Friends and Imani Village Deepen Partnership at Big Marsh Park

For the second year in a row, staff from Imani Village, Chicago Park District, and Friends of the Chicago River gathered at Big Marsh Park on July 10 for a collaborative professional development day centered on environmental education, leadership, and community engagement in the Calumet region.

Designed to support seasonal and new staff, the day served as a hands-on learning experience and a platform for exchanging knowledge, building community, and exploring pathways to careers in the environmental field. The event is one of several co-led by Friends and Imani Village as part of a growing partnership focused on nurturing emerging leaders and expanding environmental equity across Chicago’s Southeast Side.

“This partnership gives us the opportunity to learn from one another and grow stronger together,” said Becky Lyons, director of equity and engagement at Friends of the Chicago River. “It’s about lifting up leaders who bring their own experience and vision to the environmental movement, especially in communities whose ideas and contributions have long been unrecognized and undervalued.”

The day’s activities included a nature hike with leaf rubbings and tree identification led by Imani Green Health Advocates, a tour of the Ford Calumet Environmental Center with Chicago Park District staff, and a hands-on water quality testing and macroinvertebrate sampling session facilitated by Friends staff.

Jalynn Webb, Imani Green Health Advocates Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to see themselves as changemakers. “We’re creating space for youth to lead, to question, and to shape the future of their own communities through a green lens,” said Webb. “When they connect with nature and each other, they realize their power to make a difference.”

The collaboration will continue this summer with a career shadow day at Friends' downtown office and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum as well as a training in environmental interpretation led by Friends. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to mentorship, equity, and investing in the next generation of environmental leaders.