All are welcome to any public community stewardship day regardless of age, background, or experience level. Stewardship day activities vary by site and time of year, but can include tasks such as litter pickup, trial mulching, invasive plant removal, native plant planting, habitat monitoring, nature walks, cultural connections, and more. Whether you’re visiting your neighborhood park or traveling across the city, we can’t wait for you to join us in nature!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the park district's Community Stewardship Program. To have the best experience please review the following information:
- Dates and times are subject to change and capacity varies by location. RSVP with the Steward listed for each site to ensure you receive updated information for each workday/event.
- All participants must sign a liability waiver before beginning work (available at the workday).
- Minors under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed toe shoes are highly recommended.
- A water bottle and hat are recommended.
- If you have a favorite pair of work gloves, bring them; however we do provide gloves.
- Most volunteer locations do not have bathrooms, please plan accordingly.
Group Volunteer Opportunities
To learn more about group volunteer opportunities, visit: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/get-involved/volunteer.
For additional information about the Community Stewardship Program, please email stewardship@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
2026 Community Stewardship Days
Click on a natural area from the list below to see its workday information:
12th St. at Lake Michigan (south of the concessions on the south side of Adler Planetarium)
10:00AM–12:00PM on select Wednesdays
Join the Shedd Aquarium for restoration and cleanup days through the Shedd Aquarium Action Days. For more information and to RSVP, email ActionDays@sheddaquarium.org.
6300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
10:00AM–12:00PM on select Saturdays
Join the Shedd Aquarium for restoration and cleanup days through the Shedd Aquarium Action Days. For more information and to RSVP, email ActionDays@sheddaquarium.org.
Meet in front of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at 11559 S. Stony Island Ave.
9:30AM–11:30AM on select Saturdays
Come out and care for Big Marsh Park—all are welcome! Join neighbors and friends out in nature as we work to enhance and conserve our local ecosystems. Volunteer tasks vary each month and may include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plants, seed collection, or trash pick-up. Meet at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center within Big Marsh at 11559 S. Stony Island Ave. Parking is free. For more information and to RSVP, email Casey Beidelman at casey.beidelman@chicagoparkdistrict.com. Walk-ins are welcome.
Addison and DuSable Lake Shore Dr. (near the lake)
9:00AM–1:00PM on Saturdays
- January 10 & 24
- February 14 & 28
- March 14 & 28
- April 11 & 25
- May 9 & 23
- June 13 & 27
- July 11 & 25
- August 8 & 22
- September 12 & 26
- October 10 & 24
- November 14 & 21
- December 12
Team up with fellow community members to care for the natural area at Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Activities can vary by season and often include invasive species removal, litter pickup, native plantings, and community science projects such as bat monitoring. We meet at the garage on the right as you walk east toward Lake Michigan from Addison and DuSable Lake Shore Drive (view location on Google Maps). We work rain or shine; please dress appropriately. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Karen Gibson at kgibs720@gmail.com.
63rd St. Just West of Lake Shore Drive (next to Driving/Golf Range)
9:00AM–12:00PM on select Saturdays
Join neighbors and friends for workdays. Volunteer tasks vary each month and might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up. Meet at the south entrance of the Bobolink Meadow at Jackson Park. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Stewards Norm Bell and Gail Parry at normwbell@gmail.com.
47th St. and Cornell Drive (west of Lake Shore Drive)
Workdays: 9:00AM–12:00PM on select Saturdays
Volunteer tasks vary each month and might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up. The Metra and several CTA bus stops are available less than two blocks from the nature sanctuary. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Kathleen Taylor at taylorkathl@aol.com.
Burnham Nature Sanctuary Nature Walks: on select Sundays, approximately 1.25 miles, from 9:30AM–11:30AM For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward George Davis at kenwoodgwd@yahoo.com.
Meet at the Calumet Beach House at Lake Michigan, southeast of Ave. G and 100th Dr.
