Chicago Wilderness Alliance

Last updated
Chicago Wilderness Alliance
Founded1996
Type Non-governmental organization
Focusconservation, environmental education, sustainability
Location
Area served
Chicagoland
Website www.chicagowilderness.org

Chicago Wilderness Alliance is a regional alliance of more than 250 different organizations that work together to improve the quality of life of the individuals and the many other species living in the Chicago (Illinois) area. [1] Through the restoration and sustenation of the biological diversity that once encompassed the lands, their fundamental objective, to preserve the naturally occurring lands and waters in that region, is being made a reality. Through these activities, Chicago Wilderness played a major role in protecting and replenishing the naturally occurring ecosystems in the Chicago area as well as motivating people to become more aware and involved in the preservation of these lands and waters. Chicago Wilderness had continued to blossom through the funding and donations of many sources including private contributions, the member organizations, and state and federal grants. [2]

Contents

History

In the 1970s the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory selected the best quality surviving natural habitats within the state. All of these areas combined constituted seven-hundredths of one percent of the original land mass it once covered. [3] Due to this dramatic decrease of naturally occurring ecosystems, the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council, or Chicago Wilderness, was formed in 1996. This collection of 34 separate organizations, including state, local, and federal agencies, joined forces as they all shared a common vision consisting of the restoration and improvement of the biodiversity of the Chicago area. In 2002, Chicago Wilderness established its Corporate Council. [4] The Corporate Council, which includes 34 organizations, was created to influence a healthy relationship between people and nature and to continue to increase the biological diversity within the region. [5] Since it was established, Chicago Wilderness has increased its member count to over 250 different public and private organizations who work together to conserve and protect these diminishing ecosystems.

On March 29, 2017, the leadership of Chicago Wilderness announced that the Chicago Wilderness Trust would be ceasing operations effective March 31. This message stated that its Chair and Vice Chair, and their alliance partner organizations, were "committed to working with the Executive Council and other alliance members to determine the best strategy for moving forward". [6] In a June 5, 2017 email from the Chair and Vice-Chair, a "Status Report" was provided about the progress of an Ad Hoc Transition Working Group transitioning the organization from a staffed one to a volunteer-driven effort.

Land Area

Chicago Wilderness stretches from southwest Michigan, to northwest Indiana, reaching through northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin. It is home to a variety of ecosystems sustaining life to thousands of native plants and animal species, including almost 200 listed endangered or threatened species in Illinois. [1] The various ecological communities contain: prairies, woodlands, including savannas, open woodlands, flatwoods and forests, wetlands, which encompass marshes, sedge meadows, bogs, seeps, springs and swamps, rivers and lakes. [5]

The Four Main Initiatives

Chicago Wilderness has four major initiatives it strives to improve through its presence: Climate Change, Green Infrastructure Vision: Bringing Nature to People, Leave No Child Inside, and Restoring the Health of Local Nature. [5] Included in these core projects, the Chicago Wilderness alliance encompasses a variety of other programs to benefit the members of the community as well as the land they are preserving.

Climate Change

The climate change initiative of Chicago Wilderness focuses primarily on addressing the effects of climate change on the Chicago wilderness region and ways to respond to these changes. Studies have shown the impact of climate change has on the world, but little is known about how it affects specific regions. Recently, both Chicago Wilderness and the Nature Conservancy published reports to address the issues the area faces as the climate changes, both from the perspective of the city and the region's wildlife. [7] In addition to the reports, the Chicago Wilderness Alliance also developed the Climate Action Plan for Nature, which has established plans for the city of Chicago (Chicago Climate Action Plan), the city of Evanston, and the University of Illinois. The Climate Action Plan has five strategies it is currently working on: Energy efficient buildings, clean and renewable energy sources, improved transportation options, reduce waste and industrial pollution, and finally adaption. Green-covered roofs on some of Chicago's buildings are key features of projects implemented as part of their climate action plan. [8]

Green Infrastructure Vision

As according to Chicago wilderness, Green Infrastructure is defined as "the interconnected network of land and water that supports biodiversity and provides habitat for diverse communities of native flora and fauna at the regional scale." The Green Infrastructure Vision (GIV) was proposed in 2004. Its main purpose is to create a healthy region that plays a role in the quality of life of residents, to increase the economic liveliness of the region and to bring the nature to the people by protecting, preserving, restoring and managing biodiversity. [9] There are 1.8 million acres that are potential areas of expansion, protection, restoration and connection for the GIV in Southwest Wisconsin, Northeast Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southwest Michigan.

