Openlands Announces "Birds in My Neighborhood" Program

Openlands is pleased to offer Birds in my Neighborhood™, a volunteer-driven program for 2nd to 5th grade classrooms with the goal of acquainting students with nature in their community through the observation of birds.

At Openlands, we know that connecting students with nature at school and close to home is the best way to start them on a lifetime passion for the environment. Openlands has installed school gardens at 56 schools since 2006. Through Birds in my Neighborhood, Openlands works with Audubon Chicago Region to bring knowledgeable volunteers to these schools to further establish the connection between CPS students and the local environment.

Volunteer instructors are needed to engage students in birding, increasing awareness of nature in Chicago. Volunteers must enjoy working with children. An interest in birds and a willingness to learn more is essential.

Minimum commitment:

1. Attendance at January 29 training session at the Openlands office (25 E. Washington St, Suite 1650, Chicago) from 9:30am - 12pm.

2. Three 1-hour visits with students: one in-classroom, one outdoors, and one at a local natural area.

If you are interested, please contact John Cawood, Education Program Coordinator, at 312-863-6276, or JCawood@openlands.org.

If you have questions about the program, contact Samuel Burckhardt rawsbb@mac.com or Luis Munoz malango@rcn.com from COS.