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Volunteer opportunities and next lecture

To get your volunteering in before winter on one of several projects, including Joy Garden and 2613 garden, as well as a full range opportunities to help on the operations side, join our mailing list, and you’ll receive weekly notices and more info.

Hot on the heels of our last successful lecture (see below), join us December 2 for UHC Lecture Series 2009 12) The Joy Garden at Northside Prep: Reconnecting a School to its Environment through a Meaningful Landscape to hear how Urban Habitat Chicago transformed a barren saltpile into a thriving garden with permeable concrete paths for special needs students.

November 10, 2009

Burnham Smackdown draws 60

The panelists, from left to right: Richard Avery, Zoka Zola, Mike Newman, Samuel Assefa, Lesley Roth, Rashmi Ramaswamy. Lynn Becker, moderator (foreground).

Tonight’s Burnham Plan of Chicago: Smackdown! at Schubas Tavern was UHC’s one-of-a-kind take on the 1909 Plan of Chicago by Burnham and Bennett, and featured a wonderful introduction to the plan by moderator Lynn Becker, great discussions among the panelists, audience participation, and yes… bicycle bells and even a toaster as a grand prize for the winners.

Please stay tuned here where we’ll be uploading audio from the event soon.

Thanks to those of you who came out!

November 4, 2009

Joy Garden looks awesome

Just a recent photo to show the view from above… this one from the library of Northside College Prep.
Note the pervious concrete walkways (material donated by Ozinga) are complete, which will allow special needs students to access the entire length and breadth of the garden.
The ends of drainage channels spiral off into striking, curliqued stormwater control devices.

November 4, 2009

Repkin wins Certificate of Recognition

In anticipation of some recent restructuring in our organization, Michael Repkin recently stepped down as President after five incredible years of service to and leadership of Urban Habitat Chicago, leading the way for others.

Please join all of us here at UHC in thanking Mike for his hard work and dedication over the years to helping make our city and region better places.

(P.S.: And he won’t be disappearing anytime soon… he’ll just be helping us out in different ways)

October 25, 2009

UHC restructures

Urban Habitat Chicago has undergone restructuring, held elections, and made appointments to make a clearer distinction between a Board of Directors which will guide the organization and staff positions to implement directives of the Board and manage day-to-day operations.

You will notice changes of people and position in the following areas:

Board of Directors
Volunteer Staff (new)
Team

The following Volunteer Staff position remains open:
Chief Communications Officer

Note that ALL of our positions are still filled by talented, dedicated volunteers who receive no compensation, so when you attend an event or send in a question, please take a moment to show your appreciation for those who are helping make Chicago a better place.

If you feel you may be a good candidate for an open position, please contact us.

October 17, 2009