Community Connections

Centennial Volunteers (CV) was founded in 2014 to encourage people to help improve the health of the Chicago River system and forest preserves along it by serving as volunteer stewards. Volunteers learn about our forest preserves, enjoy natural areas close to home, and make a tangible difference to our environment by getting outside with like-minded people to restore the land. CV’s lead partners are Friends of the Chicago River, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and Friends of the Forest Preserves. Find more information here.

The Dixmoor Community Center is just blocks from Kickapoo Woods and provides residents with adult exercise programs, open gyms, after school programs for youth, and opportunities to volunteer within the community. Find more information here.

Faith in Place empowers Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth, providing resources to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities. They operate from local offices serving Chicago, the north and west suburbs of Chicago, Lake County, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois.  They have five program areas including energy and climate, sustainable food and land use, water preservation, advocacy, and youth leadership & empowerment implemented in close collaboration with 358 faith partners and 140 Green Teams.  For more information click here.

Forest Preserves of Cook County: Kickapoo Woods is part of the nearly 70,000 acres within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Established in 1915 to preserve and protect natural lands for the enjoyment and education of the public, the Forest Preserves include not only forests, but prairies, wetlands, and other natural landscapes—including some of the rarest and highest quality ecosystems in Illinois. Find their website here.

Friends of the Forest Preserves' mission is to unite people to protect, promote, and care for the forest preserves in Cook County.  Founded in 1998 by a small group of concerned citizens, the Friends community is now a force of thousands working together to ensure that land, water, and life will always thrive in the forest preserves. They are the only independent nonprofit organization solely focused on the forest preserves in Cook County. Find their website here.

Ivy League After School Program provides a variety of places for children and youths to be all day learning or for before and after school programming in a rich environment in locations around the Chicago suburbs including Dixmoor. Find out more about them here.

The Riverdale Park District’s goal is to provide a comprehensive array of structured programs and services for children, youth, and adults that will plant seeds for and promote academic excellence, self discipline, pride, integrity and positive behavior in home, school and community. The Riverdale Park District strives to serve the needs of every individual in the community by offering diverse quality programs and services while continually monitoring the changing needs and desires of our growing community. Learn more about it here.

Photo: Friends of the Forest Preserves' Conservation Crews are high school students, young adults and adults who earning about conservation while gaining vital leadership and teamwork skills that can be used in future careers.