From 10AM–1PM on the last Saturday of the month, June through October. Litter clean-up and habitat management activities occur 10AM–12PM followed by rotating community workshops from 12PM–1PM.
Join Southeast Youth Alliance, Southeast Environmental Task Force, Bridges//Puentes, and Shedd Aquarium to help clean up Calumet Beach! Each month we will sweep the beach and park for trash while keeping track of what we find. We may also help with the planting of native plants or collection of native seeds at Calumet Beach Dunes. After helping out the park we gather together for snacks and host workshops that can include activities such as making art or doing scavenger hunts! For more information and to RSVP, email ActionDays@sheddaquarium.org.
2701 S. Ashland Ave.
10AM–12PM on select Saturdays
Volunteer tasks vary each month but typically focus on trash pick-up. Activities might include trail maintenance, planting native plants, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, and native seed collection. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.chicagoriver.org/events or email Community Steward Annette Anderson at aanderson@chicagoriver.org.
Clark Park Field House, 3400 N Rockwell St
9:00AM-12:00PM on the last Saturday of the month
- January 31
- February 28
- March 28
- April 25
- May 30
- June 27
- July 25
- August 29
- September 26
- October 31
- November 28
- December 26
Team up with neighbors and friends to help restore and care for Clark Park Natural Area! Work gloves and tools will be provided, bring your own water and/or snack. Meet in front of the park fieldhouse. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Jeff Daube at corvus007@hotmail.com.
Jackson Blvd. and Golf Dr. (west of Central Ave.)
10AM - 12PM on select Saturdays
- April 18
- May 9
- September 19
- October 17
Team up with fellow community members to restore the natural area in Columbus Park! Meet at the end of S. Golf Dr. by the lagoon. Workday activities can vary by season and may include brush removal, litter pickup, invasive species removal, and native plantings. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Laura Brentner at lbrentner@luc.edu.
4200 N. Oak Park Ave. (follow brown signs to Lot C within Chicago Read Mental Health Center)
9:00AM–12:00PM on select Saturdays
- January 17
- February 21
- March 21
- April 18
- May 16
- June 20
- July 18
- August 15
- September 19
- October 17
- November 21
- December 19
Activities may include invasive and weedy plant removal, native plantings, litter pickup, trail mulching, as well as nature-based activities like birding and plant identification walks. There is ample parking accessed through the Chicago Read Mental Health Center entrance on the west side of Oak Park: follow the brown signs to Lot C. Work gloves and tools will be provided, bring your own water and/or snack. Note: there are no restrooms on site. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Jeff Daube at corvus007@hotmail.com.
100 N. Central Park (at the Gold Dome)
Workdays: 10AM–12PM on select Saturdays
Nature Walks: on select Thursdays (time varies)
Join the Garfield Park stewardship community in a volunteer workday or nature walk. Workday activities can vary by season and may include invasive and weedy plant removal, planting native plants, and litter pickup. Meet east of the Gold Dome fieldhouse, next to the statue. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Carol G. Johnson at wshps2017@gmail.com.
1440 N. Humboldt Blvd. (stairs outside the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse)
Workdays: 10AM–12PM on select Saturdays
Workday activities can vary by season and may include invasive and weedy plant removal, planting native plants, and litter pickup. For more information and to RSVP, contact Community Steward Olive Autumn at humboldtsteward@gmail.com.
Northeast of the intersection of Marquette Dr. and Cornell Dr.
10:00AM–1:00PM on select weekends
Join neighbors and friends for a restoration and cleanup day at Jackson Park Disc Golf Natural Area. Meet at the community garden northeast of the intersection of Cornell Dr. and Marquette Dr. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Tommy Inglis at hydeparkdiscgolf@gmail.com.
1222 W. Touhy (east of Sheridan)
9:30AM-12:30PM on select Sundays
The east side, closest to Lake Michigan is being restored as a sand prairie. The west and north sides of the building are being restored as a black oak savanna. Meet at Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy, the oldest building on Chicago’s lakefront. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Ann Whelan at leone.nature@gmail.com.
