Wrap up Earth Month with our junky jamboree at Gallagher Way featuring artisans who transform reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind goods and promote zero-waste activities. Shop for home goods, art, planters, fashion, body care, stuff you've never seen before and more.

Join us for this Earth Month Community Kickoff event for all ages and learn about a wide variety of community sustainability groups and opportunities right here in Oak Park.

Get inspired to do some spring cleaning at home, and we’ll help keep the things you no longer need out of the landfill! Enjoy green giveaways and learn about other ways to get involved with volunteering in the Forest Preserves as well as how to live more sustainably. T-shirt giveaway for the first 50 participants.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Plant Swaps are for everyone of all ages! This event encourages plant lovers to come together and trade pest- free plants of all kinds, which can include: Houseplants, potted plants, cuttings, seedlings, starters, succulents, air plants, wildflowers, annual or perennial, etc. No money is exchanged and it is a great way for beginners and expert gardeners to clean out or add variety to their collections. Drop in any time between 1pm - 3pm to give some plants and get some plants. 

From Oak Park Public Library:

There are simple things we can all do to make our homes and planet healthier. Come learn how to properly recycle household hazardous waste materials and make your own green cleaning alternatives that are safer for both humans and the environment. After a brief presentation and Q&A with the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability's Community Outreach Coordinator Kate Carney there will be an opportunity for participants to make their own green cleaning mix to bring home just in time for Spring Cleaning!

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/sustainability-home-green-cleaning-63106

From One Earth Film Fest and Austin Eats:

Join us for an award-winning film, food, fun, and freebies. Plus, enjoy ...

• free dinner bites

• Best of the West mac & cheese cook off

• pickling demo

• tours of Bethel New Life's vegetable garden

• more fun & freebies

Register here: https://foodandfilmshowcase.eventbrite.com

This event is for those living, working, worshiping and attending school in Chicago’s Austin & West side communities. Great for adults/general audiences + older children/teens.Limited space.

FILM DESCRIPTION (52 min): Black food is American food. Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving throughlines from Africa to Texas in this docuseries "High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021)." We will watch episode 3 "Our Founding Chefs." Learn how James Hemings invented mac & cheese and other stories of Black culinary ingenuity.

This event is part of Austin Eats, a collaborative working to rewrite the narrative around food in Chicago's Austin community. By synergizing organizations already promoting healthier food choices through grocery access, culinary entrepreneurship, food education, community gardens, and urban farms, Austin Eats will recreate Austin’s food access ecosystem.

From Equiticity:

Ether Element: A Realization of Infinite Potential

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with nature-based activities and bike ride. Divvy bikes provided; limited supply.

Contact 312-415-2970.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:
Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family-friendly bike. Loaner bikes available.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Call 773-758-8899.

From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:

The Earth needs a makeover and these young filmmakers will provide their tips on the best ways to improve the health of the planet. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host the Global Contest Awards Celebration, where you can meet these young filmmakers in person or online and see their extraordinary films.

• Film details forthcoming

• Doors open 11 a.m. for check-in/registration

• Program begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

• Program ends 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Free popcorn

• Free beverage

Register in person: https://oneearthyfcawardsinperson.eventbrite.com

Register online: https://oneearthyfcawardsvirtual.eventbrite.com

Since 2013, the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest has awarded over 100 prizes to short environmental films from youth age 25 down to 3rd grade. A jury of 31 environmental and film professionals selected the final, top films from among 403 submissions around the world in this first year as a global, rather than national contest. Each film is 1 to 8 minutes long and ranges from animation to live action to documentary.

