It was cold and raining, however, that did not stop environmentalists from getting soaked and dirty. As part of NEIU’s Green Week, students and faculty volunteered to meet at Kiwanis Park on Friday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. to help clean up the park.
The event was planned by Dr. Joel Olfelt from the Biology Department at NEIU, who consulted with the Chicago Park District. It was then executed by the Student Activities Office, who handled the publicity and registration for the event.
There were a total of 17 volunteers who showed up to the two hour event. These individuals helped remove invasive plant species’ from the muddy ground and picked up countless pieces of trash. Many of the volunteers were students and faculty from the Biology Department who are avid supporters of keeping the environment clean.
“Maintenance of the natural plantings at places like Kiwanis makes a safer, healthier place for us and for desirable wildlife. Even though the park is small, I’ve seen hawks, goldfinches and hummingbirds use its resources,” said Olfelt.
Other than the intrinsic benefits of cleaning up the park, volunteers were treated with lunch and some even gained extra credit. from their respective professors.