This effigy mound, made of earth and indigenous grass, is part of 4000N, an interpretive trail that is a collaboration between CPAG, the American Indian Center, and the Portage Park Neighborhood Association. The trail weaves a connection between the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers. It employs art, education, and recreation to celebrate Native American heritage, neighborhood histories, and environmental stewardship.
Considered the first public art of this region, mounds were formed to tell stories and inspire spirituality. This homage to an ancestral practice will educate the public about the rich cultural history of placemaking. It is intended to strengthen an understanding of the river and its importance to Chicago’s growth.
This project was completed in 2019 in collaboration with American Indian Center, Portage Park Neighborhood Association, and Forest Preserves of Cook County.
