Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (C.O.O.P)
Feb
25
5:00 PM17:00

Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (C.O.O.P)

Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (C.O.O.P)

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

6-7:30 pm

Via Zoom

COOP is an outreach project around the Village of Oak Park’s Climate Ready Oak Park sustainability plan. COOP is a place where Oak Park-area residents can collaborate on projects that spread the word to residents about ways to act locally on climate change. Membership is not limited to green groups-- you can be from ANY group that comprises people from the area. If you would like your Oak Park-area, community based organization to be a part of COOP, please contact: 
laurie@oneearthcollective.org

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Austin Forward Together: Community Land Trust Meeting (Feb 25)
Feb
25
6:00 PM18:00

Austin Forward Together: Community Land Trust Meeting (Feb 25)

As part of the Austin Quality-of-Life Plan, we are committed to designing a Community Land Trust that ensures residents are able to continue staying rooted in their community. Community Land Trusts (CLTs), provide affordable housing options for residents by separating the land ownership from homeownership. Interested in the development and planning process for this initiative? Attend one of our information sessions to learn more about The Community Land Trust model and Why this is important for Austin and how you or your organization can partner with us.

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 OPCAN February Meeting
Feb
26
7:00 PM19:00

OPCAN February Meeting

Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN) is a volunteer group of Oak Park, Illinois, residents working to eliminate our community’s contribution to the global climate crisis through equitable policies and practices.

OPCAN advocates for the timely implementation of the goals of Climate Ready Oak Park, the climate action plan adopted by the Village of Oak Park in 2022. We also advocate for more climate-friendly policies with other local taxing bodies, residents, businesses, and organizations.

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Your Passion First: BHM Trivia Night
Feb
27
7:00 PM19:00

Your Passion First: BHM Trivia Night

Join us for a night of fun, community, and purpose at our Black History Month Trivia Night! Come show off your knowledge, connect with like-minded changemakers, and most importantly, help us continue uplifting and creating opportunities for our youth.

📅 Date: Thursday, February 27th

📍 Location: Rhythm & Blues Café (21+ Event) 7522 Madison St
Forest Park IL, 60130

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Invite 3 friends interested in meeting new people and/or passionate about supporting our youth. Every ticket, every moment, and every conversation helps us invest in the next generation. Don’t miss out—RSVP today and let’s celebrate Black history while building a brighter future!

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Film Screening and Discussion: Farming While Black
Feb
27
7:00 PM19:00

Film Screening and Discussion: Farming While Black

  • Oak Park Public Library: Main Library Veterans Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for an exclusive screening and discussion of Farming While Black, a feature-length documentary film that examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots.

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Wild Things 2025 – For People and Nature
Mar
1
8:00 AM08:00

Wild Things 2025 – For People and Nature

  • Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Wild Things 2025 will offer another exciting lineup workshops, presentations, and sessions from regional and national experts, plus meet & greets, video content, exhibitors, sponsors, and more! Tickets for Wild Things 2025 are now on sale and the full conference program will be announced soon.

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Austin Forward Together: Community Land Trust Meeting (Mar 1st)
Mar
1
11:00 AM11:00

Austin Forward Together: Community Land Trust Meeting (Mar 1st)

As part of the Austin Quality-of-Life Plan, we are committed to designing a Community Land Trust that ensures residents are able to continue staying rooted in their community. Community Land Trusts (CLTs), provide affordable housing options for residents by separating the land ownership from homeownership. Interested in the development and planning process for this initiative? Attend one of our information sessions to learn more about The Community Land Trust model and Why this is important for Austin and how you or your organization can partner with us.

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 Trickster Intertribal Youth Council
Mar
1
2:00 PM14:00

Trickster Intertribal Youth Council

Bozho and welcome to Trickster Cultural Center's Intertribal Youth Council!

We are thrilled to have you participate in creating a special space where young people from our community can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful activities.

This group is open to all youth ages 10 and up who are interested in exploring and celebrating Indigenous culture. We will be learning all about advocating, developing and implementing policies and services in outreach engagements, coalitions, and government in a range of self steered youth related issues. Bring your enthusiasm, your questions, and your spirit of adventure!

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It's Our Future's 3rd Annual Youth Climate Mixer!
Mar
2
12:30 PM12:30

It's Our Future's 3rd Annual Youth Climate Mixer!

