants can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem.

From West Cook Wild Ones

Please join West Cook Wild Ones on Zoom for "Gardening for Hummingbirds" with Pam Karlson, artist, garden designer and educator on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm (Central Time).

One of the summer’s delights is visits from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Learn about these special guests and how to attract them to gardens during their warm season residency. This presentation features Pam’s Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos taken in the Chicago bird garden she created. Migration, plant selection, eco-friendly gardening practices, nesting, supplemental feeding, and community science will be discussed. 

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Be a part of hands-on conservation efforts and help restore natural habitats. This is a great opportunity to get involved in environmental stewardship while enjoying the outdoors. All skill levels are welcome for ages 12+.

What to Expect:

• Habitat restoration activities

• Learning about local ecology

• Community involvement

We look forward to seeing you there and making a difference together!

From One Earth Collective:

Help support One Earth all year round. Sign up today ($45 or more) to receive your bingo card, plus a membership to One Earth Film Festival. Encourage friends and family to join the fun. Each completed bingo card will be entered into a drawing for fabulous prizes. Just take a picture of your completed card and send it to natasha@oneearthcollective.org. Be sure to share your pic on social media; the person with the highest number of hashtag uses will win an extra special prize.

Click here to purchase your card

Campaign ends July 31st 2024

From One Earth Collective:

Help support One Earth all year round. Sign up today ($45 or more) to receive your bingo card, plus a membership to One Earth Film Festival. Encourage friends and family to join the fun. Each completed bingo card will be entered into a drawing for fabulous prizes. Just take a picture of your completed card and send it to natasha@oneearthcollective.org. Be sure to share your pic on social media; the person with the highest number of hashtag uses will win an extra special prize.

Click here to purchase your card

Campaign ends July 31st 2024

From One Earth Collective:

Help support One Earth all year round. Sign up today ($45 or more) to receive your bingo card, plus a membership to One Earth Film Festival. Encourage friends and family to join the fun. Each completed bingo card will be entered into a drawing for fabulous prizes. Just take a picture of your completed card and send it to natasha@oneearthcollective.org. Be sure to share your pic on social media; the person with the highest number of hashtag uses will win an extra special prize.

Click here to purchase your card

Campaign ends July 31st 2024

Our expert guides Mike Rush, Jim Rowan, and Larry Godson will lead you through the vast fields to uncover the secret lives of insects. Learn fascinating facts about insect behavior, ecology, and their crucial role in our ecosystem. Capture stunning shots of insects in their natural habitats. Perfect for budding photographers and nature enthusiasts!

From Oak Park Public Library:

Worms at the Library? Count us in!

Kids, families, teens and grown ups are invited to get up close and personal with worms to learn about their habitat and the wonderful work they do in our soil. Participants will learn about producers, decomposers, and consumers with this interactive worm workshop with an educator from Plant Chicago.

Join in a discussion of the importance of composting and reducing waste while working together to build a worm bin for the library. All ages 4 and up are welcome. Space limited. Registration recommended. Feel free to bring a container to take some worms home with you.

For more information about this event , please click here for the calendar event on the Oak Park Public Library’s website and to learn more about the Oak Park Public Library click here.

From One Earth Collective:

Help support One Earth all year round. Sign up today ($45 or more) to receive your bingo card, plus a membership to One Earth Film Festival. Encourage friends and family to join the fun. Each completed bingo card will be entered into a drawing for fabulous prizes. Just take a picture of your completed card and send it to natasha@oneearthcollective.org. Be sure to share your pic on social media; the person with the highest number of hashtag uses will win an extra special prize.

Click here to purchase your card

Campaign ends July 31st 2024

This class will introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You will learn about proper strokes and paddling techniques, and get the chance to practice these new skills on a beautiful, local waterway. REI’s expert guides will also teach the basics of water safety, trip planning and how to have an enjoyable time on the water. This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about kayaking. Ages 14 & up. Presented by REI. Kayaks, paddles and all necessary safety equipment provided.

Wrap up Earth Month with our junky jamboree at Gallagher Way featuring artisans who transform reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind goods and promote zero-waste activities. Shop for home goods, art, planters, fashion, body care, stuff you've never seen before and more.

