By Britt, on August 31st, 2010
Friends of the Chicago River is a long-time C3 partner organization. We have recently been made aware of an upcoming opportunity for citizens to share their concerns about the health of the Chicago River and the ecosystem which it supports. Please read on and be sure to take action.
Recently, the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) issued a First Notice that confirms that recreation IS taking place throughout the Chicago Area Waterways System. As you read this kayakers, canoeists, anglers, and crew teams are all on, and in, the water. You can help people continue to enjoy the Chicago River by thanking the IPCB for taking this first step and urging them to take the next step to require MRWD to disinfect their wastewater.
The window to submit a public comment on this issue is closing so be sure to let the IPCB know that you believe it is important for Chicagoans to have access to a river that is not only beautiful and recreational but healthy and functional.
For information on how to ensure that your concerns are heard, check out information from the Friends of the Chicago River
By Sameera, on August 27th, 2010
 Mountaintop Removal Mining Site in West Virginia
There is currently a lot of talk about the fate of the coal-fired power plants in Chicago, but where does coal actually come from? Black Diamonds: Mountaintop Removal and the Fight for Coalfield Justice takes an in-depth look at one of America’s dirtiest coal extraction methods, mountaintop removal mining. This practice is considered to be one of the biggest environmental and social justice issues of our time. Black Diamonds will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Catherine Pancake, as well as a discussion on YOUR connection to this issue and what you can do to help.
Event Details:
FREE ADMISSION
Thursday, September 2nd, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Logan Square Library, 3030 W. Fullerton
Snacks and give-aways provided.
RSVP to mountainsinchicago@gmail.com.
(Seating is limited to the first 25 reservations so sign up soon!)
Black Diamonds flyer
For more information, visit mountainsinchicago.wordpress.com.
By Britt, on August 25th, 2010
Do you want to clean up your neighborhood but feel like it is too much to tackle by yourself?
Do want to improve recycling and and encourage waste reduction with your neighbors?
Are you interested in learning hands-on conservation techniques that you can share with your community?
If the answer is yes, then register for the Fall 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series. To get started, you must attend ONE of the orientation dates below:
Thursday, August 26 – 7pm – 8pm
Washington Park, Senior Room
5531 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
Saturday, August 28 – 10am – 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Monday, August 30 – 12pm – 1pm
City Hall, 11th Floor
121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602
 To participate in the training course, you must attend one of the orientations above. The Fall 2010 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 11, 25, October 2, and 9 from 9:30am – 1:30pm. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, October 16.
By Britt, on August 19th, 2010
Water is arguably our planet’s most precious resource. Less than 1% of Earth’s freshwater is readily accessible for direct human use. Water managers in 36 U.S. states expect water shortages by 2013.
Learn how subtle lifestyle changes can really make a difference at this community workshop designed to educate, equip and empower.
When: Sunday, August 22
Where: Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N Clark St.
Time: 2:30 – 4:00pm
Register at: www.ThreeNeighbors.org
Attend our workshop and receive absolutely FREE:
(1) a faucet aerator
(2) a low-flow showerhead
(3) a reusable water bottle (BPA-free)!
Stick around after the workshop to chat with workshop presenters and enjoy a refreshing Green Line Beer, part of Goose Island’s environmental sustainability initiative.
For more information or to register, contact: info@ThreeNeighbors.org
Go with the flow workshop flyer
By Britt, on August 13th, 2010
Interested in saving money, improving your health and helping the planet? Attend the Clean Air Counts Workshop and learn how to improve the air quality in your home by making your own green cleaners and taking other easy steps.
Scientists have found that the air within homes and other buildings is often more seriously polluted than outdoor air even in large, industrialized cities. Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health problems. Luckily, there is something you can do about it.
Participants in the Clean Air Counts Workshop will learn about the common sources of air pollution in homes and what simple steps they can take to improve their indoor air quality. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to make their own healthier cleaners that they can take home and will be provided with recipes for several easy-to-make homemade cleaners.