  • Illinois Environmental Council Offices Suite 1100 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Research shows that people are more persuaded by personal stories (especially from young people) than by data.This year we will have a "Story Jam" with youth activists followed by a youth-led workshop where you can craft and share your climate story. Your story can be used to write Letters to the Editor, persuade elected officials or even family members!

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4th Annual Soil Health Week with Illinois Stewardship Alliance — March 3-9, 2025
Mar
3
to Mar 9

4th Annual Soil Health Week with Illinois Stewardship Alliance — March 3-9, 2025

Please save the date for the fourth annual Illinois Soil Health Week, March 3rd - 9th, 2025. Events are free and open to anyone that wants to learn more about soil and will feature educational opportunities including a home pantry garden and compost demo, Getting to Know Chicago Soil and Hempology 101, among others. 

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Affordable Solar and Job Training Workshop
Mar
6
5:30 PM17:30

Affordable Solar and Job Training Workshop

Are you a homeowner? Join us to learn more about solar & other ways to save on your electric bill!
Income-eligible households may benefit from this program through the installation of solar panels on their property. Hear from homeowners who have gone solar with Illinois Solar for All.
Learn about free solar job training programs as well.

To register, please email mminic@citizensutilityboard.org or call 312-292-5847. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The event is on March 6th, 5:30-7 pm at Austin Town Hall Park.

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Oak Park Climate Action Network: Clean Energy Open Houses
Mar
9
2:00 PM14:00

Oak Park Climate Action Network: Clean Energy Open Houses

See what your Oak Park neighbors are doing to power their homes cleaner, safer, cheaper, and greener! Check out heat pump HVAC and hot water systems, induction stoves, solar arrays, and more. Homeowners will be on hand to share their experience and answer your questions. Three different houses will be open on each of two days:
Sunday, March 9, 2-4pm
Sunday, April 6, 2-4pm

This event is free, but registration is required and space is limited! Presented by Oak Park Climate Action Network.

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2nd Annual Oak Park Eco-Extravaganza
Apr
5
10:00 AM10:00

2nd Annual Oak Park Eco-Extravaganza

  • Oak Park Library: Main Library Veterans Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hosted in partnership with One Earth Local, Climate Ready Community Outreach Oak Park (COOP), and the Village of Oak Park. 

Join us for this Earth Month Community Kickoff event for all ages in alignment with Earth Day 2025’s theme of Our Power, Our Planet. Come to learn, play, and connect with community groups working in the sustainability space while enjoying local treats. 

Registration is encouraged; walk-ins are welcome.

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 Trickster Intertribal Youth Council
Apr
5
2:00 PM14:00

Trickster Intertribal Youth Council

Bozho and welcome to Trickster Cultural Center's Intertribal Youth Council!

We are thrilled to have you participate in creating a special space where young people from our community can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful activities.

This group is open to all youth ages 10 and up who are interested in exploring and celebrating Indigenous culture. We will be learning all about advocating, developing and implementing policies and services in outreach engagements, coalitions, and government in a range of self steered youth related issues. Bring your enthusiasm, your questions, and your spirit of adventure!

View Event →
Oak Park Climate Action Network: Clean Energy Open Houses
Apr
6
2:00 PM14:00

Oak Park Climate Action Network: Clean Energy Open Houses

See what your Oak Park neighbors are doing to power their homes cleaner, safer, cheaper, and greener! Check out heat pump HVAC and hot water systems, induction stoves, solar arrays, and more. Homeowners will be on hand to share their experience and answer your questions. Three different houses will be open on each of two days:
Sunday, March 9, 2-4pm
Sunday, April 6, 2-4pm

This event is free, but registration is required and space is limited! Presented by Oak Park Climate Action Network.

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Learn About Bright Neighborhoods: Get in on the Solar Action
Apr
30
12:00 PM12:00

Learn About Bright Neighborhoods: Get in on the Solar Action

Join an Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods event to learn more about this limited-time initiative that allows residents in select Chicago West Side Neighborhoods, Waukegan, and the Carbondale-Marion area to save on electric bills!

The Bright Neighborhoods initiative helps income-eligible participants in selected communities save money on electric bills by installing solar panels with no upfront costs.

