Friends of the Parks

Friends of the Parks is a Chicago nonprofit that has worked on the city’s parks and open spaces for more than 40 years, with an office at 67 E. Madison St. in the Loop. Its work covers advocacy and policy, environmental education, planning, park protection and partnerships with community groups. Volunteers take part in park and beach cleanups, including events around Earth Day, and in education programs such as the Earth Team. The group also runs the Volunteers-in-Parks awards, which recognize people who look after their local parks.

What to know

• Volunteers can join cleanups, advocacy efforts and education programs.
• Earth Day cleanups are held in parks and on beaches in the spring.
• The group’s email list announces when volunteer registration opens.
• General questions go to info@fotp.org.