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lincoln-Belmont Public Library, 1659 W. Melrose St.
Cost: Free
RSVP: mandy.kisala@gmail.com
RSVP will be accepted until the day of the event. Please RSVP immediately-space is limited.
Clean Air Workshop Flyer
By Britt, on August 13th, 2010
Water is arguably our planet’s most precious resource. Less than 1% of Earth’s freshwater is readily accessible for direct human use. Water managers in 36 U.S. states expect water shortages by 2013.
Learn how subtle lifestyle changes can really make a difference at this community workshop designed to educate, equip and empower.
When: Sunday, August 22
Where: Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N Clark St.
Time: 2:30 – 4:00pm
Register at: www.ThreeNeighbors.org
Attend our workshop and receive absolutely FREE:
(1) a faucet aerator
(2) a low-flow showerhead
(3) a reusable water bottle (BPA-free)!
Stick around after the workshop to chat with workshop presenters and enjoy a refreshing Green Line Beer, part of Goose Island’s environmental sustainability initiative.
For more information or to register, contact: info@ThreeNeighbors.org
Go with the flow workshop flyer
By Britt, on August 12th, 2010
Tired of avoiding puddles on the way to your front door?
Interested in an easy way to conserve more water?
If the answer is YES, then be sure to attend the Sustainable Backyards workshop this weekend!
When: Saturday, August 14
Where: Hegewisch Library, 3048 E. 130th street
Time: 10am-12pm
The Chicago Department of Environment and C3 trainee Bernadette Taylor have teamed up for the final installment of the Sustainable Backyards workshop series.
The Sustainable Backyards workshop series offer practical solutions for disconnecting your downspout, installing and using rain barrels and the ways that these simple actions can benefit your entire neighborhood.
Be sure to RSVP at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel
Find more information here
By Britt, on August 12th, 2010
August 18th, 7:30pm showing of Shrek the Musical at the Cadillac Palace Theater (151 W. Randolph Street)
The Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) is teaming up with Broadway in Chicago and Dreamworks’ Shrek the Musical for a special night of “fun”draising in support of C3.
We invite you to attend this special event in support environmental education. 20% of the proceeds from your ticket purchase will be donated to the C3 Student Clubs program, a program that support environmental education for CPS students. Be sure to use the promotion code CORPS when purchasing your tickets.
Note: C3 will ONLY be eligible for funds purchased using the code CORPS when you select your seats.
For more information view the OFFICIAL FLYER.
Email contact C3 with further inquiries at conservation@cityofchicago.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
By Britt, on August 3rd, 2010
Become an environmental leader in your community! Get involved in the Fall 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series. To get started, you must attend ONE of the orientation dates below:
Thursday, August 26 – 7pm – 8pm
Washington Park, Senior Room
5531 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
Saturday, August 28 – 10am – 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Monday, August 30 – 12pm – 1pm
City Hall, 11th Floor
121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602
To participate in the training course, you must attend one of the orientations above. The Fall 2010 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 11, 25, October 2, and 9 from 9:30am – 1:30pm. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, October 16.
A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.
Reserve your seat today! RSVP to conservation@cityofchicago.org.
Apply Now
By Britt, on August 3rd, 2010
The City of Chicago will host a Carbon Nation Celebration to celebrate the power of every-day climate change solutions for families, businesses and citizens.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park
7:00 PM: Live Entertainment
8:00 PM: Premiere screening of the documentary Carbon Nation
Come for the screening and stay for:
- Performances by comedian Hal Sparks and the Happiness Club
- Family activities and exhibits from the Museum of Science and industry
- Celebrity appearances on the green carpet by the star of SHREK THE MUSICAL from Broadway In Chicago
- Inspirational speeches from the Chicago Department of Environment and director of Carbon Nation
The Celebration is FREE and open to the public.
