Chicago Wilderness Honored for Collaborative Work by the
Institute for Conservation Leadership

The Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL) today honored the Chicago Wilderness alliance for collaborative conservation that is “creative, visionary, and highly effective.” Chicago Wilderness received this national recognition at ICL’s annual Fall Fest Benefit, held in Washington, D.C.

Chicago Wilderness and a second honoree, the Conservation Trust of North Carolina’s Conservation and Diversity Program, were chosen for this recognition from among 30 collaborative efforts nominated from across the United States.  ICL’s selection process acknowledges collaborations that engage diverse and non-traditional allies, use creative approaches to advance broad goals, and effect positive changes that happen because the participants are working together.

“Each of these organizations has demonstrated clearly the power of collaboration,” said Scott Schang, ICL board president. “By working collaboratively and focusing on results, these two organizations are showing what can happen when diverse groups of people join forces to help advance conservation.”

Chicago Wilderness is a regional alliance of nearly 260 organizations working together to restore local nature and improve the quality of life in the region stretching from southeastern Wisconsin, through northeastern Illinois, into northwestern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

The members of Chicago Wilderness include local, state and federal agencies, large conservation organizations, cultural and education institutions, volunteer groups, municipalities, corporations, and faith-based groups.

“We are deeply honored that the Institute for Conservation Leadership recognizes the value of our work,” said Melinda Pruett-Jones, Executive Director of Chicago Wilderness, “And as importantly, the value of how we work. Conservation alliances transcend the limits of what individual organizations are capable of accomplishing. By working together, Chicago Wilderness members leverage resources and expertise to protect and restore nature in our region.”

 “Chicago Wilderness and the Conservation Trust of North Carolina’s Conservation and Diversity Program represent the range of environmental collaborations that the Institute supports and strengthens with our capacity building programs,” said Dianne Russell, ICL executive director. “ICL is pleased to highlight their work so conservation leaders working on a variety of green issues that affect us all will be inspired to do the hard work of collaboration in their own communities.”