Volunteer Opportunities

MGG Road Trip

From April 27th to May 19th, our Midwest Grows Green programs will travel all across Greater Chicago and as far as Stoughton, Wisconsin to share how far natural lawn care and sustainable landscaping has grown in the Midwest (see bit.ly/MGGrtrip).

Only hitch, we can’t do it with just our two full-time and one part-time staff. We need your help leading natural lawn care engagement activities, discussing natural pesticides and organic fertilizers to interested consumers, or just sharing your personal sustainable landscaping experiences.

Can you help us? See the opportunities below and please contact MPAC’s Ryan Anderson at randerson@pesticideaction.org if able to offer a helping hand.

Klode Park MGG Kickoff

When: Sunday, April 29th, noon to 2 pm

Where: Klode Park, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin 

What: Attend this public event filled with sustainable landscaping games, presentations, and raffles.

Who we need: Event greeters, photographers, and activity/game instructors.

Chicago Grows Green Retailer Day

When: Sunday, May 6th, 10 am to 3 pm

Where: The following stores need volunteers to table and share information regarding the MGG Point-of-Purchase Program:    

What: Bring the MGG message to the hardware stores and garden centers where most people make their lawn and garden care decisions by sharing sustainable landscaping resources and information at retailer locations across Greater Chicago.

Who we need: Tables and people to discuss the MGG POP Program, upcoming Chicago Grows Green Week events, and natural lawn care tips.

Training: MPAC will hold two training conference calls on Monday, April 23rd at 4 pm and Wednesday, April 25th at 11 am.

Chicago Grows Green (CGG) Week Kickoff

When: Friday, May 11th, 1 pm to 2 pm

Where: Ivanhoe Fieldhouse, Riverdale, IL

What: Show your support for #CGGweek and efforts to combat flooding, water pollution, and air quality issues in the Chicago Calumet Region. MPAC, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Riverdale Park District and many more cover the state of Greater Chicago’s landscapes and the need to restore them.  

Who we need: Greeters, supporters, and photographers.

Pullman CGG Kickoff

When: Saturday, May 12th, 10 am to noon

Where: We Sow We Grow Garden, Pullman, Chicago

What: Capitalize on this opportunity to learn how to grow produce in your garden without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. MPAC partners with Advocates for Urban Agriculture and Houseful of Nicholes to demonstrate organic gardening in three informal, interactive games.  

Who we need: Event greeters, photographers, and activity/game instructors.

Veterans Park CGG Kickoff

When: Wednesday, May 16th, 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Sacred Heart School, 2926 E. 96th St, Chicago

What: CGG Week travels to Veterans Park and shares organic gardening tips and resources to the Veterans Park Improvement Association through games, presentations, and raffles.

Who we need: Event greeters, photographers, and activity/game instructors.

Naperville CGG Dandelion Pull 

When: Thursday, May 17th, 6 pm to 7:00 pm

Where: Knoch Park, Naperville

What: The Naperville Park District started managing eight organic parks in 2018, so Naperville residents and MPAC volunteer to show their appreciation! Join for an hour of games, fun, and other activities.

Who we need: Volunteers unafraid to get their hands dirty and weeding tools.

CGG Week Celebration 

When: Saturday, May 19th, 1 to 3 pm

Where: Dig Right In Landscaping’s Warehouse, 9900 Derby Lane, Westchester

What: Close out CGG week with MPAC, Deep Roots Project, Go Green Brookfield, and others at Dig Right In’s warehouse! Dig Right In will sell its compost tea and donate a portion to MPAC. Other organizations will share sustainable landscaping progress in their communities.  

Who we need: Greeters, supporters, photographers, and tablers.