Need more incentive? Take a sneak peak
In 2008, the city launched the Chicago Climate Action Plan, which focuses on five major strategies—from energy efficient buildings and renewable energy to transportation, waste pollution and adaptation—to reduce Chicago’s greenhouse emissions 25 percent by 2020.
By Britt, on July 26th, 2010
Unfortunately, the Lawndale Sustainable Backyards workshop was canceled on account of flooding at the Douglass Park Library.
We are sincerely apologetic to all you that came out to the workshop to find the library closed. Please join us for our rescheduled workshop in September.
Thursday, September 9
Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento
6-7:30pm
Please RSVP at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel
By Britt, on July 26th, 2010
Explore environmental service at this upcoming dunes restoration day, Saturday July 31. The Chicago Park District and the Ashe Park Advisory Council community members are an active and passionate bunch hosting a restoration day at the beautiful Rainbow Beach Dune Preservation site. Volunteers are needed to remove invasive plants and debris while preserving this unique natural habitat in the South Shore community.
Saturday, July 31, 10am-12noon: Weed/Invasive species management
Save the Date
Saturday, September 25, 7-9am: Bird walk. The bird walk in September, guided by local bird expert and Ph.D. student Nick Block.
Rainbow Beach is located at 3111 E. 77th St. By foot, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St. By car, enter from 79th St., go past the water treatment plant, and park in the first parking lot. The nature area is at the southern end of the beach. Meet at the Rainbow Beach Fieldhouse. Tools and equipment will be provided, but please bring water and dress appropriately for the weather.
Note that parking meters have been established in both the Rainbow Beach parking lots, but you can easily avoid this by walking, biking or taking public transit. However, if you need to come by car, the Chicago Park District will provide temporary parking permits for the duration of the workday, so don’t let the cost of parking deter you from participating!
Contact Robbie Shymanski robbie_rnfr@hotmail.com for questions and to RSVP.
By Britt, on July 23rd, 2010
Join C3 Leader Sharon Pincham for a very special event filled with fun games, prizes and loads of quality environmental education. Attend this workshop and become the lucky winner of a rain barrel, an I-GO care sharing gift certificate and many more. The incentives are endless so what are you waiting for?
Share the Drop Water Conservation Workshop
Saturday, July 24
Taste of Park Manor, 83rd and King Dr
1:00-3:00pm
By Britt, on July 23rd, 2010
 Composting Workshop!
Sunday, August 8 2010 at 2pm
Roots and Rays Community Garden
1513-1519 W Cullerton
Composting your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings is an easy, low maintenance way to reduce your household waste by up to 30%. Join C3 (Chicago Conservation Corps) Trainee and Roots and Rays Gardener Christine Ferriter to learn how to turn your grass clippings, young weeds, veggie scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds, and egg shells into free nutrient-rich, chemical-free compost for your garden and houseplants.
This workshop will include demonstrations on various types of composting from outdoor aerobic and anaerobic methods to indoor vermicomposting. There are many different types of composters on the market today, each with their own benefits; discover which method is right for you and your family or learn how to build your own backyard compost bin out of found materials.
Don’t have a backyard? Don’t worry! Vermicomposting is a safe and clean indoor method for recycling everyday kitchen scraps into a rich, dark, earth-smelling soil conditioner using red-wriggler worms. Setting up a worm bin in your kitchen is a great way to begin composting in an urban setting and can keep up to 200lbs a year of nutrient rich food waste out of landfills. This workshop will take you through the steps of how to set up and maintain your very own worm bin!
Please join us for an afternoon of family activities, healthy snacks & raffle prizes! Raffle prizes include (1) Earth Machine Outdoor Composter, (1) Rain Barrel, and (6) Ready-to-go Worm Bins. Informational brochures and $30 City of Chicago rebate forms for purchased outdoor composters or rain barrels will also be available.
