Did you know that a medium-sized oak tree can help prevent flooding and improve water quality by absorbing 2,800 gallons of rainfall each year? MWRD's Restore the Canopy program offers FREE saplings, and has given away more than 90,000 trees since 2016.

Small changes in your day to day routine can lay the groundwork for a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether it's taking a reusable bag to the grocery store or bringing your favorite coffee mug on your next coffee run, these simple changes can make a big difference for our environment.

The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum of its kind in the United States devoted to recording the Arab American experience. It is home to one of the most extensive archives of Arab American historical documents, oral histories and artifacts, in addition to being the only museum in the nation that is actively collecting Arab American art. Through their extensive and in-depth exhibits, AANM serves as a touchstone that connects communities to Arab American culture and experiences.

Spring cleaning is upon us! As you start to clean out closets and crawl spaces, you may come across stray cords, small kitchen appliances, and outgrown toys. Cook County has partnered with South Suburban College to create the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM Center). This permanent recycling drop-off facility is available to Cook County residents that helps divert millions of pounds of waste and other hard-to-recycle items from regional landfills and water systems.

The Arab Americans, a documentary aired natiaonlly on PBS, traces the history of Arabs in America, beginning with the earliest immigrants of the mid- to late nineteenth century. A response to suspicion and hostility directed toward Arab Americans post 9/11, the documentary presents the historical perspective and journey of Arab Americans throughout the nation. Gather a few friends, and get the popcorn ready!

An estimated 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots, according to the Arab American Institute, with ancestries traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Learn more about this diverse diaspora with books for all ages!

CHICAGO (CBS) -- They're being played once again in hopes of giving new life to the music and the stories behind them. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman has a story of Lincolnwood siblings, their mother's mandolin.

 CHICAGO - A new exhibition in Cook County serves as a reminder of all that was lost in the Holocaust.

Seventy violins arrived on Tuesday at the Heller Jewish Community Center of Chicago on West Melrose Street.

The instruments were played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust.

County leaders say the Violins of Hope exhibit highlights the power of unity and perseverance against hate and violence.

"Restoring these magnificent violins has taken time and patience. It also takes patience and perseverance to eradicate all forms of hate," said county commissioner Scott Britton.

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — The “Violins of Hope World Tour” has arrived in Chicago, bringing a message of unity and acceptance with it.

Some of the violins were on display at the Jewish Community Center in Lakeview on Tuesday. The violins are a collection of 70 restored WWII-era instruments, each linked to holocaust victims and survivors.

JCC Chicago partnered with the “Cook County United Against Hate” campaign and other community groups to bring the showcase to Chicago.