Love Your Planet, Love Your Parks

Tue April 8, 2025

DeKalb, IL - The DeKalb Park District invites the community to volunteer at three upcoming park cleanup events and help beautify our parks. 

Help staff clean up trash and debris from one of our most popular community parks on Tuesday, April 22, for the celebration of Earth Day! Meet at the Hopkins Park Shelter, located at 1403 Sycamore Road, at 9:00 am sharp! Staff will provide the rest. The Earth Day Cleanup will take place until 11:00 am. No registration is required!

The Great Garlic Mustard Hunt will take place on Saturday, May 3, followed by Sock the Rocket on Saturday, June 7, from 9:00 to 11:00 am on the Nature Trail.

Garlic mustard and dame's rocket, both invasive species in Illinois, pose a significant threat to the biodiversity of our local ecosystems. They outcompete native plants, disrupt food chains, and degrade natural habitats. By removing these invasive plants, the community can help restore and preserve the natural balance of plant life in our parks. No registration is needed for these events – all are invited to participate. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, as the Park District staff will provide guidance and tools to assist in the removal process. Meet at the intersection of Greenwood Acres Drive and Greenwood North at 9:00 am sharp for both invasive plant pulls. 

Join the DeKalb Park District in making a positive impact on the environment and embracing nature in our local parks. For more information on the upcoming Earth Day Cleanup, invasive plant pulls, or other park initiatives, please visit dekalbparkdistrict.com or call (815) 758-6663.