By Sally Stovall

Urban Eco Ventures is designed to spark the natural curiosity and creativity of youth, develop an experience-based knowledge of ecosystems, and activate engagement in the community. Introductory Session: Registration is now open for independent, nature-loving 6th, 7th and 8th graders in the Oak Park/River Forest area to participate in a pilot Eco Ventures project on Saturday, October 10 from 9:30 AM to noon. The start and end point for our adventures will be at The Depot, 401 Thatcher Ave, River Forest. This program will be an opportunity to unplug and recharge in nature.

Collaborating with a local native plant and butterfly expert from West Cook Wild Ones (http://westcook.wildones.org ), we will engage in field investigations and learn about local resources and their role in our ecosystems. Our Urban Eco Ventures guide will be Susan Lucci, mother to three teens, local community activist, and service-learning program designer (www.2big4words.org). The pilot program is free of charge.

To register for the pilot project, please complete the online Urban Eco Ventures registration form or contact: Susan Lucci at smlucci@sbcglobal.net or 708-955-7366 by Sept. 30, 2015.

2016 Sessions: Subject to a successful pilot project, we will host two 6-week sessions in 2016:

Winter/Spring Session (February through May): Urban Ecosystems (Water & Forests)
Summer/Fall Session (August through November): Urban Ecosystems (Native Wildlife)

In each session, we will observe, learn, reflect and take action on the focus topics, collaborating with local experts and activists. We will have dozens of hands-on experiences with nature as we gather on Saturday mornings (approximately every other week). Participant interests and questions will help to shape the direction of our time together.

Sponsored by Green Community Connections with support from the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation.