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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Please join us for "Rare and Showy Plants of the Chicago Region and the Habitats that Support Them" with Christopher Benda, The Illinois Botanizer, on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 2:30 pm (Central Time).

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

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

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.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County

Elevate Your Birdwatching Skills—Join Our Identifying Bird Songs Workshop!

Passionate about birds? Whether you’re a novice or looking to sharpen your skills, our Bird Songs Bird ID workshop is perfect for you. Learn how to identify common bird species and enhance your birdwatching experience with expert guidance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and refine your bird identification skills.

Native plants have an incredible ability to adapt to climate extremes, offering sustainable solutions for resilient landscapes. Join Wild Ones and the Native Plant Society of Texas to explore the power of native plants to thrive in challenging conditions.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Please join us for our 4th COP livestream event, where Chicago area high school students will share their stories and experiences from Baku, Azerbaijan! The event will be held on November 14th at 10:10 am. Please share this invite with your friends and family! Be sure to register using this link https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld--vqTMrGt28-PhI4AhN6wPERETdUW8G#/registration

Please join us for our 4th COP livestream event, where Chicago area high school students will share their stories and experiences from Baku, Azerbaijan! The event will be held on November 14th at 10:10 am. Please share this invite with your friends and family! Be sure to register using this link https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEld--vqTMrGt28-PhI4AhN6wPERETdUW8G#/registration

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

View the Atlas cedars of Morocco, walk the urban streets of India, and see the mythical blue stag of Mexico, among other adventures.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, watch 6 short, One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Atlantic/USA region honorable mention films online from 12 to 1 p.m. CDT, take a long break, and then see 5 more Pacific region films from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. CDT. Hear from some of the filmmakers before their films screen to learn what inspired them and the impact they hope to make with their films.

View the Atlas cedars of Morocco, walk the urban streets of India, and see the mythical blue stag of Mexico, among other adventures.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, watch 6 short, One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Atlantic/USA region honorable mention films online from 12 to 1 p.m. CDT, take a long break, and then see 5 more Pacific region films from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. CDT. Hear from some of the filmmakers before their films screen to learn what inspired them and the impact they hope to make with their films.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Join this exciting Virtual Event for a screening & discussion of a fascinating 40-minute sci-fi film about relationship abuse— all for a great cause!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Film Screening: Watch The Last Drop, a 40-minute sci-fi film about relationship abuse.

Relationship Safety Talk: By Adam Joel, Writer/Director, Survivor, & TEDx Speaker.

Q&A Session: Join in for an empowering discussion about relationship health!

Raffle: Win exciting prizes, including free video editing services, giftcards, and more!

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

Applications are due Wednesday, September 25.

Chicago Conservation Corps’s Fall 2024 Sustainability Leadership Training is your way to spark change in your community.

You will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. After

completing the Sustainability Leadership Training, C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and

receive funds and individualized museum staff support for an unlimited number of sustainability projects.

This 8-week course will be held online via Zoom this fall. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings,

October 2 - November 20, from 6pm-8pm. We never want finances to be a barrier to participation and as a result this

training is pay what you can. If you are able, a $125 suggested course fee helps to offset staff time and resources.

How to Attend:

Scan the QR code, visit naturemuseum.org/c3, or call 773-755-5128 to reserve a space.

We are thrilled to announce that One Earth Collective is partnering with the Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit this year! This special event, hosted by our friends at Faith in Place—the IL, IN, and WI affiliate of Interfaith Power and Light—takes place from September 22-24. It offers a unique hybrid experience with all sessions available on Zoom and local keynote watch parties hosted in IL, IN, and WI.

From Friends Of The Oak Park Conservatory

Thursday, Sept 19, 7:00-8:00P                    

Not only do shrubs provide a great backdrop for other plants in your garden, but they can also stabilize the soil and create a habitat for wildlife. Join the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory as we welcome a speaker from West Cook Wild Ones to learn about native shrubs and alternatives to those that are invasive. 

Presented by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON)

This is a FREE, virtual event.  A Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants on the day of the lecture.

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. 

To register and for more information Click Here!