Chicago wilderness works to put the green infrastructure vision into action by focusing on four main scales: Regional, Community, Neighborhood and Site. At a regional level, CW members work with regional agencies. By looking at future plans and policies, they can focus on including conservation developmental and preservation principles that promote and sustain community health. In the community, land use ordinances and plans will be reworked to enhance people friendly design, while integrating such principles as sustainability, biodiversity and conservation. GIV works at a neighborhood level to further promotion of conservation, preservation and access to nature in communities. At a more specific level, they work with specific sites to encourage use of rain gardens, rain barrels (also known as rainwater tanks), and natural landscaping in open spaces in the community. [10] The GIV put forward SWAT (Sustainable Watershed Action Team) as a response to Northeastern Illinois request for aid in basic infrastructure planning and sustainable developmental practices because of the wide-range developmental altercations arising. SWAT focuses at the scale of neighborhoods and communities. [11]

Leave No Child Inside

The Leave No Child Inside Initiative focuses on connecting children of all ages with the nature in their region. Projects sponsored by this initiative give children and teens the opportunities to explore nature, camping, and service learning projects. [12] This initiative was created in sync with the movement, No Child Left Inside (movement). This movement has prompted other states to start their own programs similar to the one of Chicago Wilderness; Leave No Child Inside, Greater Cincinnati [13] and No Child Left Inside, Connecticut [14] are just a few.

Restoring the Health of Local Nature

The Restoring the Health of Local Nature initiatives main purpose is to help return the environment in the Chicago region to its once healthy condition. The Chicago Wilderness has implemented projects that allow people to enjoy clean air, water and help restore and preserve their environment. [15] As part of this initiation, Chicago wilderness takes part in an annual service day called National Public Lands Day, in which volunteers work together to restore natural regions for future generations. Chicago Wilderness sponsors 15 different sites where volunteers can help on this day. [16]

Accomplishments

Since 1996, Chicago Wilderness has undertaken more than 500 environmental projects in the Chicago region. The foundation has received over 38 grants totaling over $15 million to support conservation projects. [17] Chicago Wilderness has produced the region's first Biodiversity Recovery Program. (Biodiversity Action Plan) Periodically, Chicago Wilderness conducts climate change reports for the Chicago area which are successful in predictors for future changes. [18] As part of the "Leave No Child Inside" initiative, The Teaching Academy was produced. The academy is a program which high school teachers and experts from the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Lake County Forest Preserve collaborate to emphasize the importance of biodiversity in their teaching. [19] The Urban Forestry Task Force was created to stress the importance of the woodland biodiversity conservation in a metropolitan and suburban environment. Chicago Wilderness has been honored by The Institute for Conservation Leadership for the preservation of nature that is "creative, visionary and highly effective". [20] In 2000, Chicago Wilderness and the United States Environmental Protection Agency developed The Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards to recognize the use of native plants in landscaping. They continue to recognize the hard work of corporations, parks and municipalities. [21]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natura 2000</span> Network of protected areas in the territory of the European Union

Natura 2000 is a network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas designated under the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, respectively. The network includes both terrestrial and Marine Protected Areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation in Australia</span>

Conservation in Australia is an issue of state and federal policy. Australia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with a large portion of species endemic to Australia. Preserving this wealth of biodiversity is important for future generations. 25% of Australia is managed for conservation.

This is an index of conservation topics. It is an alphabetical index of articles relating to conservation biology and conservation of the natural environment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natural environment</span> Living and non-living things on Earth

The natural environment or natural world encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally, meaning in this case not artificial. The term is most often applied to Earth or some parts of Earth. This environment encompasses the interaction of all living species, climate, weather and natural resources that affect human survival and economic activity. The concept of the natural environment can be distinguished as components:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Center for Neighborhood Technology</span> Non-profit transportation civic organization in Chicago

The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is a non-profit organization, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, which is committed to sustainable development and urban communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago Botanic Garden</span> Botanical garden located in Illinois, US

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre (156 ha) living plant museum situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. It features 27 display gardens and five natural habitats including Mary Mix McDonald Woods, Barbara Brown Nature Reserve, Dixon Prairie, the Skokie River Corridor, and the Lakes and Shorelines. The garden is open every day of the year. An admission fee has been approved to start in 2022, not to exceed $35.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation International</span> Nonprofit environmental organization

Conservation International (CI) is an American nonprofit environmental organization headquartered in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.

Island Press is a nonprofit, environmental publisher based in Washington, D.C., United States, that specializes in natural history, ecology, conservation, and the built environment. Established in 1978, Island Press generates about half of its revenue through sales and half through donations by organizations and individuals.