Act fast and sign up for Bright Neighborhoods by April 30, 2025. To get started, visit illinoisSFA.com/Bright.

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International Compost Awareness Week: May 4-10, 2025
May
4
to May 10

International Compost Awareness Week: May 4-10, 2025

  • Google Calendar ICS

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry. It is celebrated during the first full week of May throughout the US and internationally. The goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organics and using compost to create healthier soil.

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Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Wellness Walk
May
31
7:00 AM07:00

Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Wellness Walk

Hosted by Bank of America Chicago 13.1:The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 worked with West Side residents to introduce wellness-based activities to the race weekend experience. Activities including a family-friendly 1.31-Mile Wellness Walk, youth running events and a community pop-up featuring West Side businesses and organizations  aim to support, advance and celebrate health, wellness and movement on Chicago’s West Side.

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Bank of America Chicago 13.1
Jun
1
7:00 AM07:00

Bank of America Chicago 13.1

Hosted by Bank of America Chicago 13.1: The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 offers runners a unique experience, bringing a world-class half marathon to the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side. The 13.1-mile course weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park with scenic loops through Humboldt and Douglass Parks.

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Toddler Exploration Time
Feb
21
9:30 AM09:30

Toddler Exploration Time

  • Oak Park Conservatory Rubinstein Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hosted by Oak Park Conservatory: Children and their caregivers will be delighted with stories, lessons, and hands-on crafts led by our Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory education volunteers. (Ages 18 months-5 yrs)

Register Here: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-oak-park/shop/programs/101251?subCategoryIds=5299733

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Learn About Bright Neighborhoods: Save with Solar Workshop: Chicago
Feb
20
5:30 PM17:30

Learn About Bright Neighborhoods: Save with Solar Workshop: Chicago

  • 5820 West Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL, 60651 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join an Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods event to learn more about this limited-time initiative that allows residents in select Chicago West Side Neighborhoods, Waukegan, and the Carbondale-Marion area to save on electric bills!

Illinois Solar for All is hosting an in-person educational workshop for residents of Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods to learn more about solar energy and the Bright Neighborhoods initiative! This meeting will be co-hosted by the NAACP and AAABNA.

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Austin Forward Together: Community Land Trust Meeting (Feb 20)
Feb
20
10:00 AM10:00

Austin Forward Together: Community Land Trust Meeting (Feb 20)

As part of the Austin Quality-of-Life Plan, we are committed to designing a Community Land Trust that ensures residents are able to continue staying rooted in their community. Community Land Trusts (CLTs), provide affordable housing options for residents by separating the land ownership from homeownership. Interested in the development and planning process for this initiative? Attend one of our information sessions to learn more about The Community Land Trust model and Why this is important for Austin and how you or your organization can partner with us.

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VIRTUAL: Earth Lounge: Discussion Hour
Feb
19
6:00 PM18:00

VIRTUAL: Earth Lounge: Discussion Hour

Join us for an open discussion on climate change and other environmental topics. You are invited to share an article, book, podcast, or film related to environmental issues that you'd like to discuss. Because this meeting is virtual please feel free to have a link to your recommendation ready to share with the group. Registered participants will receive the zoom link by email.

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Learn About Bright Neighborhoods: Virtual Informational Meeting
Feb
19
6:00 PM18:00

Learn About Bright Neighborhoods: Virtual Informational Meeting

Join an Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods event to learn more about this limited-time initiative that allows residents in select Chicago West Side Neighborhoods, Waukegan, and the Carbondale-Marion area to save on electric bills!

Illinois Solar for All is hosting a virtual informational meeting for eligible residents to learn more about this initiative and get their questions answered by a program representative!

View Event →
 Trickster Intertribal Youth Council
Feb
17
12:00 PM12:00

Trickster Intertribal Youth Council

Bozho and welcome to Trickster Cultural Center's Intertribal Youth Council!

We are thrilled to have you participate in creating a special space where young people from our community can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful activities.

This group is open to all youth ages 10 and up who are interested in exploring and celebrating Indigenous culture. We will be learning all about advocating, developing and implementing policies and services in outreach engagements, coalitions, and government in a range of self steered youth related issues. Bring your enthusiasm, your questions, and your spirit of adventure!

View Event →
WEJA February 2025 Meeting
Feb
11
6:00 PM18:00

WEJA February 2025 Meeting

We have a great meeting planned for February in Austin-- flyer attached. Please share and invite your Westside networks. We're trying to build our coalition.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

6-7:30 pm

Alt_ Headquarters

5645 W Corcoran Place, Chicago 60644

Dinner included!

RSVP by 2/6 at 5 pm at https://tinyurl.com/8a4adbfy

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Bilingual Story Time
Feb
5
10:00 AM10:00

Bilingual Story Time

  • Oak Park Conservatory Rubinstein Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hosted by Oak Park Conservatory: This event takes place on the first Wednesday of every month. Enjoy a bilingual (English and Spanish) story time, plus songs and finger play led by our Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory volunteers. (Ages 18 months-5 yrs)

Register Here: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-oak-park/shop/activities/5330701

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Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall Malcolm X College
Feb
3
6:00 PM18:00

Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall Malcolm X College

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join 13th District Commissioner and Environment and Sustainability Committee Vice-Chair Josina Morita for Cook County’s first Environmental Justice Town Hall this evening.

The County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is seeking input from the public on the County’s draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This draft has been co-developed by an EJ internal working group, made up of County employees, and the EJ Community Advisory Committee. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy will help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across County bureaus and departments. 

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Repair Cafe
Feb
1
10:00 AM10:00

Repair Cafe

From Repair Cafe Oak Park:

Toss it? No way!

The Oak Park Repair Café is meeting on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at Fox Park in Oak Park. We will be in the Community Center in the park, at 624 S. Oak Park Avenue. Free, on-street parking.

Volunteer coaches will be on hand to work with you, helping you fix those household items you’ve been meaning to take care of – everything from toasters to radios, to clocks or torn clothing. Given a huge increase in visitor volume, repairs will be limited to one item per guest.

We respectfully request all guests be masked during their visit.

For more information about the Oak Park Repair Café, please go to www.repaircafeoakparkil.org and to learn more about the international Repair Café movement, check out www.repaircafe.org.

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Vegetable Gardening 101
Jan
29
6:30 PM18:30

Vegetable Gardening 101

  • Oak Park Public Library Main Library (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Interested in learning how to start growing vegetables but feeling intimidated? Join certified urban farmer Chamika Moore to learn the basics of how to begin growing seeds indoors for your first-ever spring vegetable garden. Whatever the size of the space you have, from a window in an apartment to a designated spot in a yard, this is the class for you!

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Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall (Virtual)
Jan
29
6:00 PM18:00

Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall (Virtual)

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join 13th District Commissioner and Environment and Sustainability Committee Vice-Chair Josina Morita for Cook County’s first Environmental Justice Town Hall this evening.

The County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is seeking input from the public on the County’s draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This draft has been co-developed by an EJ internal working group, made up of County employees, and the EJ Community Advisory Committee. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy will help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across County bureaus and departments. 

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Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (C.O.O.P)
Jan
28
6:00 PM18:00

Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (C.O.O.P)

Climate Ready Community Outreach to Oak Park (C.O.O.P)

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

6-7:30 pm

Via Zoom

COOP is an outreach project around the Village of Oak Park’s Climate Ready Oak Park sustainability plan. COOP is a place where Oak Park-area residents can collaborate on projects that spread the word to residents about ways to act locally on climate change. Membership is not limited to green groups-- you can be from ANY group that comprises people from the area. If you would like your Oak Park-area, community based organization to be a part of COOP, please contact: 
laurie@oneearthcollective.org

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Protecting Healthy Waters Green Vision Initiative
Jan
28
3:00 PM15:00

Protecting Healthy Waters Green Vision Initiative

Join the Protecting Healthy Waters Green Vision Initiative team for a group visit to the Shimmer on Horizons exhibition by Andrea Carlson, Ojibwa/European descent. Grounded in Anishinaabe understandings of space and time, the works in this exhibition reflect on how land carries memories of colonial expansion and violence, as well as Indigenous presence and resistance.

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Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall South Suburban College
Jan
27
6:00 PM18:00

Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall South Suburban College

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join 13th District Commissioner and Environment and Sustainability Committee Vice-Chair Josina Morita for Cook County’s first Environmental Justice Town Hall this evening.

The County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is seeking input from the public on the County’s draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This draft has been co-developed by an EJ internal working group, made up of County employees, and the EJ Community Advisory Committee. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy will help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across County bureaus and departments. 

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West Cook Annual Members Meeting 2025
Jan
26
2:00 PM14:00

West Cook Annual Members Meeting 2025

  • Oak Park Public Library-Veteran's Room (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We look forward to getting better acquainted in January! We will have time to chat with each other and will offer catered snacks and some pretty terrific prizes to give away.

Not a member? If this sounds fun and interesting, but you are not yet a member, please join us at westcook.wildones.org/join

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People for Community Recovery's 5th Annual Hazel EJ Event
Jan
25
10:00 AM10:00

People for Community Recovery's 5th Annual Hazel EJ Event

What: People for Community Recovery's 5th Annual Hazel EJ Event

  • Who: Cheryl Johnson, PCR's Executive Director & Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, Federal Chief Environmental Justice Officer White House Council on Environmental Quality

  • When: Saturday, January 25, 10am CT

  • Where: Zoom

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Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall Cicero Public Library
Jan
22
6:00 PM18:00

Cook County Environmental Justice Town Hall Cicero Public Library

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join 13th District Commissioner and Environment and Sustainability Committee Vice-Chair Josina Morita for Cook County’s first Environmental Justice Town Hall this evening.

The County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is seeking input from the public on the County’s draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This draft has been co-developed by an EJ internal working group, made up of County employees, and the EJ Community Advisory Committee. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy will help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across County bureaus and departments. 

View Event →
January 2025 WEJA Meeting
Jan
14
6:00 PM18:00

January 2025 WEJA Meeting

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!

We have a great meeting planned for January in Humboldt Park-- flyer attached. Please share and invite your Westside networks. We're trying to build our coalition.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

6-7:30 pm

Humboldt Park Fieldhouse

1440 N Humboldt Drive Chicago

Dinner included!

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Repair Cafe
Jan
4
10:00 AM10:00

Repair Cafe

From Repair Cafe Oak Park:

Toss it? No way!

The Oak Park Repair Café is meeting on the first Saturday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at Fox Park in Oak Park. We will be in the Community Center in the park, at 624 S. Oak Park Avenue. Free, on-street parking.

Volunteer coaches will be on hand to work with you, helping you fix those household items you’ve been meaning to take care of – everything from toasters to radios, to clocks or torn clothing. Given a huge increase in visitor volume, repairs will be limited to one item per guest.

We respectfully request all guests be masked during their visit.

For more information about the Oak Park Repair Café, please go to www.repaircafeoakparkil.org and to learn more about the international Repair Café movement, check out www.repaircafe.org.

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Scavenger Hunt
Dec
19
10:00 AM10:00

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the sights and sounds of Caldwell Woods! Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for something fun to do, this outdoor scavenger hunt will lead you through beautiful landscapes and hidden gems. Perfect for families, friends, and adventurers of all ages.

Don't miss out – adventure awaits!

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Eco Friends Community Social
Dec
15
5:00 PM17:00

Eco Friends Community Social

Our community socials bring like-minded people together to hold conversations and learn about sustainability and the environment.

Learn about the work that District Councils are doing with the Chicago Police to help with mental health crises from Jennifer Schaffer, the 19th District Councilor for Community Engagement.

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Electronic Waste Recycling Drop-Off
Dec
14
9:00 AM09:00

Electronic Waste Recycling Drop-Off

  • Oak Park Public Works Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Village is hosting an electronic waste recycling drop-off event on Sat., Dec. 14 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd.

Due to strict regulations on collecting and processing these materials, residents are required to register for a time slot between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and identify their electronic waste items in advance.

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Neonics & Advocacy: Protecting Pollinators and Influencing Policy
Dec
12
6:00 PM18:00

Neonics & Advocacy: Protecting Pollinators and Influencing Policy

Neonicotinoid insecticides, commonly known as “neonics,” have become the most widely used insecticides in the U.S., leading to drastic declines in bees, pollinators, birds, and aquatic ecosystems. In this webinar, Lucas Rhoads, Senior Attorney with NRDC’s Pesticides & Pollinators Team, will share expert insights on how neonics impact our environment and pose serious risks to human health.

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