Head to the largest adventure park in the U.S. for a Chicagoland Earth Day celebration

Go on a nature walk, meet some raptors, learn to build a sustainable garden, and enjoy other family-friendly activities at this free event.

The Forge: Lemont QuarriesPhoto courtesy of The Forge Charitable Adventures

(CHICAGO) The Forge Charitable Adventures (TFCA)is hosting an Earth Day Summit on Saturday, April 23, from 10 AM to 5 PM at The Forge Lemont Quarries. The Forge is an outdoor aerial adventure park located just 22 miles south of Chicago in suburban Lemont.

Some of the family-friendly activities at the Summit include

• beekeeping workshops
• learn how to grow a sustainable garden
• see live birds of prey up close and personal per the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education
• live music
• natural journaling walk
• The Jesse White Tumblers

All-day activities include fun for the kids, including butterfly water stations, earth crafts, ladybug hotels, and more.

Earth Day Beekeeping 101Photo courtesy of The Forge Charitable Adventures

TFCA is a Chicago-area environment-focused non-profit with the goal to bring families together on Earth Day 2022 with fun educational activities, learning opportunities, and a chance to give back to the environment.

While at the Summit, families can learn all about the history of the Lemont Quarries and how native and invasive species have had an impact on the area.

“We want to teach people about our planet and show them how they can invest in it,” Jeremie Bacon, Co-Founder of The Forge Charitable Adventures said in a press release. “Our annual Earth Day Summit is an opportunity for visitors to see firsthand the beauty of nature and understand how they can contribute to maintaining our environment for future generations to enjoy.”

Heritage Quarries Recreation AreaPhoto courtesy of The Forge Charitable Adventures

Those that want to make a difference in preserving the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area by getting their hands dirty can volunteer for trail clearing and a nature clean-up.

The Forge Trail CleaningPhoto courtesy of The Forge Charitable Adventures

State and local government representatives will be on hand to talk about local sustainability efforts, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

"The Forge Charitable Adventures has quickly become a leader in environmental sustainability and recreation, and the Earth Day Summit will be a fantastic way to spread those efforts to the larger community,” said Preckwinkle. “I’m looking forward to seeing people from all over Cook County come together to celebrate our planet and invest in the environment.”

Check out the website for a complete schedule and a list of activities and workshops.

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