Registration is not required but space and materials are limited, please RSVP to rootsandrays@gmail.com
By Britt, on July 23rd, 2010
Interested in saving money, improving your health and helping the planet? Attend the Clean Air Counts Workshop and learn how to improve the air quality in your home by making your own green cleaners and taking other easy steps.
Scientists have found that the air within homes and other buildings is often more seriously polluted than outdoor air even in large, industrialized cities. Poor indoor air quality can cause a variety of health problems. Luckily, there is something you can do about it.
Participants in the Clean Air Counts Workshop will learn about the common sources of air pollution in homes and what simple steps they can take to improve their indoor air quality. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to make their own healthier cleaners that they can take home and will be provided with recipes for several easy-to-make homemade cleaners.
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lincoln-Belmont Public Library, 1659 W. Melrose St.
Cost: Free
RSVP: mandy.kisala@gmail.com
RSVP will be accepted until the day of the event. Please RSVP immediately-space is limited.
Clean Air Workshop Flyer
By Britt, on July 14th, 2010
 When it comes to rain barrels and compost bins, amazing things happen in threes.
3 million: the tons of CO2 that will be diverted from the atmosphere by installing a rain barrel
30: the percent of waste you will reduce from landfills by using a backyard compost bin
30: the amount of money you will save on your new rain barrel or compost bin when you attend a Department of Environment Sustainable Backyard Workshop
Learn striking facts, installation tips and more at the next Lawndale Sustainable Backyard Workshop on Saturday July 24.
Join C3 and the Department of Environment at the
Douglass Park Library
3353 W 13th
10am-12pm
RSVP immediately to reserve your space and your rebate!
www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel
By Britt, on July 2nd, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 9am-2pm
Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr.
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Join C3 trainee Kathleen and her project team on this bicycle ride through the 19th Ward (Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood) that will showcase various public and private green initiatives taking place throughout the community.
Be sure to arrive early and get in on the pre-ride bike tune-up clinic will be held from 9am-10am and the tour begins at 10am.
The tour will include LEED certified buildings, the Chicago Park District’s wetlands and woodlands, Saint Xavier University’s green housing, the Major Taylor Bike Trail, the aquaculture/hydroponics facilities at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, a green alley and more.
At the end of the tour, Kathleen and her team will showcase their green and sustainable offerings to riders (e.g., low flow plumbing, CFLs, RecycleBank, the City of Chicago’s MeterSave Program, I-Go cars, and more).
Register immediately! Only 35 spot are available.
Contact: thegreenride2010@gmail.com
Visit www.bapa.org/greenride.html for more information
By Britt, on June 22nd, 2010
Attention C3 leaders and trainees:
Team leaders are needed to supervise water bottle recycling efforts at the the 2010 Taste of Chicago. You will be working with teams of students to collect recyclables and help to bring conservation actions to this hallmark event of consumerism.
Event Details
Thursday, July 1, 2010
1:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Meet at the corner of Balbo and Columbus.
Transportation assistance will be available if necessary.
Please email M. Grace Sielaff grace@mgracedesigns.com if you are interested in helping out.
Not a C3 volunteer? You are still eligible to participate.
Get in touch with Grace immediately!
With your help, we can make a difference by nurturing our city, conserving our natural resources, and protecting the environment!
And the fun doesn’t stop there.
Join Grace at the celebratory After Party
Thursday, July 8th
8:00pm
Organic Looms
1019 West Fulton Market
Healthy food and great drinks
By Britt, on June 21st, 2010
Juneway Terrace Park Beach Clean Up
7751 N. Eastlake Terrace
Join the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Yanny-Tillar Family for an Adopt a Beach Clean Up Day. The Yanny-Tillar Family will conduct litter removal and water quality testing at Juneway Terrace and help restore the beach and shoreline area in their local community. Adopters work with the Alliance to locate a beach to adopt, log the information they gather into our online database and use it for pollution prevention and educational purposes. To register or for more information on the Adopt a Beach program, visit: http://www.greatlakes.org/
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