FIND WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN THE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

April is that beautiful month where we inch closer to long, bright, warm, sunny days. Grass starts to green up. Those promising little buds start to appear that we know will soon open to full blooms. It’s when the Earth comes alive - and when Earth Day takes place.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 - an environmental movement that began in 1970 and today inspires individuals across the globe work toward protecting the environment for future generations. It also sparks many to contribute to clean up and recycling efforts in their own communities.

This month there are several events scheduled to get involved in the Earth Day mission in Chicago Southland. Here are a few:

APRIL 22

Earth Day at Sand Ridge Nature Center
Forest Preserves of Cook County
15891 Paxton Avenue
South Holland
708-868-0606
FPDCC.com 

This Earth Day celebration will include themed-games, a self-guided litter clean-up and more.

Earth Day Fresh Air Walk at theNate
Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park
Governors State University
1 University Parkway
University Park
708-534-4021
GovSt.edu/Sculpture

This free family event will include a one-hour performance of AirPlay followed by a tour of the outdoor sculpture exhibit to celebrate springtime. There will be an abbreviated kid-friendly tour or a traditional 45-60 minute tour available.

Earth Day: Party for the Planet
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 31st Street
Brookfield
708-688-8000
CZS.org

The Brookfield Zoo Chicago crew will be showcasing some of the steps you can take that will truly make a difference for animals across the globe. They’re also doing an electronics, textiles and used book recycling drop-off event.

Recycle Your Bicycle
Monee Reservoir
Forst Preserve District of Will county
27341 Ridgeland Avenue
Monee
708-534-8499
ReconnectWithNature.org

Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! Monee Reservoir is collecting for Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes globally to individuals with disabilities and in developing countries for transportation. No bike is too old or rusty!

APRIL 23

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Earth Day Run
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
8400 31st Street
Brookfield
708-688-8000
CZS.org

This Earth Day Fun Run is 2.2 miles and non-competitive, making it perfect for the whole family. After the run, spend the day seeing all your favorite animals. Participants also get a commemorative medal and bookmark with seeds to spread in your garden.

MORE OUTDOOR EVENTS

Celebrating Earth Day can also be celebrated by simply spending time outside and appreciating what the earth provides. Here area a few other outdoor events to enjoy this month:

APRIL 1

Kennelly Park Egg Hunt
11500 South Beloit Avenue
Worth
708-448-7080

Join in for the annual community egg hunt with children divided into different age groups for the hunt. Registration is required.

APRIL 8

Village of Flossmoor Community Clean-Up
2800 Flossmoor Road
Flossmoor
708-798-2300
Flossmoor.org

Volunteers are welcome to come help out with an outdoor spring cleaning. Participants should dress for the weather and wear work gloves. Sign up online to participate.

Egg Dash

Matteson Community Center
20642 Matteson Avenue
Matteson
708-441-4500
VillageofMatteson.org

Join the Easter Bunny on the outside grounds and search for eggs with prizes inside.

Easter Egg Hunt

Field Area
Between 44 Towncenter Driver and 698 Burnham Drive
University Park
708-534-6541
University-Park-IL.com

No registration is required for this fun outdoor hunt where brightly-colored eggs are filled with all kinds of surprises.

Monee Egg Hunt

5218 West Court Street
Monee
708-534-8302
VillageofMonee.org

Over 5,000 eggs will be hidden in this giant hunt. Come out and see how many you can find.

APRIL 22

Chicago Hounds VS. Nola Gold
SeatGeek Stadium
7000 South Harlem Avenue
Bridgeview
708-594-7200
SeatGeekStadium.com

Take in the action of live Rugby and see the new Major League Rugby team that plays home matches right here in the Chicago Southland.

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