The Chicago Wilderness consortium produces a variety of publications for the general public, teachers, decision-makers, scientists and land managers. Descriptions of major publications appear below, along with information on how to obtain copies of these materials.
- Chicago Wilderness Progress Report
The Progress Report (8.18 MB), released in April 2007, covers May 1, 2004 through April 30, 2006, Chicago Wilderness’ 2004 – 2005 fiscal years.
- The State of Our Chicago Wilderness: A Report Card on the Health of the Region’s Ecosystems
The Report Card (Summary, 1.03 MB, Full Text, 2.15 MB), released in April 2006, assesses the state of local natural communities and makes recommendations to CW members and outside stakeholders on how to improve the current grades.
- Chicago WILDERNESS Magazine
This quarterly publication informs readers about the wide variety of scientific, educational and restoration projects underway within Chicago Wilderness. It features stunning photography and includes information on regional events. Information on how to subscribe is available on the Chicago Wilderness Magazine web site.
- Chicago Wilderness Journal
The Chicago Wilderness consortium launched Chicago Wilderness Journal, an interdisciplinary online journal in November, 2003. It is designed primarily for conservation professionals and volunteers and serves as a forum for sharing results of collaborative conservation efforts in the Chicago Wilderness region. The articles report on the consortium's work in the areas of science, land management, sustainability, education and communication. Authors discuss practical implications of projects, interpret data, and make recommendations based on lessons learned from their work.
Back issues of the Journal are also available.
- Atlas of Biodiversity
Filled with colorful maps and photographs, the Atlas of Biodiversity tells the tale of how geologic forces and human habitation have shaped our region's landscape. It is available online as a series of PDF files. You can also order a printed copy of the plan from Chicago Wilderness. Contact Kelly Gruner at CWadmin@chicagowilderness.org or call (312)580-2137.
- Biodiversity Recovery Plan
The region's first comprehensive conservation and restoration plan, the award-winning Biodiversity Recovery Plan is the product of a three-year collaboration by the region's scientists, land managers, educators and policy-makers. It is available online as a series of PDF files. To order a printed copy of the plan, contact Michelle Uting at muting@chicagowilderness.org or call (847) 965-9253.
- Hunting for Frogs on Elston
Hunting for Frogs on Elston is a humorous, insightful, and often surprising look at the natural wonders of the Chicago Wilderness region. The publication is an anthology of essays written by the late naturalist Jerry Sullivan, with original illustrations by Bobby Sutton. Copies are available, for $25, by contacting Michelle Uting at muting@chicagowilderness.org or call (847) 965-9253. Proceeds benefit the work of the Chicago Wilderness consortium.
- Sustainable Development Principles: Protecting Nature in the Chicago Wilderness Region
The Chicago Wilderness consortium recently released "Sustainable Development Principles: Protecting Nature in the Chicago Wilderness Region." This guide contains eight principles that local municipalities and others can use to create more livable communities and maintain a healthy local environment without sacrificing development, and is available for downloading or browsing. 287 KB
- "This is Chicago Wilderness" Video
A short video, entitled This is Chicago Wilderness, provides an overview of Chicago Wilderness, including a discussion of why and how government and private organizations are working together to protect the natural communities of the Chicago region. Beautiful footage depicts the region's rare habitats. To order the video call the Chicago Wilderness information line (708) 485-0263, ext. 396.
- Enjoying Chicago Wilderness with Your Family: An Activity Guide
This four-color book is packed with illustrations, photographs and lots of kid-tested activities families can do throughout the year. The 24 activities developed by Chicago Wilderness members guide families to discover the concepts of the Biodiversity Recovery Plan in a fun and engaging way. Adaptable for children from preschool through high school, this book will be most enjoyed when parents act as nature guides for their children. To order, call (847) 965-9253 or order online at http://www.chicagowildernessmag.org/store/.
- Protecting Nature in Your Community
This detailed guidebook provides information on how local governments can preserve and enhance nature for current and future generations. The guide contains recommendations for municipalities, counties, park districts, wastewater authorities and other local government bodies. To obtain a copy, call the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning at (312) 454-0400.
- Conservation Design Resource Manual
Conservation Design Resource Manual (PDF, 2.26 MB)
Viewer for PDF Files
This manual was written for use by local governments interested in modifying local comprehensive plans, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and other ordinances to accommodate the principles and practices of conservation design. Communities that choose to implement conservation design will see a variety of benefits, including reduced flooding, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, higher property values, higher tax revenues, and greater community cohesion.
- The Biodiversity Kit for Educators
The Kit includes a 148-page Educator's Guide and a handy Materials Kit to learn about biodiversity within the Chicago region. A talented team of teachers, nature center staff, and scientists recently designed this kit. It consists of nine simple educational activities for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, conveniently focused around three larger problem-based learning scenarios.
- The Atlas Education Package
The package includes teacher training materials such as the Chicago Wilderness Atlas of Biodiversity, a Chicago Tribune supplement on local biodiversity issues, a Chicago Wilderness poster, and a chart integrating the Atlas and the Tribune supplement with Illinois State Learning Standards.
- Illinois Biodiversity Basics: a biodiversity education program of Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Wilderness and World Wildlife Fund
Illinois Biodiversity Basics, adapted from World Wildlife Fund's Windows on the Wild: Biodiversity Basics, is designed to provide ideas for integrating biodiversity into teaching. This booklet helps to provide Illinois educators with a method to introduce students in grades five through eight to local biodiversity concepts, issues and conservation through Illinois specific activities. Several activities may be adapted for use at other grade levels as well.
