You care. Do something. We’ll help.
The Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) empowers Chicagoans to complete neighborhood sustainability and environmental projects that impact and engage communities across the city.
Join Us
We are C3 Leaders: activists, environmentalists, community organizers, naturalists, volunteers, and professionals starting a movement. We believe that through grassroots sustainability initiatives we can improve the quality of life for all Chicagoans—and spark a lasting change.
Learn
As a C3 Leader, you’ll receive unmatched training and support through the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and our partners. Participants attend a series of classes that explore big picture issues and local solutions, network with peers and sustainability thought-leaders, and practice community organizing skills that empower Chicagoans to make difference.
- WATER – Conserve water, manage storm water, and improve water quality.
- GREEN SPACE – Be a steward of Chicago’s open spaces and learn about our urban ecology.
- WASTE – Recycle, reduce, reuse, and rethink the materials we use every day.
- ENERGY – Use active transportation and increase energy efficiency to lessen impacts on climate.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – Engage other people and groups in projects that bring out the best in your community.
- PROJECT DEVELOPMENT – Complete a community asset map, manage a budget, make a plan, and carry it out.
Community Impact
All C3 projects have a measurable environmental impact, educational components, and require that you lead a community-based team of peers in planning and completing the project. After training, C3 Leaders develop and implement their own projects with support and professional guidance from Nature Museum staff members and up to $250 in materials to complete their project. Past projects range from community-based campaigns and workshops to outdoor stewardship workdays.
Spring 2023 Sustainability Leadership Training Series
The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Spring 2023 Sustainability Leadership Training Series. Take part in an introduction to the unique, urban environmental challenges Chicago confronts by learning from community and environmental leaders, finding opportunities for change, and then leading a sustainability service project in your community with support and resources from the Nature Museum.
To participate in the training course, you must be an adult Chicago resident, attend an orientation, and submit an application. The 8-week course will be held in-person at Rainbow Beach Park Fieldhouse. The class will be held on Saturdays, April 1-May 20, from 12-2:45 pm.
A $125 suggested course fee covers participation; however we never want finances to be a barrier to participation and are introducing a pay-what-can model for this training.
Attend an orientation to learn more; click the button below or call 773-755-5100 x5277 to reserve a space.
Orientation Dates:
- Saturday, March 4 // 12-1 pm; in-person at Rainbow Beach Park
- Monday, March 6 // 6–7pm; online
- Wednesday, March 8 // 6–7pm; online
- Tuesday, March 14 // 12–1pm; online
- Thursday, March 16 // 6–7pm; online
- Saturday, March 18 // 12-1 pm; in-person at Rainbow Beach Park
To participate in the training course, you must be an adult Chicago resident, attend an orientation, and submit an application. Applications for the Chicago Conservation Corps Spring 2023 Training are due March 22.
Ready to do Something?
To be notified of sustainability events, volunteer opportunities, and future training orientations, please sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Please contact c3@naturemuseum.org with further questions.
Support for the Chicago Conservation Corps is provided by:
