Quick Facts from the Chicago Conservation Corps

by Andy Angelos

Together with the Department of Environment, the Chicago Conservation Corps provides environmental training, technical assistance and resources to a network of local volunteers. After receiving training, Corps volunteers are offered sample project guides focused on improving the quality of Land, Air, Energy or Water in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Below are overviews of recommend projects and how the Corps efforts continuously improve Chicago’s standard of living.

Roll Out the Barrel. The program title might conjure imagery of Lincoln Square’s German bars, but Roll Out the Barrel is a neighborhood program promoting the distribution of 55-gallon rain drums. Collecting rain water in urban environments littered with impervious surfaces (paved, buildings, etc) helps prevent both sewage overflow and also fresh water availability.

The Department of Energy offers discount rates for rain barrels, which are easily installed to garage or home downspouts. Common uses for the collected water include watering gardens, washing cars and pets, etc. Collected rainwater is not immediately suitable for drinking and presents a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes if not maintained properly.

Green A Festival. The city of Chicago host hundreds of festivals per year of varying scales. The sprawling Taste of Chicago and impressive Air & Water Show are coupled with more modest events such as the weekly farmer’s market on Division. Chicago Conservation Corps recognizes the amount of waste that can be generated from the food, cups, plates, plastic, etc disseminated at festivals and offers a “Green A Festival Project Guide.” Corps members are encouraged to collaborate with event organizers to promote biodegradable utensils, reusable water bottles, and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.

As with most Corps program, Green A Festival and Roll Out The Barrel primarily surround education. For information about participating with the Chicago Conservation Corps, visit the registration information page on the city’s website.