LGBTQIA+ Volunteer & Beach Day at Osterman/Hollywood Beach

5757 North Sheridan Road,Chicago IL 60660

20 August, 2022

Description

Kathy Osterman Beach, also known as Hollywood Beach, is an iconic queer Chicago hangout spot, but many people don't realize that this place is also important to birds, pollinators and native plants! Join us as we explore the grasses and flowers that make up the lakefront dune habitat around this special place. Led by community steward, Renee Patten, we'll leave the natural area better than we found it by planting over 100 native plants and cleaning up litter. The volunteer activity will last until about 12:30. Afterwards, stick around to enjoy the summer sun and a swim in the lake! We'll meet at the South Side of the beach house, just off Hollywood Ave. There are accessible places off paved pathways to sit, water, access bike racks and bathrooms right by our meeting place, however the volunteer activities will take place in the middle of flat but sandy areas that may be difficult to traverse for people with mobility challenges. Restrooms are available on site. Parking in the area is limited to what you can find on nearby streets, so we recommend biking, carpooling, or public transit. Join our Out In Nature WhatsApp group to coordinate a carpool. Tools and gloves will be provided, but be sure to pack a water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellant. Though it's a beach, closed-toed shoes are recommended for the volunteer activity to protect against prickly sand burs. If you plan to stick around after, don't forget your beach gear! There are vendors on site with food/drink for purchase. This event is hosted in partnership with the Chicago Park District Community Stewardship Program and the Edgewater Environmental Coalition. Keep in touch with Out in Nature here.