Community Cleanup

Community Cleanup

Saturday, August 17, 2024

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Canal Origins Park, 2701 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

FREE

Register HERE

This event is geared towards local residents surrounding the park from the Pilsen, McKinley Park, and Bridgeport communities.

 

Come out to our Community Cleanup to enjoy and care for this hidden gem of a park! Or join Friends across the river this morning for a Paddle 101 canoe trip at Park 571/Eleanor Boathouse. 

While there is much to celebrate about the Chicago-Calumet River system's renaissance over the past 40 years, litter continues to be a persistent problem. Today’s litter consists mainly of harmful plastics from food and product packaging that damages wildlife habitat; diminishes water quality; and causes negative community, economic, and public health impacts. 

Our Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River initiative works to reduce the amount of trash harming our waterways by working with community and government leaders on strong policy, litter reduction programs, and local cleanup efforts, and we need your help. Join Friends to tackle litter in your neighborhood at this Community Cleanup of Canal Origins Park.

No experience necessary. Friends’ staff will provide instructions, bags, gloves, grabbers, as well as safety tips. This is a family friendly event, though we recommend anyone under 13 partner with a guardian. These events are rain or shine, but should there be threatening weather, staff will alert all registered volunteers at least two hours before an event if it is canceled due to weather. Registration is helpful so we can plan for supplies. Waivers are required for all participants and are included in the registration or can be filled out onsite. Guardians must register for minors and be present during event.