Shedd Aquarium Action Days
Make a difference for the local aquatic world! Volunteer and take action for animals on a Shedd Aquarium Action Day to restore and protect nearby beaches, waterways, and forest preserves. You’ll support animals from frogs to fish while having fun and learning along the way.
Registration
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Activities
Litter cleanups
We host cleanups at sites along the Lake Michigan shoreline through the Alliance for the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach™ program as well as along the Chicago River. Volunteers work in teams, combing the shorelines for litter and recording data on their findings to support science-based litter prevention strategies.
Coastal Habitat Restoration
We’re working with the Chicago Park District to help bring natural spaces to our city parks. Through pulling weeds, planting native species, or seed collecting we take action for Great Lakes habitats.
Woodland Habitat Restoration
In partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, we make a positive difference for amphibians and other wildlife by restoring habitats. We use hand tools to cut and burn invasive brush to make room for native flora and fauna.
River Planting
Shedd has teamed up with the Friends of the Chicago River to help reestablish crucial habitat in the North Shore Channel. Volunteers will wear waders and travel via canoe to plant native aquatic plant species along the banks of the canal.
Community Action Day Locations
Registration for Action Days can be done online – Sign Up Here! Please email [email protected] with questions or group volunteer inquiries.
Woodland Habitat Restoration
- Wednesday, December 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, January 6, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 24, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, February 3, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Thursday, December 21, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Thursday, January 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Thursday, February 22, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Litter Cleanup and Coastal Habitat Restoration
- Check back next spring!
- Check back next spring!
- Check back next spring!
- Check back next spring!
River Planting with Friends of Chicago River
- Check back next spring!
- Check back next spring!
Group Action Days
Have a class, scout group or community organization that would like to attend a Shedd Aquarium Action Day? Please email [email protected] with your group size and preferred location from the list above.
Corporate Action Days
Corporate group Shedd Aquarium Action Day opportunities are reserved for current corporate partners. Email to learn more.
More Information
Age and Requirements
All ages are welcome! No minimum requirements.
What to Bring
Reusable water bottles, snacks, and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Based on the time of year, you may want to bring sunscreen or bugspray.
Possible Activities
- Beach cleanup
- Habitat and wildlife monitoring
- Invasive plant removal
- Habitat restoration
What to Know
• All events are weather-dependent.
• Transportation is available for select school and youth groups.
• Participant waivers are required.
Corporate Opportunities
Corporate group Shedd Aquarium Action Day opportunities are reserved for current corporate partners. Email to learn more.