Earth Day Work Day: Burnham Wildlife Corridor and Nature Sanctuary


Details
Thank you for checking out our Earth Day event! We're excited to be doing work in Chicago's largest natural area and wildlife corridor. We'll be doing trail mulching, and have an option for trash & litter cleanup if you'd rather help with that.
We will be mulching some (long awaited) new trails around La Ronda Parakata gathering space, right on the lakefront, in the middle of the BWC. It has spectacular views, and some wonderful natural areas, prairie and savanna mostly. It is located here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qrDMfyJgioqQsfB97. La Ronda Parakata is where we will meet!
Parking is available nearby. Oakwood Beach has paid parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/H7tJcLyvU8hjYKhf8.
Or there is free street parking by 35th street pedestrian bridge, which people can cross to get there.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2FkSp22iBV5cYTRA
Nearest public restrooms are at 31st Street Beach.
We will start with a little information about Roots & Routes, the local community, tour the area, then get to work mulching.
The Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC) is a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness running through Burnham Park. The corridor is composed of 3 main natural areas including the Burnham Centennial Prairie, Burnham Nature Sanctuary, and McCormick Bird Sanctuary. The corridor spans both sides of Lake Shore Drive, and is the largest stretch of natural area along Chicago’s lakefront. Its native prairie, savanna, and woodland ecosystems provide healthy, diverse habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, and offer opportunities for visitors to meaningfully connect to this revitalized public green space in ways that inspire nature exploration, enjoyment, and stewardship.
The Burnham Wildlife Corridor is home to five unique "gathering spaces," which have been designed and created -- and will be activated -- by teams of local artists and community-based organizations from the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. The BWC Gathering Spaces are artistic installations and seating areas, reflective of nature and culture, that serve as assembly grounds and resting points for people exploring this part of the lakefront. They are located on both the east and west sides of Lake Shore Drive.
Agenda
11:00 – 11:15: Gather up at La Ronda Parakata, review the day.
11:15 – 11:45: Tour of BWC.
11:45 – 12:15: Lunch & Water Break (bring your own)
12:15 – 2:00: Mulching and trash clean-up.
You must complete this waiver before volunteering:
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/2023-volunteer-waiver-release
COVID-19 safety measures

Earth Day Work Day: Burnham Wildlife Corridor and Nature Sanctuary