Forest management is a branch of forestry concerned with overall administrative, legal, economic, and social aspects, as well as scientific and technical aspects, such as silviculture, protection, and forest regulation. This includes management for timber, aesthetics, recreation, urban values, water, wildlife, inland and nearshore fisheries, wood products, plant genetic resources, and other forest resource values. Management objectives can be for conservation, utilisation, or a mixture of the two. Techniques include timber extraction, planting and replanting of different species, building and maintenance of roads and pathways through forests, and preventing fire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation in Papua New Guinea</span>

Papua New Guinea together with the West Papua region of Indonesia make up a major tropical wilderness area that still contains 5% of the original and untouched tropical high-biodiversity terrestrial ecosystems. PNG in itself contains over 5% of the world's biodiversity in less than 1% of the world's total land area. The flora of New Guinea is unique because it has two sources of origin; the Gondwana flora from the south and flora with Asian origin from the west. As a result, New Guinea shares major family and genera with Australia and the East Asia, but is rich in local endemic species. The endemicity is a result of mountainous isolation, topographic and soil habitat heterogeneity, high forest disturbance rates and abundant aseasonal rainfall year round. PNG boasts some 15–21,000 higher plants, 3,000 species of orchids, 800 species of coral, 600 species of fish, 250 species of mammals and 760 species of birds and 8 species of tree-kangaroos out of which 84 genera of animals are endemic. Ecosystems range from lowland forests to montane forests, alpine flora down to coastal areas which contains some of the most extensive pristine mangrove areas in the world. Much of this biodiversity has remained intact for thousands of years because the ruggedness of the terrain made the interior lands inaccessible; furthermore low population density and restrictions on the effectiveness of traditional tools, ensured that these biodiversity was never overexploited.

Private landowner assistance program (PLAP) is a class of government assistance program available throughout the U.S. for landowners interested in maintaining, developing, improving and protecting wildlife on their property. Each state provides various programs that assist landowners in agriculture, forestry and conserving wildlife habitat. This helps landowners in the practice of good land stewardship and provides multiple benefits to the environment. Some states offer technical assistance which includes:

Conservation refugees are people who are displaced from their native lands when conservation areas, such as parks and other protected areas, are created.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harvey Locke</span> Canadian conservationist

Harvey Locke is a Canadian conservationist, writer, and photographer. He is a recognized global leader in the field of parks, wilderness, wildlife and large landscape conservation. He is a founder of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, with the goal to create a continuous corridor for wildlife from Yellowstone National Park in the United States to the Yukon in Northern Canada. In 2017, Locke was appointed chair of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Beyond the Aichi Targets Task Force, with the goal of ensuring the new global conservation targets set at the next Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2020 are meaningful for achieving the conservation of nature and halting of biodiversity loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IUCN protected area categories</span> International classification for protected areas

IUCN protected area categories, or IUCN protected area management categories, are categories used to classify protected areas in a system developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative</span>

The Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative (A2A) is an environmental NGO, a registered charity, and a not-for-profit multi-national. This network of partners works together to connect lands and people from Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada to the Adirondacks in New York State. The Algonquin to Adirondacks region represents a critical link for biodiversity and resilience in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wetlands Initiative</span>

The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) is a non-profit conservation organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The Wetlands Initiative works with nonprofit and government partners and local communities to advance wetland restoration and science in the Midwestern United States. The organizational vision of TWI is: "A world with plentiful healthy wetlands improving water quality, climate, biodiversity, and human well-being."

Manitoba is home to a variety of ecosystems across the province that need to be considered in development and conservation plans. There are terrestrial ecosystems, which includes prairies, boreal forest, and tundra. Manitoba is also the home to a number of aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands, rivers, and lakes. There is also a wide variety of wildlife and plants that thrive in this particular region. However, human impact has become more apparent and the need to protect and conserve is becoming clear.

The WWF-Pakistan is a leading environmental conservation organization in Pakistan, established in 1970 as part of the global WWF network. Over the past five decades, WWF-Pakistan has been at the forefront of nature conservation in the country, initiating numerous projects and programs aimed at preserving biodiversity, promoting environmental education, and advocating for sustainable development. The organization has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards creating a future where people live in harmony with nature. Today, WWF-Pakistan continues to expand its efforts, working with various stakeholders to address the pressing environmental challenges facing Pakistan.

Gerald “Jerry” W. Adelmann is an American civic and environmental leader. Adelmann served as the director, and later the President and CEO, of Openlands between 1988 and 2023. Previously, he served as the President of The Canal Corridor Association.

References

  1. 1 2 "Chicago Wilderness." Chicago Zoological Society. N.p., 2012. Web. 21 Jan. 2012. <http://www.czs.org/czs/Conservation-Leadership/Regional-Programs/Chicago-Wilderness> Archived January 10, 2012, at the Wayback Machine .
  2. ↑ "Chicago Wilderness." Defenders of Wildlife. Ed. Cindy Hoffman. N.p., 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2012. < "Chicago Wilderness - Defenders of Wildlife". Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2012-01-25.>
  3. ↑ Packard, Stephen. "Chicago Wilderness." Encyclopedia of Chicago. Ed. Janice L. Reiff, Ann D. Keating, and James R. Grossman. Chicago Historical Society, 2005. Web. 21 Jan. 2012. <http://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/328.html>.
  4. ↑ Jerozal, Jim. "Chicago Wilderness And its Corporate Council." Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. Ed. Bob Iverson. Prairie Research Institute, 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2012. <http://www.istc.illinois.edu/info/govs_awards_docs/2008-GP2A-Jerozal.pdf Archived 2011-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
  5. 1 2 3 Chicago Wilderness. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2011. Web. 21 Jan. 2012.<http://www.chicagowilderness.org>.
  6. ↑ Game, Catherine (29 March 2017). "Chicago Wilderness Transition" . Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  7. ↑ April, Kelly. "Conservationists around Great Lakes Plan for Climate Change - Chicago Tribune." Featured Articles From The Chicago Tribune. 28 Aug. 2011. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-28/news/ct-met-climate-change-conservation-20110828_1_climate-change-warmer-winters-great-lakes>.
  8. ↑ "Cities and Climate Change: Greening the Concrete Jungle | The Economist." The Economist - World News, Politics, Economics, Business & Finance. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.economist.com/node/21528272>
  9. ↑ "Chicago Wilderness Green Infrastructure Vision." Chicago Wilderness. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Ser., Mar. 2004. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.chicagowilderness.org/pdf/Green_Infrastructure_Vision_Final_Report.pdf> Archived March 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine .
  10. ↑ "Green Infrastructure Vision: Bringing Nature to People." Chicago Wilderness. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Ser, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2012. <http://www.chicagowilderness.org/GIV.php> Archived January 3, 2012, at the Wayback Machine .
  11. ↑ "SUSTAINABLE WATERSHED ACTION TEAM ARCHIVE." Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Publications. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2012. <http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/sustainable-watershed-action-team> Archived July 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine .
  12. ↑ Leave No Child Inside, Chicago Wilderness Initiative. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Ser, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.kidsoutside.info/ Archived 2012-01-22 at the Wayback Machine >.
  13. ↑ Leave No Child Inside, Greater Cincinnati. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.lncigc.org/>.
  14. ↑ State Of Connecticut: No Child Left Inside. State of Connecticut, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.ct.gov/ncli/site/default.asp>.
  15. ↑ "Restoring the Health of Local Nature." Chicago Wilderness. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Ser, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.chicagowilderness.org/restoring.php> Archived December 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine .
  16. ↑ "NPLD in Your Town: Chicago." National Public Lands Day. National Environmental Education Foundation, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2012. <http://www.publiclandsday.org/highlights/npld-your-town-chicago> Archived October 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine .
  17. ↑ "Recent Accomplishments — Chicago Wilderness." Chicago Wilderness. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service, 2011. Web. 21 Jan. 2012. <http://www.chicagowilderness.org/accomplishments.php> Archived November 30, 2011, at the Wayback Machine .
  18. ↑ April, Kelly. "Conservationists around Great Lakes Plan for Climate Change - Chicago Tribune." Featured Articles From The Chicago Tribune. 28 Aug. 2011. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-08-28/news/ct-met-climate-change-conservation-20110828_1_climate-change-warmer-winters-great-lakes>.
  19. ↑ Doyle, Kellie. "Science Teacher Teams with Wilderness Organization to Design Lessons — Lindenhurst & Lake Villa News, Photos and Events — TribLocal.com." Chicagoland News, Photos and Events — TribLocal.com. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://triblocal.com/lindenhurst-lake-villa/community/stories/2011/05/science-teacher-teams-with-wilderness-organization-to-design-lessons/ Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine >.
  20. ↑ Russell, Dianne. "NORTH CAROLINA AND ILLINOIS CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS HONORED FOR COLLABORATIVE WORK." Institute for Conservation Leadership. Web. Jan. 2012. <http://www.ctnc.org/site/DocServer/20111004_ICL_Press_Release_--_Fall_Fest_2011_collaborati.pdf?docID=3081>[ permanent dead link ].
  21. ↑ "Greenacres: Landscaping with Native Plants | Great Lakes | US EPA." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/awards.html>.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.