Join us for this Earth Month Community Kickoff event for all ages and learn about a wide variety of community sustainability groups and opportunities right here in Oak Park.

Get inspired to do some spring cleaning at home, and we’ll help keep the things you no longer need out of the landfill! Enjoy green giveaways and learn about other ways to get involved with volunteering in the Forest Preserves as well as how to live more sustainably. T-shirt giveaway for the first 50 participants.

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 One Earth Film Fest and Austin Eats:

Join us for an award-winning film, food, fun, and freebies. Plus, enjoy ...

• free dinner bites

• Best of the West mac & cheese cook off

• pickling demo

• tours of Bethel New Life's vegetable garden

• more fun & freebies

Register here: https://foodandfilmshowcase.eventbrite.com

This event is for those living, working, worshiping and attending school in Chicago’s Austin & West side communities. Great for adults/general audiences + older children/teens.Limited space.

FILM DESCRIPTION (52 min): Black food is American food. Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving throughlines from Africa to Texas in this docuseries "High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021)." We will watch episode 3 "Our Founding Chefs." Learn how James Hemings invented mac & cheese and other stories of Black culinary ingenuity.

This event is part of Austin Eats, a collaborative working to rewrite the narrative around food in Chicago's Austin community. By synergizing organizations already promoting healthier food choices through grocery access, culinary entrepreneurship, food education, community gardens, and urban farms, Austin Eats will recreate Austin’s food access ecosystem.

From Equiticity:

Ether Element: A Realization of Infinite Potential

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with nature-based activities and bike ride. Divvy bikes provided; limited supply.

Contact 312-415-2970.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family-friendly bike. Loaner bikes available.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call 773-758-8899.

From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:

The Earth needs a makeover and these young filmmakers will provide their tips on the best ways to improve the health of the planet. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host the Global Contest Awards Celebration, where you can meet these young filmmakers in person or online and see their extraordinary films.

• Film details forthcoming

• 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

Register in person: https://oneearthyfcawardsinperson.eventbrite.com

Register online: https://oneearthyfcawardsvirtual.eventbrite.com

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 403 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.

Thank you to our illustrious jury: Deborah Adelman, Felice Bassuk, Amy Brinkman, Kathleen Brennan, Laurie Casey, Hussain Currimbhoy, Lisa Daleiden-Brugman, Steve Cohen, Layla Dade, Mary Ford, Sophia Fowler, Monica Fox, Paula Froehle, Bill Gee, Jim Gill, Kathryn Hempel, Patrick Thomas Keen, Adrija Kundu, Angelo Lavel, William Kim Lyons, Jennifer Maiotti, Jonathan Moeller, Julie Moller, Elaine Petkovsek, James Rohn, Vicky Solano, Jessie Wahlers, Karen Weigert, Risé Sanders-Weir, Marc Wellin, and Gary Wilson.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family friendly bike ride. Loaner bikes available.

Registration Required: Call 312-533-5751.

From Equiticity:

Air Element: A Grand Rising of Power

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us for a family-friendly biking event! Safety demonstration, techniques, tips and guided ride. Helmets/loaner bikes available. In partnership with Ride Illinois.

Registration Required: Call 312-533-5751.

From Seven Generations Ahead:

The Oak Park Microbrew Review is one of the longest-running beer festivals in the Chicagoland area – 16 years!

• 70+ breweries with 200+ beers, seltzers, ciders and a couple of craft cocktails too!

• 3 music stages

• 12 live bands

• 10 local food vendors

• Loads of fun!

We're sustainable too!

Not only that; we’re the largest zero-waste fest in the Midwest.

Micro Brew. Micro Waste.

What is Zero Waste?

Our goal is for the fest to leave minimal impact on the environment.

We eliminate nearly all our landfill waste through reducing, reusing, recycling and composting.

Dispose of your waste at Resource Recovery Stations throughout the fest – staffed by awesome Sustainability Rangers!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oak-park-microbrew-review-2023-tickets-543187266737?aff=erelexpmlt

From Equiticity:

Water Element: A Flowing Rhythm of Movement

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets