05/14/2026
More than 130 volunteers came together for the 4th Annual Earth Day this past Saturday to prove once again what’s possible when neighbors roll up their sleeves together. Volunteers spent the day cleaning, planting 300 plants, weeding, mulching, building, repairing, and beautifying neighborhood spaces across the community. Thanks to their efforts, ten shared spaces were refreshed and improved for neighbors and visitors to enjoy, gather, and connect.
Earth Day is much more than a few hours of work — it is a celebration of community stewardship and neighborhood pride. A special thank you goes to the many volunteers who helped plan the event, welcome and feed volunteers, organize projects, fund the event, coordinate supplies, and photograph the day. Events like this only happen because so many neighbors contribute in ways both big and small.
We are grateful for the support of our community partners and sponsors, including the OTTA Neighborhood Improvement Committee, Lincoln Central Association, Church of the Three Crosses, Alderman Timmy Knudsen and the 43rd Ward, Scout Troop 79, Lincoln Park Co-Op Nursery School, the City of Chicago (Department of Transportation and Streets & Sanitation), Professor Pizza, Ranalli’s, Davey Tree and Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen.
If you would like to help care for these neighborhood spaces throughout the year, we would love the help. Whether you can volunteer for one hour occasionally or help weekly, you can contribute to keeping these spaces thriving all season long. Contact [email protected] to learn more.
