Explore the Ford Calumet Environmental Center and Big Marsh Park! Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Apr 11, 2026; 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM  (Central)

Organized By: Chicago Group

Location: 11559 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617, USA

Map | Directions

Join us for a visit to the Ford Calumet Environmental Center and Big Marsh Park on the Southeast Side! This wetland area was used as a dump site for steel industry slag for decades. The Chicago Park District took ownership of it in 2011 and has been in the process of restoring 190 acres of marsh since.

According to the park district: "Birds are coming back in abundance, including a pair of yellow headed blackbirds, a species which had not been observed at Big Marsh for more than twenty years."

Shortly after 1:00, a parks staffer will give us an introduction to the park and its history. After that, we'll have free time to dig into the exhibits and hang out at the picnic shelter. If you want to explore the park, there are both bike and walking trails. 

Everyone must get to and from the park on their own. The closest public transit connections are the Metra Electric stop at 103rd (Rosemoor) and the 111 and 26 bus stops at the 103rd & Stony garage terminal. There are Divvy stations at both locations and one at the Ford Calumet Center if you're comfortable with a short ride (bring a helmet, please!)

Email Rosie if you have questions! Looking forward to learning about what environmental remediation can do. 

Cost: 0

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather