There are a number of ways to celebrate Earth Month this year, starting promptly on April 1 with a first-time “Earth-a-Palooza” celebration in a forest preserve located in Morton Grove to a forest cleanup in Park Ridge to recycling events in Skokie and Norridge. Read on for ways to participate.
Morton Grove
Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita will host an “Earth-a-Palooza” in Morton Grove’s Linne Woods April 1. Morita, County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and General Superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Arnold Randall will all speak at the event, according to a press release from the Commissioner’s office. Admission is free and it will feature activities like a morning bike ride, guided hikes for adults, a kids’ touch-truck, animals from the Brookfield Zoo and a junior ranger program offering badges and prizes, per event information. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Morton Grove Park District will host an Earth Day recycled craft activity for children aged 2-4 and parents April 21 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Prairie View Community Center, costing $19 for district residents and $25 for nonresidents.
Morton Grove is encouraging residents to take the pledge for the Morton Grove Mayor’s Water Conservation Challenge. https://www.mortongroveil.org/
Skokie
Skokie’s Spring Greening recycling event will take place April 2 in the west parking lots of Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center. It is open to all Niles Township residents and free, with the exception that residents who wish to recycle paint will be charged a small fee. The event will also accept documents for destruction, old electronics including monitors, printers, mice and keyboards and lithium or rechargeable batteries. Residents may also recycle car batteries, fire extinguishers, holiday lights and textile products at the event. http://www.skokiespringgreening.info/location.html
Norridge
The Village of Norridge is hosting its Spring Recycling Day on April 1. The event is open to Norridge residents only. Electronics may be dropped off at the Montrose Police Garage with a $20 fee for some, such as flat screen televisions. Paper shredding, prescription drug disposal, athletic shoe recycling and other services will be offered at Norridge Village Hall. https://www.villageofnorridge.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2906/17?curm=4&cury=2023
Park Ridge
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will host a forest and woodland clean-up April 15 from 1-3 p.m. at the Dam #4 Forest Preserve. Organizations that would like to bring a group should call 847-877-2583 about what area they would like to reserve and provide the name of a point of contact and a ballpark estimate for how many participants they expect to have.The Park Ridge Park District will host an Earth Day Work Day April 18 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wildwood Nature Center. Those who wish to participate should register at https://www.prparks.org/ Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Park Ridge Park District will host its 2023 Earth Day Celebration April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m at Maine Park Leisure Center. The event will feature crafts with recycled material, a live birds of prey demonstration, an animal demonstration, sustainable shopping, a rope climb, information from “green” organizations and opportunities to interact with both Smokey Bear and the Lorax.
Northbrook
The Forest Preserves of Cook County will host a volunteer workday April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at the River Trail Nature Center. Registration is required; those who would like to participate can call 847-824-8360.
Niles
The Forest Preserves of Cook County will host a forest clean-up at Bunker Hill on West Harts Road from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 22. More information is available at 773-758-8899 or at [email protected].
Niles Spring Clean-Up Day is scheduled for April 23 from 9-11 a.m. The village is seeking volunteers to clean up trash, help mulch young trees and get parks and grounds ready for spring. Registration is appreciated; email [email protected] or call 847- 588- 8434.