Chicago Conservation Corps
Spark Lasting Change in Chicago.
The Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) collaborates with partners across the city to inspire and fund lasting change through grassroots community organization and climate action.
C3 acts as a force multiplier for communities and individuals who want to make a difference. By training everyday Chicagoans to launch their own sustainability projects in their own communities, we ensure that our projects have the grassroots support they need to be successful.
We educate our members with the support of established organizations already doing sustainability work through our C3 Expert partnerships. These partnerships allow our leaders to gain hands-on experience during their training.
We empower our members to take action to create data-driven solutions with their communities and build hope for a sustainable future.
We fund unlimited sustainability projects from our leaders. C3 Leaders become sustainability champions in their communities and C3 removes barriers to action by providing funds and individualized museum staff support for every project.
Get Involved with C3
New for Spring 2025
Sustainability Leadership Training Food & Agriculture Pilot
Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) is your way to spark change in your community. With the Sustainability Leadership Training, you will receive training from C3 Experts representing established organizations already doing sustainability work. C3 has been inspiring community leaders for 19 years and we are excited to announce a new pilot curriculum for the Sustainability Leadership Training.
This unique pilot will focus on the sustainability of our local food system. We’ll examine critical issues like food access, sustainable agriculture, and how to lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our food. We’ll also explore how we all can support Chicago’s growing urban agriculture and food rescue initiatives.
Participants will gain practical tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference in your communities. Whether you're a new participant or a returning leader eager to explore this fresh topic, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable food practices in Chicago. We’re excited to have you join us this April!
Additional Resources
Our Impact
Unmatched training and support for leaders across Chicago.
We are C3: activists, environmentalists, community organizers, naturalists, volunteers, and professionals starting a movement. We believe that through grassroots sustainability initiatives we can improve the quality of life for all Chicagoans and spark a lasting change.
Since 2006, C3 has trained and supported 900 sustainability leaders in communities across the City of Chicago. Together, those leaders have completed 835+ projects with categories ranging from waste and composting to nature and food/products. In total, those leaders have dedicated 27,982 hours and have recruited 5,627 team members to bring these projects to life and make measurable impact.
175,853+
Community Members Impact
835+
Projects Completed Since 2006
900
Project Leaders Since 2006
5,627
Project Team Members
C3 Leaders and projects can be found in neighborhoods across the city.
Although no two C3 projects are exactly the same, every project is rooted in the environmental principles and skills based in five subject areas: water, energy, green space, waste, and community organizing. From sleeping mats to composting workshops, every project has made a difference.
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Rohany N.
UIC/Near West Side
Upcycled plastic bags into plarn sleeping mats which were donated to houseless neighbors
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Josh B.
old irving Park
Wrote an article on recycling that was published in neighborhood newsletter to 690 people
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Amanda S.
logan square
Co-created the Letters from the Future Event
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Andres L.
Lincoln park
Hosted a waste-free potluck
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Stephanie C.
humboldt park
Diverted 27 pounds of beauty product waste from landfills
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Eya L.
maple park
Has completed 10 C3 projects
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Hannah B.
north center
Cleaned up 24 pounds of litter
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Jon S.
Ravenswood
Helped 15 neighbors complete a home energy assessment & educated them on weatherization
Support C3
Since 2006, C3 has provided unmatched training and support to Chicagoans looking to make a positive impact on the environment and their communities.
With 2.5x support, we can have 5x the impact.
By conducting a data-driven analysis of the potential of C3, we are building an exciting future for the program.
By 2028, We Will:
- Increase our reach to 1,044 C3 participants and 52,200 community members
- Increase equitable access to program resources matching the demographic makeup of the city
- Build a robust community of C3 Leaders to act as force multipliers for each effort and other Chicago sustainability organizations
- Generate more positive impact of C3 programs for the environment and for the people
We all want to do something. You can help.
Your support goes directly to community sustainability projects, not just an education program.
- Removes barriers to action
- Supports experts already working in the sustainability field
- Uplifts future community leaders
We can’t do it alone – your funds support the Nature Museum, build a robust volunteer base, and ensure museum staff can provide individualized, hands-on support for every project.
Ensure C3 continues to reach passionate leaders and ambassadors throughout Chicago. Contact us about sponsorship and funder opportunities at dmoss@naturemuseum.org.
Support for C3 is provided by:
