Since 2015, the Chicago Park District (CPD) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have worked together to connect people to nature by managing the CPD’s Natural Areas Community Stewardship Program. In addition to the playgrounds, ball fields, parks and public beaches, the Park District oversees more than 1,800 acres of native habitat including coastal dunes, prairies, woodlands and wetlands scattered within more than 100 natural areas across the city.
Volunteers plant, collect native seeds, remove invasive species, monitor birds and help to build and maintain trails keeping these habitats healthy and welcoming for all. Natural areas not only attract pollinators, migratory birds, other wildlife and people, but they help cool the city in the summertime, hold rainwater that can flood basements and filter pollutants from the air we breathe. Learn more and volunteer with the community stewardship program.
TNC has also been partners with the Chicago Park District (CPD) for more than a decade. CPD offers a variety of environmental stewardship opportunities at natural areas and parks across the city.
