Employees from Ingredion’s Westchester headquarters volunteered with the Lincoln Park Conservancy to beautify Chicago’s legendary Lincoln Park. Armed with garbage bags and trash claws, volunteers ventured around the North Pond conservation area, picking up litter and making it safer for local wildlife.

“Ingredion has strong ties to the greater Chicago area going back over a century,” said Katie Smothers, senior manager, sustainability and lead of the Westchester office sustainability team. “Lincoln Park is an iconic green space in the city. In the spirit of Ingredion’s “Do One Thing” for the environment campaign, we were able to personally give back to the community by cleaning up and helping preserve this Chicago landmark.”

“I can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful fall day than getting outside and helping the Conservancy with their work in Lincoln Park,” said Sarah Guerin, corporate communications specialist. “Not only were we helping to beautify the area and improve the safety for local wildlife, but we were able to meet and engage with co-workers from throughout the Company.”

After breaking into pairs and making several passes around the park, the team walked away with a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, not to mention the eight bags of trash destined for disposal.

For background on the Conservancy, check out their website.