Program Information
Who:
- Classroom teachers
- Non-formal educators
- Higher education professionals
- Scientists
- Stakeholders
- Community members
Where: Meet at the Beach House at 12th Street Beach. 1200 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
When: May 3, 2026; 8 am - Noon
What: Join GLEAMS and partners for a morning of outdoor learning and stewardship along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Educators will observe spring migrant and resident birds, learn how to lead an Adopt‑A‑Beach cleanup, and explore an interactive Lake Michigan watershed lesson. Up to three professional development hours will be offered.
The guided bird walk will be led by the Chicago Ornithological Society. The hands‑on beach cleanup will be led by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Finally, opportunities to network with fellow educators during an optional BYO picnic lunch will also include information about and a coupon towards GLEAMS membership.
This event is affiliated with Chicago Water Week, presented by Current.
For more events: Chicago Water Week
Program Agenda and Directions
8:00–9:00 AM | Birds of the Chicago Watershed Walk
Begin the day observing spring migrants and resident birds along the shores of Lake Michigan. Participants will learn to identify birds by sight and sound using field guides and apps, while exploring how the Lake Michigan watershed is an important migratory flyway. Led by the Chicago Ornithological Society.
9:00–10:00 AM | Beach Cleanup: How‑To and Action
Learn how to plan and lead an Adopt‑A‑Beach cleanup, then put stewardship into action by helping clean the shoreline. This session highlights how community action supports lake health and provides meaningful opportunities for student engagement. Led by the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
10:00–11:00 AM | Lake Michigan Watershed Lesson
Dive into an interactive lesson focused on Lake Michigan, which can be adapted to your own classroom or education setting.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Optional Networking & BYO Picnic Lunch
Stay to connect with fellow educators, share ideas, and learn more about GLEAMS. Participants will receive information about GLEAMS membership, including a discount coupon for membership.
12th Street Beach Directions — Meet at the Beach House
Driving - Take Solidarity Drive off of Jean DuSable Baptiste Lake Shore Drive. Head towards the Adler Planetarium. Take a right onto S. Linn White Drive (heading towards Northerly Island). The beach is on the east side of the Adler Planetarium Parking Lot (on the left), just south of the Adler Planetarium.
Street Parking on Solidarity Drive is $2.50/hour, 10 hours max
Adler Planetarium Parking Lot is $14 if arriving before 9:30am
CTA Bus - Solidarity Drive & Planetarium stop. The beach is just south of the Adler Planetarium and east of the Adler Planetarium Parking Lot.
130 Museum Campus
146 Inner Lake Shore Drive/Michigan Express
Divvy - there is a Divvy station just at the base of the stairs of the Adler Planetarium, on the south side of Solidarity Drive.