News Release

April 12, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact : Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

Chicagoland Environmental Network a Great Resource for Eco-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities

      Brookfield, Ill.— April is National Volunteer Month and Earth Day is on April 22, making now the perfect time to take advantage of a remarkable regional resource—the Chicagoland Environmental Network (CEN), a program of the Chicago Zoological Society. The CEN Web site is the authoritative guide on nature- and conservation-related volunteer opportunities in the metropolitan area.

CEN’s online network highlights an abundance of suggestions and ideas for those interested in getting involved with one of CEN’s more than 200 environmental and natural resource member organizations. The volunteer opportunities at these organizations range from helping with habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, and wetland, prairie, and watershed projects to urban gardening, energy conservation, composting, recycling, and even office work. The Web site also posts job and internship openings at many member organizations and provides information on upcoming environment-related events.

CEN was established in 1994 with initial support from the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since then, the Network has connected thousands of people with such groups as The Nature Conservancy, North Branch Restoration Project, Fox Valley Wildlife Center, and Friends of the Parks.

Volunteer opportunities are available to people with different skills, interests, and backgrounds. Children, young adults, families, retirees, school groups, scout troops, and other interested groups and individuals are welcome to lend a hand whether they have a lot of time or just a little. The range of opportunities promises a fun and engaging time to volunteers of all abilities and interests. Current volunteer opportunities include:
  • Joining in restoring the oak savannah at Emily Oaks Nature Center to a state of healthy biodiversity by removing brush and weeds and collecting and planting seeds.
  • Feeding horses; assisting with grooming, saddling, and bridling horses; and cleaning stalls and riding gear at Kendall County Forest Preserve District in Minooka.
  • Serving as a field trip leader guiding students through the various habitats at North Park Village Nature Center in Chicago.
  • Helping School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education rescue and sort unwanted books, including text and reference books as well as classic novels, for recycling and reuse by teachers, underserved schools, and the public.
  • Assisting with stuffing, labeling, and sealing mailings as well as data entry at The Conservation Foundation in Naperville.

For information on volunteer opportunities and questions about CEN, visit www.ChicagoEnvironment.org or call (708) 688-3996.

CEN is supported by the Chicago Zoological Society’s Center for Conservation Leadership, which has the goal of creating conservation leaders among Brookfield Zoo guests, community leaders, and people around the world. The programmatic center provides resources for people of all ages to learn about conservation practices and their impact on the world’s ecosystems, from exotic locales to neighborhood parks and backyards. Through the programs within the center, such as the Chicagoland Environmental Network, the Society inspires the next generation of conservationists and conservation-minded citizens.

Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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