North Siders Turn Abandoned Lots Into Thriving Green Space in Englewood

The Litter Caterpillars, a group of volunteers from Chicago's North Side, have transformed two vacant lots in Englewood into a thriving green space called Caterpillar Park. The project began with a conversation about creating something beautiful out of abandoned land, and after acquiring the property through a land auction for $10,000, the founders started working on the park.

The group's co-founder David Bippes said they aimed to create a 'green gathering and reflection space' where people could come together. With no experience in creating parks or founding nonprofits, the volunteers began with small steps, including storing tools and supplies in a shed and laying mulch using donated burlap sacks.

Caterpillar Park now features native plants, raised garden beds, and a path that follows the route neighbors used to walk on the vacant lots. The park's leaders are also working on replacing lights along the path that were previously stolen. To sustain their efforts, they rely on donations from Litter Caterpillars volunteers and sponsorships from NeuEve, the family business of founder Kevin Tao.