Thank you to our illustrious jury: Deborah Adelman, Felice Bassuk, Amy Brinkman, Kathleen Brennan, Laurie Casey, Hussain Currimbhoy, Lisa Daleiden-Brugman, Steve Cohen, Layla Dade, Mary Ford, Sophia Fowler, Monica Fox, Paula Froehle, Bill Gee, Jim Gill, Kathryn Hempel, Patrick Thomas Keen, Adrija Kundu, Angelo Lavel, William Kim Lyons, Jennifer Maiotti, Jonathan Moeller, Julie Moller, Elaine Petkovsek, James Rohn, Vicky Solano, Jessie Wahlers, Karen Weigert, Risé Sanders-Weir, Marc Wellin, and Gary Wilson.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Ride Illinois will lead a safety talk before we take off for a fun, casual, family friendly bike ride. Loaner bikes available.

Registration Required: Call 312-533-5751.

From Equiticity:

Air Element: A Grand Rising of Power

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us for a family-friendly biking event! Safety demonstration, techniques, tips and guided ride. Helmets/loaner bikes available. In partnership with Ride Illinois.

Registration Required: Call 312-533-5751.

From Seven Generations Ahead:

The Oak Park Microbrew Review is one of the longest-running beer festivals in the Chicagoland area – 16 years!

• 70+ breweries with 200+ beers, seltzers, ciders and a couple of craft cocktails too!

• 3 music stages

• 12 live bands

• 10 local food vendors

• Loads of fun!

We're sustainable too!

Not only that; we’re the largest zero-waste fest in the Midwest.

Micro Brew. Micro Waste.

What is Zero Waste?

Our goal is for the fest to leave minimal impact on the environment.

We eliminate nearly all our landfill waste through reducing, reusing, recycling and composting.

Dispose of your waste at Resource Recovery Stations throughout the fest – staffed by awesome Sustainability Rangers!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oak-park-microbrew-review-2023-tickets-543187266737?aff=erelexpmlt

From Equiticity:

Water Element: A Flowing Rhythm of Movement

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Equiticity:

Metal Element: A Courageous Exploration of Connection

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From EcoVoice Festival 2023:

10 a.m. Soundwalk with Paige Alice Naylor

11 a.m. Family Friendly Concert with Luke Wallace

3 p.m. Eco Songwriting Workshop with Luke Wallace, 737 Custer Ave., Evanston

Free. Register: https://ecovoiceproject.org/ecovoicefestival2023

Juneteenth Holiday

From Equiticity:

Fire Element: An Alchemical Transformation

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

From Equiticity:

Mothers Day Celebration*

Earth Element: A Grounding in Community

A series of six Community Mobility Rituals (CMR's) that offer full immersion into exploring natural areas, history, culture, and connection to community. The walks will be conversational, with many opportunities for stops and discussion, and deep explorations within the park. Each walk features a community meditation or yoga session. Feel free to bring your bells, bowls, mats, etc!

Learn more: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/nature-of-magic-walk-series-3/tickets

IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY

From One Earth Film Fest:

Tickets in person: https://childrensfilms7to12.eventbrite.com

N PERSON: Saturday, March 4, 10:45 to 12 p.m. Central Standard Time
Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Veterans’ Room
Oak Park, IL [W Suburbs]

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check-in/register, enjoy refreshments, and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue.

Tickets virtually: https://childrensfilms7to12virtual.eventbrite.com

VIRTUAL: Saturday, March 4, 10:45 to 12 p.m. Central Standard Time

Young environmentalists, join us for three award-winning short films and discussion, where we'll get loud about our planet! We'll also settle in to contemplate and celebrate the power of creativity, art, and nature. Early Childhood Educator Wendy Negron will facilitate. Enjoy healthy snacks and activities.

Birth of Form [Kuumba Umbo]

Ekaterina Ogorodnikova/2021/7 min/People & Culture, Wildlife, Historical Perspectives, Family

FILM DESCRIPTION: A young boy befriends an African buffalo, but when tragedy strikes, he dedicates his life to commemorating his lost friend.

Cracked

Mahmut Taş/2021/5 min/Water, Climate Change, Family

CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: A little girl lives in a village with her mother where water sources are dwindling by day. This little girl never loses hope though; she tries to do the best she can, sacrificing for nature.

