Published: June 24, 2011

ECCo and Community Partners Host Environmental Celebration at Beaubien Woods

Laura Milkert, Conservation Ecology Manager, Keller Science Action Center

Over 200 community members gathered at the Beaubien Woods Celebration and Environmental Day on June 4, 2011, to try their hand at fishing, archery and ecological restoration.  This event was part of ECCo's ongoing commitment to building community participation in taking care of Beaubien Woods Forest Preserve.  ECCo staff worked with our conservation partners: Fishin' Buddies, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Department of the Environment's Greencorps Calumet, and Eden Place to sponsor this "wildly" successful free program. While connecting to and learning about the site, people of all ages took part in activities and games about gardening, natural history, and ecology.  Throughout the day, people relaxed and fished along the shores of Flatfoot Lake, and enjoyed healthy food and cooking demonstrations.

ECCo's Erika Hasle and volunteer Leslee Jackson help beautify Beaubien by clearing it of invasive species.

Photos: Laura Milkert


Laura Milkert
Conservation Ecology Manager

Laura’s work integrates her varied experience in program management, habitat restoration, anthropology, and working with communities.Outside of the Field Museum, Laura takes an interest in creative endeavors of various sorts related to native and edible gardens, the intersection of art and nature (photography, papermaking and collage, pottery) and exploring the natural areas and trails of the local region and beyond.