King Conservation Science Explorers Partner with Urban Rivers

Brookfield, Ill. — For the past nine months, the Chicago Zoological Society’s King Conservation Science Explorers — 6 through 8 graders — have been collaborating with Urban Rivers staff in planning and creating habitats for wildlife, including bat and owl houses and floating platforms for turtles and North American river otters. Additionally, they helped create complimentary interpretive graphics that are posted for passersby to view. Their hard work was recently celebrated during an unveiling of the projects and signage along the Wild Mile — the North Branch of the Chicago River.

During this past school year, experts trained the young participants in the iterative design process that involved their projects going through multiple rounds of feedback, revisions, and testing during their development. Additionally, the young teens met with staff at Brookfield Zoo and a wildlife biologist from the Forest Preserves of Cook County, who shared conservation efforts for local wildlife, including North American river otters and Blanding’s turtles.

“It has been amazing to observe the kids’ enthusiasm and camaraderie as they collaborated with staff at Brookfield Zoo and Urban Rivers to see their projects come to fruition,” said Graig Mason, senior manager of the Society’s King Conservation Leadership Academy. “Working on their wildlife habitats, exploring nearby outdoor spaces, and experiencing many other opportunities this past school year, the youth in our King Explorers program have a great foundation for being young conservationists and exploring future endeavors in fields related to S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).”

The King Conservation Science Explorers is a free program that gives middle-schoolers opportunities to be involved in local conservation work while learning about careers in S.T.E.A.M. In addition to participating in community science projects, other collaborative and conservation-minded, problem-based learning feature field trips around the Chicagoland area and finding out about and interacting with animals at Brookfield Zoo and their care specialists. Relaunched this past year, the newly restructured King Explorers builds on the Society’s long-standing partnerships with local libraries, community gardens, and nonprofit

GREAT LAKES...

bers of GLCU can directly contribute to their community, supporting local schools and helping children to thrive academically. The donated supplies will be collected through August 4 and delivered directly to local elementary schools in the area.

“We’re aiming to overflow our donation boxes and fill our community’s schools with the resources they need for a successful year of learning. Together, let’s put GREAT big smiles on lots of small faces,” added Bugg.

Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, organizations in Chicagoland neighborhoods and suburbs, including Back of the Yards, Canaryville, Chinatown, Cicero, Cragin, Douglas, Englewood, Fuller Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Near South Side, Pilsen, and West Belmont.

Each new school year features a different theme that highlights important environmental concepts and fosters personal abilities and interests, communication skills among peers and mentors, and participation in efforts that address the need for conservation awareness, education, and taking action. A culminating event at the end of each year allows the King Explorers to share their knowledge, talents, and blossoming leadership skills. The program is offered from September through June. Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year begins in August. Those interested in learning more and to register later this summer, can visit CZS.org/KingAcademy.

The Chicago Zoological Society offers free community-based programming for all ages, including the King Explorers, through its King Conservation Leadership Academy, which is made possible, in part, with support from: the King Family Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc., CDW Corporation Charitable Gift Fund, FedEx, the Julius N. Frankel Foundation, the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation Inc., Nalco, an Ecolab Company, the Edmond and Alice Opler Foundation, Peoples Gas Community Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, the Schmidgall Family Foundation, the Dr. Scholl Foundation, and Wintrust Financial Corporation.

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Great Lakes Credit Union is banking for a greater good. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1.3 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve around 80,000 members in Chicagoland and surrounding areas, and to give back to its members and communities through education, volunteerism, and partnerships, in collaboration with the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives, and community development programs at www.glcu.org.

SENATOR SIMS TO HOST BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL, COLLEGE EXPO

As families across Illinois prepare for another school year, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is hosting fun and free community events to help students gear up for the fall. He is extending an invitation to his upcoming Annual Back to School Festival for families and students in the 17th Senate District.

“It is critical that we continue supporting parents, kids and teachers, which is why I’m proud to host this event again this year and provide resources to families in the 17th District,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “My office is working hard to make sure kids in Chicago and across Illinois will have a great start to this school year.”

The fun and family-friendly Back to School Festival will take place on Saturday, July 29 and feature games, food, entertainment, school supplies giveaways and more. The event will be held at Cole Park, located at 361 E. 85th St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sims is also hosting an upcoming event for high school students and other people who are seeking higher education opportunities.

In partnership with Chesterfield Community Council, he is hosting a College Expo on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Chicago State University – Jones Convention Center.

The free event – located at 9501 S. King Dr. – will include college, university and trade school representatives, seminars on scholarships, apprenticeships, HBCU life and more, as well as giveaways.

For more information, please contact Senator Sims’ office at (773) 933-7715 or info@ElgieSims.com.

Hunter Invites Public To Outreach Event Targeting Opioid Addiction

State Senator Mattie Hunter, convener of the South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, is inviting the community to the task force’s inaugural street outreach event, which will provide information and support to those affected by substance use.

“We want to make sure that everyone has access to the tools and information they need to stay safe,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This event is a great opportunity for those struggling with substance abuse to learn about the resources available to them and will help equip our community with the knowledge and supplies they need to save lives.”

The event will be held Thursday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of 112th Street and Michigan Avenue. Hunter and members of the task force will be distributing Narcan, fentanyl test strips, opioid addiction resources and other harm reduction materials. Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, whereas fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs.

The South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force is comprised of community-based agencies, health care providers and governmental agencies to address the opioid epidemic facing those who reside on the city’s South Side. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon. To attend a virtual meeting, subscribe to their e-newsletter on the task force’s website.

The event is free and open to the public. For questions, call 773-840-7310 or email info@southsidetaskforce.org.