Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities
Sustainability Commission
The best way to get involved with Village sustainability initiatives is through attending Sustainability Commission meetings, which occur every third Thursday of the month at 5:30pm in the Terrace Room at Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane). The Sustainability Commission is a group of appointed officials tasked with recommending policies and programming in alignment with Northbrook's Climate Action Plan to the Village Board of Trustees. Sustainability Commission meetings are always open to the public. The opportunity to make public comments is available at the start of each meeting, or you can make a public comment online to be shared with relevant staff and Commissioners.
Northbrook Demonstration Garden
All are welcome to visit the Northbrook demonstration garden, located between Village Hall and the Library. The garden is open to the public at all times and fully ADA-accessible. The Village partners with local business The Organic Gardener to promote growing healthy food using sustainable practices. The Organic Gardner hosts monthly Open Garden Sessions, they are free to residents and, participants can take home fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies, and all leftover produce will be donated to the Northfield Township Food Pantry. Register at https://bit.ly/grownorthbrook. Community groups may also host their own events using the demonstration garden by contacting sustainability@northbrook.il.us.
Somme Woods
Somme Preserves is looking for volunteers to help collect seeds, cut brush, monitor rare plants and wildlife, maintain trails, protect oaks, study parts of the ecosystem, and more! They have volunteer opportunities almost every day year-round. For more information, visit the Somme webpage.
Northbrook Farmers Market
The Northbrook Farmers Market officially opened for the season on June 19th. Stop by the corner of Cherry Land and Meadow Road on Wednesdays from 7am to 1pm to grab fresh produce and other amazing goods! For more information, visit the Farmers Market webpage.
Go Green Northbrook
Go Green Northbrook, Inc. is a local sustainability group that aims to promote environmental sustainability through education, community programs and collaboration with local governmental entities. For more information and to get involved, visit the Go Green Northbrook webpage.
Monarchs, Milkweed, and More
Monarchs, Milkweed, and More is a Northbrook-based nonprofit that promotes native plantings to enhance habitats for monarchs and all wildlife through education, community programs, and collaboration. Reach out: monarchsmilkweedandmore@gmail.com.
Litter Free Supply Station
The Northbrook Public Library makes it easy to host your own litter cleanup event through the Litter Free Supply Station. Supply stations contain all the tools, supplies and information you need to run your own cleanup. There are about 10 litter grabbers, 5 buckets, plenty of bags and gloves, along with a Litter Free Toolkits which give guidance on safety, planning and executing a litter cleanup.
Spring
National Bike & Roll to School Day
Bike & Roll to School Day invites participants to celebrate the joy of active commuting encouraging children and teens to be more active while having fun! Encouraging healthier habits, a cleaner environment and making it a priority to create safe routes to schools. Learn more!
Spring
Get ready for Earth Hour! By switching off your lights on the 4th Saturday of March, you can join millions of others in 190 countries conserving energy to support our planet. Earth Hour is one of the world's largest environmental grassroots movements. Learn more and participate!
Spring
Northbrook Recognized as Tree City USA!
Northbrook was recognized as a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation! Northbrook has been a Tree City for 29 years and a Growth Award recipient for 23 years. The Tree City USA Growth Award recognizes environmental improvement and a high level of tree care in Northbrook.
Spring
Geothermal Heat Pumps Informational Session
Learn how geothermal heat pumps can save you up to $1,750 a year on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint by 4.5 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly! Attend a free, public 1-hour informational session, where you'll learn the basics of geothermal and its financial and environmental implications. Northbrook has partnered with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association to coordinate a geothermal group buy in the Chicagoland area, which can significantly reduce the up-front costs of installing geothermal in your home or business. Learn more and register for an info session!
Spring
During the month of June, Pollinator Partnership creates a week of workshops and events to raise awareness to pollinators. Pollinators such as beneficial bees and butterflies are declining due to loss of habitat and climate change. Planting native wildflower and grass species can help! Learn more.
Summer
Stay up to date on Air Quality Alerts!
To get alerts and check for air quality residents can download the EPA’s app or visit their webpage.
Additional tips during poor air quality:
- If you can, stay inside and keep windows closed.
- Limit time outdoors
- Wear a quality mask if you have to go outside
- Seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath
Summer
The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) has found the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes to occur in their traps in Northbrook, Niles, and Glencoe this year. While the risk of being infected with West Nile virus remains low, it is increasing.
The NSMAD recommends that residents take personal protection measures to minimize mosquito bites. For more information and mosquito control tips, read the press release.
Summer
When the weather gets warmer it’s important to keep your home cool. There are many different strategies that you can utilized, from keeping the heat out of your home to using energy more efficiently. Learn more!
Summer
Switch Together works with local governments to help home and business owners with the installation of solar panels. Switch Together pre-vets installers in Cook County and negotiates a reduced cost for solar installations. Register and receive a no obligation estimate. Visit our Regional Rooftop Solar Initiatives page to learn more.
Summer
Northbrook Demonstration Garden Open Garden Hours
Join the Village and The Organic Garden at 1225 Cedar Lane for hands-on workshops at the Village’s demonstration garden! Participants will have the opportunity to ask the gardeners questions, assist with weeding and harvesting and take home fruits and veggies. Leftover produce will be donated to the Northfield Township Food Pantry.
Fall
Native Tree Giveaway: Friday, September 27th, 4-6:30pm at Village Hall (in back parking lot)
Fall is for planting! The Village is proud to create sustainable habitats for pollinators and wildlife by incorporating eco-friendly landscaping and native plants. Join us at Village Hall on Friday September 27th , 4-6:30pm , where we'll be giving away native trees to residents. Let's make our community green with life and support our native trees!
Fall
Northfield Township Recycling Program
The Northfield Township Recycling Program is open to Northbrook residents from early April through early November each year. This program accepts a variety of hard to recycle items at 237 Melvin Drive in Northbrook. Get more details!
Winter
Recycling Holiday Lights
Bring any burnt out or unwanted holiday lights to the Village for recycling through January 31. Lights can be dropped off in the Village Hall lobby on weekdays from 8:30am-4:30pm, at the Fleet Maintenance Garage behind Village Hall on weekdays from 7am-3pm, or during regular Electronics Recycling events on the first Tuesday and Saturday of the month.
Winter
Recycling Trees, Wreaths, and Garland
During the month of January, recycle your organic holiday tree, wreaths, and garland by placing it at the curb on your recycling day. Remove all lights, garland, and decorations, and make sure your tree is easily accessible at the curb. Please note that dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in your home or garage or be placed outside against your home.
Winter
Save the planet and save money on energy costs!
Families can take advantage of a host of new tax credits that can save them up to 30% off on new solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, windows, doors, and more! Stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and do it all with help from the US Department of Energy.