Dunning Read Natural Area PAC logo, a stylized silhouette of a family walking under a tree with birds and butterflies

Who we are

A group of thirteen volunteers in front of the Nesewin sculpture, after a working session

Our Mission

The Dunning Read Natural Area Park Advisory Council (PAC) is volunteer group of passionate community members. The group’s mission is to support the Chicago Park District in restoring and preserving this natural area to provide a quality habitat for diverse native plants and wildlife as well as opportunities for access, education, and recreation for the entire community.

Our Board

Brian Stevens - President
Erika Street Hopman - Vice President
Mary Joyce Cahill — Secretary
Jasmine Harb - Treasurer
Jeff Daube — Site Steward
Ed Bannon
Kathleen McCarthy
Zack Rasmussen

The park advisory council board meets monthly at the Dunning Library. Open community meetings are held quarterly. Meeting minutes and bylaws can be found online. Check out what we discussed in our last board meeting.

Roughly a dozen people standing in front of the Nesewin sculpture for a ribbon cutting ceremony

Volunteer With Us

Volunteer workdays are held at Dunning Read Natural Area from 9am-12pm on the third Saturday of every month. Activities include clearing invasive species, beautification, litter clean up, and other projects.

Are you interested in getting involved or being added to our email list? Want to share your thoughts and ideas or ask questions? Please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Community

The Dunning Read Natural Area PAC is part of a thriving Northwest side community, and over the years, numerous local stakeholders have contributed to the betterment of the natural area. We collaborate with the following partners whenever possible, and are appreciative of their contributions to the site: