Women's Resources Center

Join us for an afternoon of exploration, learning, and connection at Meadowbrook Park! This EcoJustice Field Trip invites college students to engage directly with one of the region’s most significant examples of environmental restoration and community-based sustainability. 

A free lunch will be provided at no cost and served at the beginning of the program (11:00 AM) for anyone who RSVPs, followed by an engaging presentation, guided tours, and interactive activities, open to all. 

During the experience, participants will explore Meadowbrook Park’s nearly 130-acre landscape, including its 80 acres of recreated Illinois tallgrass prairie, where decades of restoration work have transformed former farmland into native ecosystems that support biodiversity and environmental resilience. Learn how prairie restoration began in the 1970s and continues today through partnerships with local organizations and volunteers.  

Students will also visit the park’s organic community gardens, sensory and herb gardens, and other curated spaces that demonstrate sustainable food systems and community stewardship in action. The tour will highlight how these spaces connect environmental justice, land use, and access to green resources.  

The experience will also include a walk through the Wandell Sculpture Garden, where art and ecology intersect within restored prairie landscapes—offering a unique perspective on how creative expression can deepen our relationship to the environment.  

Through guided exploration, discussion, and hands-on activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of prairie ecosystems, sustainability practices, and the role of community spaces in advancing ecojustice. 

Whether you’re passionate about the environment or simply looking to spend time outdoors, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and build community.