Qualified Site Captains must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer
Site Captains are the backbone of the citywide Earth Day cleanup operation, which saw 2,000 volunteers clean over 170 sites in 2025. Site Captains are responsible for:
- Making a commitment to organize a cleanup crew on April 18, 2026 at their park.
- Connecting and coordinating with the park’s supervisor. Park supervisors can assist with planning and may have access to tools or other materials.
- Promoting the volunteer signup page through avenues such as social media, individual outreach, and posting flyers in the park, library and local businesses.
- Setting up a meeting site for the cleanup and communicating with volunteers regarding the location.
- Picking up gloves and trash bags for the cleanup.
- Collecting and returning any paperwork to the Chicago Park District.
Registration to be a Citywide Earth Day Site Captain is open now through March 1, 2026 at chicagoparkdistrict.com/earth-day. Volunteers help the process of laying mulch around trees, installing fibar on playgrounds, and picking up garbage. Site Captains are instrumental in galvanizing these essential contributors.