Events

Historic photos, maps and diagrams show the fascinating history of the Chicago River. Presenter Mark Hauser will share it with you--from the post-glacial world, through European exploration and exploitation, to the modern city with a troubled (albeit cleaner) river. Learn about the challenges facing the Chicago River today and how you can help. 

Active with the Friends of the Chicago River since 2007, Mark Hauser manages the Chicago River Schools Network. He trains volunteers in restoration projects such as repairing gullies, monitoring wildlife habitat, and conducting plant surveys. He has supported the environmental education goals of hundreds of teachers, led over 800 field trips to the river, and organized a river conference for students. He has written environmental curricula for the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Riverwalk. He teaches ecology classes for NEIU, UIC, Loyola University, DePaul University, and Roosevelt University. Previously, Mark led service learning projects with AmeriCorps, partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency, parks departments, and allied organizations to clean and monitor the Second River in Newark, NJ and restore habitats in New York City. He received an M.S. in Natural Resources with a focus on environmental education from Ohio State University. 

We'll meet in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Main Library.