Our Mission
The Dunning Read Natural Area Park Advisory Council is a volunteer group of community members who are passionate about the DRNA. 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
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.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteer workdays are held at the DRNA 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 DRNA 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:
- 4000N.
- The American Indian Center
- After School Matters Chicago
- Anne’s Haven
- Alderman Nicholas Sposato
- The Chicago Park District
- Chicago Read Mental Health Center
- Chicago Public Art Group
- The Chicago Veteran’s Home
- The Dunning Chamber of Commerce
- The Dunning Community Gardens
- The Dunning Library
- The Dunning Neighborhood Organization
- Eli’s Cheesecake
- Friends of the Parks
- Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation
- Openlands
- Portage Park Neighborhood Association
- State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
- State Sen. Robert Martwick
- Taft Freshman Academy
- Wilbur Wright College