Pratt Avenue (6800 N) & Lake Michigan
9:30AM–12:30PM on select Saturdays
Meet at the entrance to the dune habitat at the west end of the pier at Pratt Ave. (6800 N) and Farwell Ave. (6900 N). For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Ann Whelan at dune.steward@gmail.com.
Marquette Park Field House, 6700 S. Kedzie
10:00AM-12:00PM on select Saturdays
Team up with neighbors and friends to help restore and care for Marquette Park Natural Area! Meet in front of the park field house. For more information and to RSVP, email stewardship@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
2020 W. Pershing Rd. (approx.) and Damen Ave. (meet at tree stump circle north of Pershing on Damen)
10:00AM to 12:00PM on select Saturdays
Volunteer tasks vary each month but might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Nicholas Efrosinis at mkpgarden@gmail.com.
Montrose Ave. and Montrose Harbor Dr. (southeast end of Montrose Beach)
9:00AM to 12:00PM on select weekends
Meet at the southern end of Montrose Beach Dunes, which begins along the stone wall at the far southeast end of Montrose Beach. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Mark Kolasa at montrosedunesnaturalarea@gmail.com.
Montrose Ave. and Montrose Harbor Dr. Dr. (east of the harbor)
9:00AM to 12:00PM on select weekends
Meet at the entrance to the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. Traveling east on Montrose, pass Lake Shore Drive, as the road turns north, make a right at the bait shop. Travel to just before the harbor parking lot, look for Community Stewards on the right. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Alycia Kluenenberg at akluenenberg@gmail.com.
54th St. between Kimbark Ave. and Kenwood Ave.
3:00PM to 5:00PM on select Sundays
Meet in the natural area on East 54th St. at the end of the cul-de-sac off S. Kimbark Ave. It is a small space and easy to find people. Dress in clothing appropriate for working in brush, including close-toed shoes. Tools and gloves will be provided, or bring your own if you prefer. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Stewards Dan Brown djpbrown@yahoo.com or Dave White at dmwhite01@yahoo.com.
5801 N. Pulaski Rd. (follow signs to Nature Center)
9:00AM–12:00PM every Wednesday and Sunday (year-round)
Work in the woodland, wetland, and prairie communities in the natural area. Activities include planting native species and invasive species control. Registration is required. Contact the Nature Center at 312-744-5472 to RSVP.
2610 N. Cannon Dr. (near Fullerton)
9:00AM–11:00AM on select Saturdays
Team up with neighbors and friends to make a positive impact on Lincoln Park's North Pond! Workday activities can vary by season and may include brush removal, litter pickup, invasive species removal, and native plantings. Registration is required. Please join our mailing list to receive info on upcoming opportunities and links to RSVP. With questions, email Community Steward Matt Evans at mevans@lincolnparkconservancy.org.
Ardmore Ave (5800 N) and Lakefront Trail entrance
10:30AM–12:30PM on select Sundays
Join friends and neighbors to help clean up and restore the natural area at Kathy Osterman Beach Dunes (also known as Hollywood/Ardmore). Meet at the south side of the beach house just off Hollywood Ave. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Afterwards, stick around to enjoy the sun and a swim in the lake. Please bring your own water bottle and dress for the weather with closed-toe shoes: we have sand burs! There are accessible places off paved pathways to sit; and water, bike racks, and restrooms right by the meeting place. The activities take place in mostly flat and sandy areas that may be difficult to traverse for people with mobility challenges. Parking in the area is limited to what you can find on nearby streets. Biking, walking, carpooling, or public transit are recommended. Contact volunteer Community Stewards Renee Patten at ostermanbeachnaturalarea@gmail.com with questions.
Halsted. and 29th St. (across from the McGuane Park Field House)
Monthly on select Saturdays (times vary)
Join Bridgeport area friends and neighbors in activities such as invasive species control, weeding, litter removal, seed collection, and planting. Gloves and tools are provided. Appropriate dress is strongly encouraged as we will be entering the prairie areas to work: wear long pants, closed toed shoes, hat. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Carla Lents at stearnsquarry@gmail.com.
Wentworth Ave. and 19th St. (along the Chicago River)
10:00AM– 12:00PM on select Saturdays
Join the Shedd Aquarium for restoration and cleanup workdays through the Shedd Aquarium Action Days. Enter the park on 19th St., just west of Wentworth Ave., make a right at the pagoda, then walk north along the river and meet near the Urban Kayaks boathouse. For more information and to RSVP, email ActionDays@sheddaquarium.org.
5424 W. Irving Park
9:30AM–11:30AM on select Saturdays
Join Community Stewards to help care for the Portage Park Nature Garden. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Renata Listopad at renatalistopad@yahoo.com.
77th St. and Lake Michigan (cars enter at 79th St.)
10:00AM-12:00PM on select Saturdays
Join neighbors and friends for habitat restoration workdays. Volunteer tasks vary each month and might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up. Meet at the entrance off the parking lot at the southeast end of the beach. For more information and to RSVP, contact Community Steward Jacob Klippenstein at https://rainbowbeachdunes.wordpress.com/rsvp/
5100 N. Francisco Ave.
9:00AM-12:00PM on select Saturdays
Volunteer tasks vary each month, including trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection, or trash pick-up. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Raed Mansour at riverparksteward@gmail.com.
2200 N. Newland Ave.
On select weekends (day and time varies)
Volunteer tasks vary each month but might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Tom Drebenstedt at chilstedt@sbcglobal.net.
7059 S. South Shore Dr. (south of the beach)
10:00AM-12:00PM on select Saturdays
Meet behind the South Shore Cultural Center, south of the beach house. Volunteers should bring a water bottle and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tools and gloves will be provided. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Alexandra Ensign at aaa.ensign@gmail.com.
E. 87th St. at the lakefront (meet at the cul-de-sac)
10:00AM-11:30AM on select Saturdays
Team up with neighbors and friends to help restore and care for Steelworkers Park Natural Area! Workday activities can vary by season and may include invasive species removal, litter pickup, and native plantings. Meet by the cul-de-sac where 87th Street ends at the park entrance. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Nicole Machuca at SteelworkersSteward@gmail.com.
Southwest of Payne Dr. and 57th St (south of the comfort station)
9:00AM-11:00AM on select Saturdays
Volunteer tasks vary each month but might include trail maintenance, planting, pruning, weeding, controlling invasive plant species, seed collection or trash pick-up. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Jackie Smith at washingtonparkstewardship@gmail.com.
5801 N. Western Ave.
10:00AM-12:00PM on select Saturdays
Join the West Ridge Nature Park Advisory Council for volunteer activities, which may include invasive species removal, native seed collection and dispersal, and litter cleanup. Gloves and tools will be provided. CTA Bus #49B. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Tom Murphy at tjmurphy4@comcast.net.
5100 N. Leavitt St.
9:00AM-11:30AM on select Saturdays
Team up with neighbors and friends to help restore and care for Winnemac Park Natural Area! Workday activities can vary by season and may include brush removal, litter pickup, invasive species removal, and native plantings. Meet by the children's garden near the Leavitt St. park entrance (west side of the park) For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Amy Williamson at williamson.amyf@gmail.com.
North of Hayes Dr. (also known as 63rd St.) and east of Cornell Dr.
10:00AM–12:30PM on select Saturdays
Meet at Wooded Island's south bridge. Parking is available at the northeast corner of Hayes Dr. and Cornell Dr. For more information and to RSVP, email Community Steward Jerry Levy at sjlevy@jeromelevylaw.com.
For additional information about the Community Stewardship Program, please contact stewardship@chicagoparkdistrict.com.