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Despite their important role in ecology and botanical history, mosses are criminally understudied. How do mosses help soils and microorganisms? How many species are there? When it comes to the mosses of Chicago, we’re not entirely sure. This program will deliver a comprehensive overview of what we do know about the mosses in our region, as well as tips and tricks for identifying them, and how we can begin filling the knowledge gap. Following the presentation, we’ll go for a hike in the park to put our new ID skills to the test!

Face coverings are now optional in all of Chicago Park District Facilities.

To Register click here.

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Join the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Parks for an annual Spring clean-up event at Big Marsh Park. Activities incldue trash pick-up and mulching. Gloves, garbage bags, and other tools will be provided.

If you are a member of a Park Advisory Council (PAC), park partner organization or other volunteer group and wish to host an Earth Day clean-up on April 22 IN COORDINATION WITH FRIENDS OF THE PARKS as part of our annual Earth Day Clean-up and Celebration, please fill out our site captain signup sheet here by March 8. If you are not affiliated with a group, FOTP can help connect you to local partners. And if you are looking for a park name and address, click here for a map and list of all parks in the city.

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Join the Chicago Park District and Friends of the Chicago River to the annual cleanup and land restoration event at Hegewisch Marsh. Chicago River Day is a fun way to get some outdoor exercise volunteering along the river. We’ll spend the day planting native species and removing trash from the river’s edge. Participants will receive a free t-shirt depicting one of our river’s many living creatures.

Registration form to be posted soon.

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Join COS for a hike through one of the Chicago Park District’s newest natural areas; Marian Byrnes Park! With over 100 acres of wetlands, prairie, and savannah to explore, we’ll be on the look out for a variety of early migrants including rails, warblers, sparrows, and raptors. Beginning birders are welcome and extra binoculars will be available.

Please RSVP in advance!

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Did you know that there are almost a dozen species of bat found in Chicago? Despite their often-negative reputation, these flying mammals play an important role in our local ecosystem and lives. Join experts Maggie Jones and Edward Warden for a program all about our local bat species followed by a hike in search of these misunderstood creatures.

This program is free but requires RSVP. Please do so here and indicate how many people will be attending with you.