Nature's Edge - Chicago Wilderness - September 2004

Chicago Wilderness is a coalition of more than 170 communities, park districts, and organizations that work together to protect the native biological diversity of the Chicago region. Coalition members study, research, protect and manage approximately 200,000 acres of natural area and the plants and wildlife that live on it.

The Village is acutely aware of the importance of native biological diversity and has taken a progressive approach to protecting our natural heritage here in Lincolnshire. In fact, the Village of Lincolnshire was one of the first communities to join Chicago Wilderness and is an active member of the Executive Council. The Village participates in a number of Chicago Wilderness committees which provide valuable and important information on the most up-to-date research and development on management and restoration methods for Illinois woodlands, wetlands, rivers, prairies, etc.

Membership in Chicago Wilderness has provided the Village with improved access to funding sources. Collaboration with other Chicago Wilderness members allows for stronger support from state and federal funding sources and the Chicago Wilderness Ecosystem Partnership.

Through the Chicago Wilderness network, the Village has access to the most recent research and development on management and protection of our natural resources. Organizations such as the Field Museum, Bird Conservation Network, Audubon, Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Herpetological Society, Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board, the Morton Arboretum, the Nature Conservancy, and many more are members and provide valuable information and support to other members.

Chicago Wilderness publishes quarterly, The Chicago Wilderness Journal, presenting the most recent research on best practices in conservation and restoration in the Chicago region and Chicago Wilderness Magazine provides wonderful information for the general public on issues related to the biological diversity of the Chicago region and interesting areas in our region to visit.

Explore Chicago Wilderness and expand your knowledge of your valuable natural resources. Visit the Chicago Wilderness website at chicagowilderness.org.