HIGHLIGHTS
Coordinated, Hosted, and organized public events targeted at education, community service, and sustainability in our neighborhood
12 Public Monthly Meetings
8 Vedgewater Volunteer Days
7 Natural Area Stewardship Days
2 Nature Based Solution Walking Tours
6 Vedgewater Dig-In Workshops
Worked with local officials and organizations to ensure crucial legislation is passed to protect our community
Promoted nature-based solutions and lakefront coalition buildings
Advocated for Sustainable Developments in both Private and Public Planning
Organized another successful year of the Vedgewater Community Garden
NEW RESOURCES
JANUARY
Introduced the 2024 campaigns
Rise of the Coalition
Modeling Community-Led Climate Solutions
Fun Gatherings
Funding & Admin
Released Composting Survey Results to understand better and expand sustainable green waste treatment and waste management strategies
Began planning a ward-wide composting initiative
FEBRUARY
Held the Clean and Affordable Heat and Cooking Event Recap with 48th and 46th wards, Sierra Club, Edgewater Environmental Coalition, Citizens Utility Board, One Northside, Third Act & 48th Ward Neighbors for Justice.
MARCH
Coordinated with the 48th ward’s zoning process to integrate our sustainable building list and matrix
Hosted representatives from the Illinois Green New Deal Coalition and discussed the Green Social Housing Campaign
APRIL
Released a new brochure to promote nature-based solutions to shoreline erosion
Joined Third Act and the Loyola Student Environmental Alliance in a Climate Strike to call for moving away from fossil fuels
Hosted a City Nature Challenge at Osterman Beach Dunes Natural Area
Coordinated volunteers to re-mulch trees and maintain greenery in Park 559
Organized Osterman Beach’s Natural Area’s first stewardship day
MAY
Vedgweater Hosted Dig In: Organic Garden Primer
Discussed enhancing bicycle safety in the 48th ward in our monthly meeting
Held a Parkways for Pollinators Workshop with Vivant Gardening
JUNE
Vedgweater Hosted Dig In: Worms Belong in the Kitchen
EEC coordinated the Parkways for Pollinators Distribution
Gave away 1,000 native plants
Distributed to 50 registered sites
Worked with Metra to plant Native plants at Peterson/Ridge Station
Joined Roman Susan on the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola for a community gathering
Hosted a planting day at Park 559
July
Concluded the three-year Community Air Research Experience with community partners
Hosted a meeting with Better Streets Chicago to discuss the future of redefine the drive and North Dusable Lake Shore Drive
Reached our $1000 donation goal
Vedgweater Hosted Dig In: Beauty for Your Body
Participated in the Edgewater Farmers Market
AUGUST
Vedgweater Hosted Dig In: Getting More Out of Your Garden
Participated in the Save the Lakefront Rally, advocating for safer and more reliable transit for pedestrians
Added new pavilion to Vedgewater Garden thanks to the work of 6018|North and Ismaili Center Chicago
Held the First Nature-Based Solutions Walking Tour of the Year
Began work on a butterfly garden at Park 559
Advocated for more sustainable development in the wake of Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus’ expansion
Released educational material regarding the future improvements to the 48th ward’s infrastructure
SEPTEMBER
Vedgewater Garden Hosted Dig In: Bioswales
Held the Second Nature-Based Solutions Walking Tour of the Year
Celebrated the opening of “Myth of the Organic City” at 6018|North
Joined Friends of the Parks in assembling a coalition to stand against the Chicago Bears’ plans to tear down Soldier Field
OCTOBER
Signed on to support The Bikeable Walkable Schools Campaign
Vedgewater Garden Hosted Dig In: Seed Saving and Dig in: Putting your Bed to Bed
Restarted our Dark Sky Campaign in response to increased light pollution
Signed on to IEC’s objection to the Tennessee Valley authority’s proposal to mine on 22,000 acres of Illinois Farmland
Added temporary signage to Berwyn Bike Lane for enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist safety
NOVEMBER
Celebrated the successful Vedgewater season with a harvest party
Coordinated with local officials to begin planning a future food forest and community garden
Implemented further improvements to Park 559’s new butterfly garden
Introduced EEC’s resource regarding the Importance of a Dark Sky
Joined the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for the Pumpkin Smash
December
Hosted a Participatory Budgeting Meeting with the 48th ward for 2025 budget ideas
Began 2025 annual planning
Celebrated Successful 2024 Year with a Holiday Party
Outreach Status
Mailing List: 948
Facebook Followers: 1,000
Instagram Followers: 1,233
Financial Overview
Current bank balance: $15,262.98
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