Annual Events

Each year, AWLI sponsors major events that are bi-state, family-friendly, and open to all age groups at no cost. In the process of conducting these events, AWLI fosters bi-state cooperation. The three festivals provide activities, clinics and instructions for both young and old. Until the Covid outbreak, poster contests were available at each event in an effort to instill in youngsters a stewardship ethic. The events continue, but with reduced activity. The fourth event, the Greening of the Arts Tour, Reception & Show, continued from 2005 through 2024, and has since been replaced by a children's poster contest.

Winter Wonderland at Wolf Lake Festival

Introduced in 2002, these festivals, held on the Saturday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in mid-January, seek to demonstrate to young and old alike the many ways they can enjoy the lake through the coldest months of the year. Depending on the weather, events have included cross country skiing, skating, ice safety competition, and tree identification walks. There are talks and discussions on topics ranging from Wolf Lake history and wildlife to the Underground
Railroad.

For years morning activities were held at the Environmental Education Center in Hammond. Afternoon activities were centered around the Visitors Center at William W. Powers State Recreation Area in Chicago or the Sportsmen’s Club in the Hegewisch community of the city. Visitors would find various exhibits and displays for viewing at both locations. Talks and outdoor activities continue, but in a limited fashion.

Wolf Lake Bi-State Wetland, Wind & Water Festival

AWLI’s initial festival was held in 2001 as a way to showcase Wolf Lake as a bi-state resource for recreation, education, and family fun. These are usually two-day events held over Memorial Day weekend. Morning activities were held at the Environmental Education Center, Hammond. Afternoon events are held at the William Powers in Chicago. For decades, activities included canoeing and kayaking, fishing clinic, kite flying, face painting, and demonstrations of wind surfing, sailing, and competitive rowing. Today it has been reduced to bike rides, walks and hikes involving the watershed.

For years, a sunrise service, complete with ecumenical choir and color guard, started Sunday events at William Powers. This was followed by breakfast and other activities.

Active Living Faire

This festival began in 2004 to counter bad lifestyle and nutritional habits among young and old alike. The day featured free health screenings, a donation-based farmers market, hikes, a bike tour, talks and demonstration on healthy eating, and discussions on good nutrition, obesity, and childhood diabetes and a bike tour. Today, the bike ride continues.

Greening of the Arts

Greening of the Arts Show began in 2004 when artist Roman Villarreal displayed some of his works at AWLI’s annual dinner. The dinner was held only a few more years, but the next year the number of artists grew and the Greening of the Arts was born. The show attracted a multitude of artists each year through 2024. The events were held in late September or early October, initially at the Environmental Education Center and then at other locations, with the last decade at the Bernard Gallery at Calumet College of St. Joseph. The show featured artists who use recycled products or who focus on nature and the environment. An artists’ forum and a talk on art and nature precede an evening wine and cheese reception with live music. Often there was a judging of student art. Today, AWLI continues to celebrate Greening of the Arts through an annual fall poster contest for children, grades K through 8, celebrating the natural beauties of Wolf Lake. Prizes are awarded, and the young contestants' work is displayed in a professional art gallery

Below are 2024 Poster Contest Winners
Top left: Mateo Aceves, in second grade at Lincoln Elementary, submitted a yellow-crowned night heron drawing.
Top center: Larry Bell III, third grader at Lincoln Elementary, submitted a mudpuppy drawing.
Top right: James Ali, seventh grader at Memorial Junior High School in Lansing, drew a view of Wolf Lake with Canada geese. His art teacher is Ms. Danielle Ruff.
Bottom left: LeRiyah Davis, first grader at Lincoln Elementary, submitted a yellow perch drawing.
Bottom center: Ruby Rose Soto, kindergarten student at Lincoln Elementary in Calumet City where Ms. Chanel Myers is art teacher, submitted a yellow-headed blackbird drawing.

Calumet Revisited Forum

Since 2013, AWLI has co-sponsored with Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) a monthly forum on the culture and environment of the Calumet Region. Before Covid, it was held at CCSJ, it is now both at CCSJ and via Zoom.

Wolf Lake Watershed Advisory Committee Meeting