Community Involvement

Communities have authentic decision-making power in how they shape their neighborhoods and parks.

Events

From hands-on community clean-ups and nature walks to our annual fundraising celebrations, every event supports our mission to protect, preserve, and promote Chicago’s parks and open spaces for all.

See our Events Schedule

Park Advisory Councils

Friends of the Parks’ (FOTP) Park Advisory Councils (PACs) are neighborhood-led groups that serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of their local park. Made up of neighbors, park users, and community advocates, PACs work to ensure that parks remain vibrant, welcoming, and at the heart of Chicago’s communities.

From organizing community events to shaping park improvements, PACs keep parks thriving year-round with activities for children, families, and adults. Today, Chicago has nearly 200 active PACs, each with its own style and focus, but all united by a commitment to protect and enhance their parks.

Learn more about PACs

Education

FOTP believes every child deserves the chance to explore, learn from, and be inspired by nature. Our Environmental Education Programs give Chicago’s young people hands-on experiences in parks, along the lakefront, and at the beach—experiences too often missing from traditional classrooms.

With cuts to the EPA and shrinking environmental protections nationwide, it is more important than ever to equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools to care for our planet. Many Chicago students—especially those from low-income neighborhoods—have never set foot on Lake Michigan's shores or studied science outdoors. That’s why our programs focus on reaching those who need it most.

By sparking curiosity and a sense of responsibility in young people, we are investing in future leaders who will fight for clean air, safe water, and flourishing green spaces for generations to come.

Through our Nature Along the Lake (NAL) program, we partner with Chicago Public Schools to bring science curriculum to life. Students from elementary through high school study migratory birds, aquatic life, native plants, and full habitat systems.

Learn more about Nature on the Lake

Nature Along the Lake

Why we do it?

Nature Along the Lake (NAL) develops the next generation of stewards for our ever-threatened ecology while enhancing exposure to science education. The program inspires students to view their world a little differently—encouraging them to ask questions about what really matters in their local environment and empowering them to make a positive contribution to the planet.

Program Description  

Friends of the Parks’ NAL program curriculum was established using the educational standards set by the State of Illinois. Each school year, NAL engages K-8th grade students by leading seasonal field trip visits to Montrose Point and Rainbow Beach.  

Montrose Point serves as a spectacular site for students to explore the outdoors, including areas such as the Magic Hedge birding trail, Montrose dune formation, and Montrose Harbor. During the spring, students can also participate in fishing at Montrose Harbor, introducing them to the native fish species and aquatic food webs present in Lake Michigan. 

Located on the Southeast Side, Rainbow Beach is a newer NAL site that drew our attention due to its raw, natural beauty. While not as developed as Montrose Point, this site offers a one-of-a-kind lakefront experience. Students often find ‘natural artifacts’ such as crayfish claws, fish bones, and feathers, which showcase the wide biodiversity that inhabits this ecosystem. There are also native species that are special to this area such as the Piping Plover and the prickly pear plant.

We are also thrilled to announce that NAL will be partnering with the Field Museum’s Mighty Acorn program at Rainbow Beach to bring even more exciting experiences to students!

How it works

Field trips take place in Autumn, Winter and Spring, allowing students to experience our shoreline as it transforms with the seasons. Each trip is led by experienced educators and naturalists, and all activities are aligned with Illinois science standards.

Students gain exposure to:

  • Local ecosystems and wildlife

  • Seasonal changes along the lakefront

  • Hands-on science practices such as observation, data collection, and environmental exploration

Join Us

Join us in exploring Chicago’s Lakefronts and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!

Click here to request your class trip

“My 4th graders had a fantastic experience learning about Lake Michigan and its ecosystems thanks to Friends of the Parks… Many of our students have limited opportunities to explore beyond their own neighborhoods, so this experience was incredibly meaningful."

— 4th Grade Teacher at Burroughs Elementary in the Brighton Park community

Contact us

Want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you!