Hargila

Gerrit Vyn/2022/28min/Wildlife, Conservation, People & Culture, Environmental Advocacy, Family

FILM DESCRIPTION: Produced by the Cornell Lab’s Conservation Media center in partnership with Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, "Hargila" documents India’s grassroots effort to save the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork.

IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY

From One Earth Film Fest:

Tickets in person: https://childrensfilms3to6.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Saturday, March 4, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Central Standard Time
Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Veterans’ Room
Oak Park, IL [W Suburbs]

Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check-in/register, enjoy refreshments, and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue.

Tickets virtually: https://childrensfilms3to6virtual.eventbrite.com

VIRTUAL: Saturday, March 4, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Central Standard Time

Tickets available to North American viewers only.

We welcome our youngest environmentalists to join us for four award-winning short films, engaging discussions, and an interactive Weather Jam! At-home Watch Party attendees, bring some fun handheld instruments or noisemakers to the virtual screening, to join us as we jam. Early Childhood Educator Wendy Negron will facilitate. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for healthy snacks and activities before the films begin.

Cloud Chaos

Athena Ousley/2021/2 min/Wildlife, Family

FILM DESCRIPTION: When a mother bird gathers a portion of white cloud for her nest, the cloud becomes angry at first in this heartwarming story of forgiveness and cooperation. “Cloud Chaos” was an Honorable Mention winner in the 2022 One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest.

Cool for You

Sherene Strausberg/2022/3 min/Climate Change, Family

FILM DESCRIPTION: “Cool For You”, an animated film based on the book of the same title, explains global warming to children in a friendly way.

Hush Hush Little Bear [Čuči čuči]

Māra Liniņa/2022/4 min/Wildlife, Family

FILM DESCRIPTION: Bear cubs have a good time playing merrily with a ball of yarn, but soon enough find themselves all tangled up. Based on a traditional Latvian lullaby.

Sweet Cocoon

Matéo Bernard, Matthias Bruget, Jonathan Duret, Manon Marco, Quentin Puiraveau/2014/6 min/Wildlife, Family

FILM DESCRIPTION: “Sweet Cocoon” is an award-winning animated short about a plump caterpillar who can't get into her cocoon without the help of two friendly beetles.

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Concerned about climate change? Interested in protecting our breathable air, drinkable water, native habitat, and mitigating flooding? Then join us to hear Laura Davis of the Cook County League of Women Voters on the Forest Preserve Referendum. To sign up, go to: https://forms.gle/zdDcC1MzVCgBrdHU8

From West Cook Wild Ones:

You are invited to hear how and why the latest UN - IPCC report has recommended that 30% of earth’s lands and waters be conserved by 2030 and 50% by 2050. Learn how the 30x30 America the Beautiful Executive Order is being implemented nationwide, how a group of high school students from Pontiac and the state legislature have jumpstarted the Illinois 30x30 Task Force, and what you can do to help.

Presenter: Adrian Ayres Fisher on Zoom.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30x30-good-news-for-ecosystems-wildlife-and-our-climate-tickets-396253463777

Adrian Ayres Fisher has been enthusiastically gardening with native plants for over thirty years. As a board member of West Cook Wild Ones, she educates about and advocates for native-plant gardening, natural area restoration, and biodiversity. She also serves as a volunteer steward of National Grove Forest Preserve in Riverside, Illinois, where she manages volunteer restoration projects. Her website is www.ecologicalgardening.net.

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Join us as we paddle over 8 miles of the Salt Creek River Trail from Bemis Woods to Plank Road Meadow. Instruction, sanitized equipment, kayaks and shuttle provided.

Registration Required: Call 312-533-5751.

From Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Thinking about cross-country skiing but don’t know where to start? Sagawau’s certified Professional Ski Instructor of America are here to answer your questions.

This program will only take place if Sagawau’s ski trails are closed. Call 630-257-2045 or visit Sagawau’s Facebook page for ski trail status.

All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask indoors at all times. Unvaccinated visitors should also wear a mask outdoors when physical distancing (six feet from other people) is not possible.

Registration Required: Call Sagawau at 630-257-2045.

From Nature120 and Kinfolk CoLab:

This FREE event is a welcoming space for kids and families, and anyone wanting to connect with their playful side. It will be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Nature120 is committed to providing inclusive, nature-based wellness experiences, especially for those who have been traditionally marginalized. Kinfolk CoLab is committed to working for justice, equity, and belonging in Oak Park and neighboring communities.

Parking available or CTA green line to Pace bus #313 ++ walk 15minutes.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNmobNjE9ujOgNL-XGHj02a75BqDSTkLz28PPX8zPxwJ2hmg/viewform

Debby Lee Cohen and Atsuko Quirk/2019/79 min/Family, Youth, Waste, Advocacy, Health

FILM DESCRIPTION: “Microplastic Madness” is the story of 56 fifth graders from Public School 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, living in the frontline of the climate crisis. Their actions on plastic pollution morph into extraordinary leadership and scalable victories. With stop-motion animation, heartfelt kid commentary, and interviews of experts and renowned scientists who are engaged in the most cutting edge research on the harmful effects of microplastics, this alarming, yet charming narrative, conveys an urgent message in user-friendly terms.

These eleven year olds dive deep into the root causes of plastic pollution. Taking on the roles of citizen scientists and community advocates, they collect local data, lead community outreach, and use their own local data to inform policy by testifying and rallying at City Hall. Then they turned their focus back to school, taking action in their cafeteria to eliminate all single-use plastic!

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/microplastic-madness-watch-party-tickets-138478257195

After the screening, stay connected to discuss the film with:

Facilitator Jackie Majdov, Conservation Stewardship Manager, Shedd Aquarium

Panelists:

• Debby Lee Cohen, Director, Microplastic Madness

• Krystyna Meyer, Conservation Stewardship Facilitator, Shedd Aquarium

“The eyes of all future generations are upon you.” —Greta Thunberg

We invite you to join us for the 9th season of the Young Filmmakers Contest Awards & Screenings. You'll see the incredible films of motivated and inspired young people from ages 8 to 25. Their efforts show us there is a new generation of talented and wise environmental leaders and communicators on the horizon. Join us at the premiere screenings of the winning films, to be inspired by their creativity, and to learn more about the non-profit organizations that will benefit from matching grants the winners receive. Founding Director of the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest Sue Crothers will introduce guest host, Adam Joel, of Aggressively Compassionate. He is a former contest winner for the film, "The Green Burger Challenge."

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-filmmakers-contest-awards-celebration-tickets-138193296871

Philip Hunt/2020/36 min/Family, Advocacy, Wildlife

FILM DESCRIPTION: “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” is about a precocious 7-year-old who, over the course of Earth Day, learns about the wonders of the planet from his parents and from a mysterious exhibit at the aptly titled Museum of Everything. Based on the best-selling book by Oliver Jeffers. Voiced by film stars Chris O'Dowd (Moone Boy), Ruth Negga (Preacher and Loving), Jacob Tremblay (Room and Wonder) and the inimitable Meryl Streep.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/here-we-are-watch-party-tickets-138182969983

The feature film will be preceded by "Enviroman" by Caitlin Clonan, Honorable Mention Winner in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest at the college level.

Stay for post-film chat with:

Facilitator Wendy Negron, Early Childhood Educator

Panelists:

• Philip Hunt, Director, Studio AKA, Here We Are

• Alison Paul, Senior Program Manager, Chicago Region, Keller Science Action Center, Field Museum (youth conservation action team)

• Hallel Howard, 8th grader at Fiske Elementary in Chicago, member of Earth Force environmental youth group

• Maddy Gregg, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots National Youth Leadership Council