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What we are —
and why we’re here
Nature Everywhere Waukegan launched in 2025 as a collaborative effort of local grassroots partners working to advance our shared vision for a thriving outdoor Waukegan.
We envision a Waukegan where everyone, regardless of age, background, or neighborhood, enjoys safe, welcoming, walkable, and equitable access to thriving green and blue spaces.
Where nature is woven into our daily life, offering opportunity for adventure and joy, and cultivating a strong sense of pride in place.
Through these experiences, we nurture wellbeing, strengthen community, and build a healthier, more resilient future for all.
Waukegan will thrive outdoors.
OUR VISION
A community built this.
A community will carry it forward.
ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
In 2025, Nature Everywhere Waukegan launched as a collaborative effort of local grassroots partners, including the city, schools, nonprofits, and individuals, with representation from youth leadership, environmental justice, parks and recreation, and conservation sectors to advance our vision and strategies.
These organizations come from different corners of Waukegan — but they share a common belief: that every person in this city deserves safe, joyful, equitable access to the outdoors.
OUR PARTNERS
The organizations
behind the work
Brushwood Center
Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Youth Conservation Corps
Lake County Audubon Society
Lake Forest Open Lands Association / Center for Conservation Leadership
Lake County Forest Preserve District
Waukegan Park District
City of Waukegan
The Josselyn Center
Harold M. and Adeline S. Morrison Family Foundation
Hunter Family Foundation
These nine organizations — rooted in Waukegan and Lake County — form the coalition driving Nature Everywhere Waukegan forward. Each brings distinct expertise, relationships, and community trust.
100+ Nature Everywhere
communities across the country
OUR NATIONAL NETWORK
Waukegan joins over 100 Nature Everywhere Communities — a national initiative led by the Children & Nature Network — supported with technical guidance to increase equitable access to nature everywhere children and families live, learn, and play.
Being part of this network means Waukegan benefits from national research, peer learning, and proven strategies — while contributing its own story to a growing movement.
There’s a place for you
in this work.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you're an organization, an advocate, or a neighbor — join us in building a Waukegan where every child grows up with access to nature.