PARK DISTRICT INFORMATION
Sustainability & Green Initiatives
POINT OF CONTACT
Lucy Mellen
Sustainability Coordinator
LOCATION
1200 Wilmette Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091
PHONE
(847) 853-7510
UPCOMING SUSTAINABILITY EVENTS:
Spring Garden Preparation Workshop – 4/12, Noon at Mallinckrodt Center, FREE
Earth Day at Keay – 4/18, 10 am at Keay Nature Center, FREE
Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway – 4/24 2 pm at Wilmette Public Library, FREE
Summer Stewardship Workdays at Gillson Bird Habitat
- May 3, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- June 7, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- July 12, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette,FREE
- August 2, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- September 13, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette,FREE
- October 4, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
Summer Stewardship Workdays at Elmwood Dunes
- May 17, 9 am hosted by Friends of Elmwood Dunes,FREE
- June 25, 8 am hosted by Friends of Elmwood Dunes,FREE
- July 23, 8 am hosted by Friends of Elmwood Dunes, FREE
- August 13, 8 am hosted by Friends of Elmwood Dunes, FREE
- September 20, 9 am hosted by Friends of Elmwood Dunes, FREE
Summer Stewardship Workdays at Mallinckrodt Garden
- May 21, 9 amhosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- June 18, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- July 16, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- August 20, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- September 17, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
- October 15, 9 am hosted by Go Green Wilmette, FREE
What’s New:
Anti-Idling Campaign Design Contest
Now through April 3!
The Wilmette Park District invites all students to participate in a design competition to raise awareness of vehicle idling and its environmental impact. We are looking for artistic creativity. Whatever you decide to help spread a message of eliminating waste, clean air and healthy outcomes.
The competition challenges student artists to create original designs that will convey this message. The winning design will be featured on banners outside three facilities in conjunction with a district-wide anti-idling campaign.
- All design entries must be submitted by Friday, April 3.
- The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite designs between April 6 and April 17.
- The winning design will be announced on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:
- All designs should be landscape to ensure compatibility.
- Design should be no smaller than 11”x8.5” and no larger than 36”x24”.
- Designs should be original and avoid AI-generated content.
- Designs should be submitted as .jpeg, .png or .pdf .
Spring 2026 Sustainbility Tip
Consider installing a rain barrel in your garden this spring! Rain barrels are a great water to harvest rainwater to water your garden and reduce stormwater runoff. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District sells rain barrels, including delivery, to all Cook County Residents. Learn more at mwrd.org/community-action/rain-barrels.
Dive into our initiatives below for information of interest and to learn how the Wilmette Park District strives to blend environmentally-friendly practices with the joys of outdoor recreation. From conservation projects to energy-efficiency upgrades, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey toward a greener, healthier and more vibrant Wilmette!
Explore Our Green Initiatives
Guide to Green Sustainability Plan
Adopted in April 2024, the Plan outlines 72 objectives organized to five categories:
- District Operations
- Education Initiatives
- Energy and Emissions
- Land Stewardship
- Waste Management
Native Landscapes & Land Stewardship
These objectives emphasize our commitment to protection and nurturing local ecosystems, including the diverse plants and animals they support.
Energy & Emissions
These objectives are geared toward reducing emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and increasing the District’s use of electric equipment.
Sustainability Library
View our records of the Sustainability Planning process along with annual Park Board presentation updates.
Resources
Find additional info on:
- Parks & Rec
- Waste & Recycling
- Natural Resources
- Energy
- Resident Resources
TBD
Content Coming Soon…
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