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 2021 Sustainability Leadership Training Series
The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Spring 2021 Sustainability Leadership Training Series. Learn from community and environmental leaders about urban sustainability challenges and opportunities for change, then lead 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 online and meet twice a week. The presentation part of the class will be held on Tuesdays, April 6-May 25, from 6:15–8:15pm. In addition to the weekly lecture participants will also be required to attend once weekly 45 minute-long C3 staff-led discussion on Wednesdays (12pm or 6pm) or Thursday evenings (6pm). A $125 fee covers course participation; financial assistance is available upon request.
Attend an orientation to learn more. Click the button below or call 773-755-5100 x5039 to reserve a space.
Orientation Dates
- Monday, March 1, 6-7pm
- Tuesday, March 2, 6-7pm
- Wednesday, March 3, noon-1pm
- Thursday, March 4, 6-7pm
- Tuesday, March 9, 6-7pm
Applications for the Chicago Conservation Corps Spring 2021 Training will be due March 15.
Please contact c3@naturemuseum.org with further questions or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Do you ever wonder how a butterfly gets its colors? Or how turtles hibernate? Do you wonder how birds know where to migrate each year? For over 160 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served a unique role in the city of Chicago connecting children of all ages to nature and science through immersive exhibits, fun family events, important conservation research and in-depth education programs, inspiring the wonder in all of us.