Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

Join us for this virtual presentation by Dennis Swiftdeer Paige to hear the story of how one residential association in Chicagoland transformed their lawn into a stunning collection of prairie, woodland, and wetland wildflowers, sedges, grasses, and rain gardens that flourished through all four seasons. Learn how you can get started in reshaping your own native eco-friendly landscape while enhancing not only beauty but also biodiversity and environmental health.

Bringing Clean Energy Home to Oak Park

We invite you to join us on January 26th at 6pm at the CRC in Oak Park for our second annual event to discuss the future of state and local climate action!

Join local and statewide climate leaders to learn how recently passed policies like the Clean and Reliable Grid Act and The Northern Illinois Transit Authority are accelerating the transition to clean energy in our State and learn about Oak Park’s clean energy grants and programs to help your household take positive steps toward fighting climate change.

Explore nature and environmentalism from a variety of perspectives across fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every month. Learn more about library-led book discussions.

Winter sowing is an easy method of starting seeds outdoors during the winter in recycled containers, like plastic jugs, to help germinate seeds and works especially for native plants. Thanks to a generous donation of native seeds from University of Illinois Extension, everyone will be able to start their own native plant greenhouse.

If you live, work, go to school, or worship on Chicago's Greater Westside (Ashland to Austin, roughly), please join us for our last meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, December 16th.

We're eager to become a meaningful network of advocates and activists already leading the way on building healthy, strong, climate-ready communities.

Location for this month’s meeting is 5100 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60644, 3rd Floor Training Center (Room 345).

Are you passionate about building a greener, healthier community in Oak Park, River Forest, and beyond? Then we invite you to the upcoming PlanItGreen Leadership Forum on December 11th, 2025.

Through PlanItGreen, we’ve already helped reduce 35,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, created 300+ native gardens, and launched 100+ local sustainability projects but our work is far from done.

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every other month. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Confused about what kind of plastic can get recycled? Or what size/type of paper is acceptable? And how about greasy cardboard? Join LRS Sustainability Director Joy Rifkin for a behind-the-scenes look at LRS recycling and get these and more of your questions answered so you can feel more confident and informed the next time you head to your recycling bin.

WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.

WEJA is a partnership with One Earth Collective, 290 IPO, and – so far 72 other Westside activists, community-based organizations, and residents.

The Volunteer Fair is back this fall with even more opportunities to do impactful work in Chicago. No matter what interests and expertise you bring, there's an opportunity for everyone!

Whether you're passionate about protecting the environment, mentoring youth, or advancing social justice, there's a group that needs you! The Volunteer Fair brings together inspiring organizations making our city better and passionate people ready to get involved. Come to make a difference, leave feeling inspired—find your thing!

This semiannual event provides opportunities to repair clothing and household items, safely dispose tricky-to-recycle items, and donate bicycles, clothing, and more, all the while bringing attention to strategies to reduce waste and improve environmental conditions. We’ll be joined by an amazing group of waste-reduction and repurposing enthusiasts focusing on economically, environmentally, and socially responsible approaches to purchasing and consumption.

Learn how to build your own plant terrarium. Take home your own green ecosystem and watch it grow. Supplies provided.

Features a screening of two short films: "Street Food: New Orleans" and "Can Food Be Political?"

All Ages!

For people who live, work, volunteer, go to school, or worship in the Austin community on the West Side of Chicago.

Wear your favorite hoodie! This will be an outdoor event, weather permitting.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner bites from three local Austin chefs, cider, s’mores, garden tours, and tabling activities by community organizations focused on health, food, culinary arts and small business resources. 

Learn how to build your own plant terrarium. Take home your own green ecosystem and watch it grow. Supplies provided.

Hosted by C3: Ready to make a real impact in your neighborhood? Join the Chicago Conservation Corps’ (C3) Fall 2025 Sustainability Leadership Training — a free program that equips Chicagoans with the tools, funding, and expert support to launch local sustainability projects.

Training runs Tuesdays, 6–8 PM on Zoom, Sept. 30 – Nov. 18.

To participate, you must be 18+, attend an info session, and submit a short application.

Become a C3 Leader and gain access to project funding, one-on-one staff support, and a network of changemakers.

Learn more and apply at chicagoconservationcorps.org or email c3@naturemuseum.org.

On "Sun Day," Sunday, Sept. 21, 3-4pm, Oak Park Climate Action Network presents a free webinar all about COMMUNITY SOLAR. Learn how anyone with an electricity account can subscribe for a share in a solar "farm" and save money on their energy costs. Presenters include Grace Concialdi of Citizens Utility Board and Art Spooner, Oak Park condo owner and community solar subscriber, followed by Q&A. It's free but registration is required. A recording of the webinar will be available later at https://opcan.org. Questions to wgreenhouse@gmail.com.

Sun Day--a nationwide celebration of clean energy progress— gives each of us a chance to stand up for the solar and wind power that's making our communities healthier, quieter, and more affordable.

In Chicago, the Sun Day Solar Fest will be September 21st from Noon - 4PM at Montrose Beach (adjacent to the dog park) at 610 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL 60613 US. 

Winning films will premiere interspersed by short chats with the filmmakers who share the stories behind their work. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host.

• Doors open 9:30 a.m. for check-in/registration

• Program begins promptly at 10 a.m. Central Daylight Time

• Program ends 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

• Free popcorn

• Free beverage

Join us at Austin Town Hall Farmers Market! Partnership for a Healthier America is hosting a community block party in partnership with Austin Town Hall Farmer's Market to launch the Good Good campaign.

Explore the curiosities and complexities of nature, environmentalism, and sustainability through fiction and nonfiction literature on the third Wednesday of every other month. Learn more about library-led book discussions »

Hosted by Eco.Logic: Eco.Logic is excited to bring back Eco.Crew to Chicago for the 5th time. Are you passionate about the environment and eager to learn AND DO more? Join the Chicago 2025 Eco.Crew cohort.

Through this 7-week program, you will:

• Learn more about environmental topics⁠

• Build community with others through shared interests and goals

• Gain practical tips to take meaningful action

Join us for a screening of the powerful documentary A Binding Truth on Friday, September 13 at the Blackstone Library in Chicago. This event explores themes of racial justice, truth, and reconciliation and sparks meaningful community dialogue.

Explore the beauty of our natural landscapes using natural fibers. Supplies provided.

Improve native wildlife habitat by removing invasive species. Equipment and tools provided. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.

Join Chicago Climate Connect for an evening of connection and conversation with Manuela Zoninsein, Founder & CEO of Kadeya, as we explore how reuse infrastructure can drive meaningful systems change.

From her work advancing closed-loop beverage solutions to her advocacy around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in Illinois, Manuela brings a sharp perspective on what it takes to shift industries toward circularity.

WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.

WEJA is a partnership with One Earth Collective, 290 IPO, and – so far 72 other Westside activists, community-based organizations, and residents.

Please RSVP by 5PM Thurs, Aug 14, 2025

As part of Austin Eats' efforts to bring healthy food resources and lively discussion around local food access to the Austin community, this event is intended for those who live, work, play, volunteer, study, or worship in Austin.

Bike Vessel (2024) by Eric Seals (56 min)

BIKE VESSEL is a feature documentary following Donnie Seals Sr. and his son and filmmaker Eric as they cycle from St. Louis to Chicago. Bike Vessel also utilizes archival footage/photographs and animations to take viewers to Seals’ previous unhealthy life and health complications, while giving audiences an intimate look inside a Black working-class family living outside Chicago in Wheaton, IL.

Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion, learn how to make your paper with recycled materials. Supplies provided.