A visit to an area park on Sept. 29 can benefit both families and nature as Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council hosts a “Day of Service.” Whether collecting seeds, clearing brush or distributing mulch, there are large amounts of open space and natural areas in the region. The day of service offers an opportunity for the public to give back to nature while helping to protect and restore these natural areas.
“These parks provide us with wonderful recreational opportunities as well as clean air and water, so it is important to spend some time lavishing care and attention in these areas,” said Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioner Debra Shore. “The day of service is a fun-filled way to give back in just a few hours.”
MWRD is a founding member of Chicago Wilderness, a regional alliance that connects people and nature. More than 260 public, private and corporate organizations work together to restore local nature and improve the quality of life for all who live here, by protecting the lands and waters on which we all depend. Organized activities take place from 9 a.m. to noon, and participants are welcome to extend the length of their visit to enjoy the surroundings. For more information and to register, email dayofservice@chicagowilderness.org or visit www.chicagowilderness.org.
Volunteer sites and activities in Cook County include:
Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Chicago Park District, 3400 North Lake Shore, Lincoln Park, Chicago
Activity: Seed collection, removing invasive plants and cleanup
Dunning Read Conservation Area
Chicago Park District, Irving Park & Oak Park Avenues, Chicago
Activity: Removing invasive plants, constructing fences with buckthorn
Children 10 and older accompanied by parent welcome
Gompers Park
Chicago Park District, 4222 West Foster, Chicago
Activity: Planting, mulching & cleanup
Children 10 and older accompanied by parent welcome
Wooded Island, Jackson Park
Chicago Park District, 5800 South Science Drive, Chicago
Activity: Removing invasive plants
Children must be accompanied by adult
Pioneer Woods
Forest Preserve District of Cook County, 107th Street, Palos Hills
Activity: Brush clearing
Children 13 and older are welcome
Whistler Woods
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
134th & Halsted Streets, Riverdale
Activity: Removing invasive plants & cleanup
Children eight and older accompanied by parent
Wolf Road Prairie
31st Street west of Wolf Road, Westchester
Activity: Seed collection
Children 14 and older welcome
To see a copy of the poster for the complete listing of regional parks, visit: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/37311095/CW%20Day%20of%20Service%20poster%202012.pdf.
Our water environment…Take it personally!
Thanks for reading. I have forwarded your inquiry to dayofservice@chicagowilderness.org so they can contact you regarding specific details. Also, you can contact Patricia Cassady at their main no. 312-580-2135. Thanks to you and your troop for your civic engagement and help! Allison Fore Public Affairs Specialist MWRD