A close companion to CW's development of a new Green Vision is to advance the mapping tools that depict and support it. CW has always leaned on good maps of the region, whether in two editions of the Atlas of Biodiversity, two versions of the Green Infrastructure Vision, maps of Oak recovery, or maps that framed the conservation possibilities in the Calumet region. But it's now almost a decade since CW systemically updated its mapping capacity, and new developments in data, in mapping platforms, and in public engagement make this an urgent priority for the Alliance. On October 27, a Cafe was held to gather folks interested in some next steps in mapping, with topics including a potential new interface (or "hub") for mapping products, how the hub can be the place to track progress on Green Vision goals, and possible new sources of data. More than 50 people attended and showed strong interest. A next Cafe is scheduled for January 28, 12-1, at which Mark Johnston, GIS Manager at the Field Museum, will display more of the capacities of the hub as a potential shared resource for the Alliance. A working group including representatives from CMAP, NIRPC, SEWRPC, Openlands, Argonne, TetraTech, and the Field Museum has guided the conversation so far; in 2021 new ways to engage in the process will be developed in concert with the further articulation and implementation of CW's Green Vision goals.

First, learn about iNaturalist, a community science website, app, and network of people making observations of flora and fauna across the world. Learn how amateurs and professionals alike are sharing their nature observations, getting help with species identification, and using the iNaturalist platform for conservation planning, land management, nature education, monitoring, and research.

Second, see how you or your organization can participate in the City Nature Challenge (CNC) an annual, friendly, bioblitz-style competition between urban areas all around the world, taking place between April 30th and May 3rd, 2021. It began in 2016 between just Los Angeles and San Francisco and has since expanded worldwide, with hundreds of cites expected to participate in 2021. The Challenge aims to engage city residents and visitors in learning about their local nature and to help all of us better understand urban biodiversity. Anyone can take part on their own, assist others with identification, or even organize a bioblitz at a nearby park.

Register for the Livestreamed conversation with Dr. Carolyn Finney

Wed, Feb 17, 2-3:30pm

Our goal is to have 1000+ people register for this event across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and beyond. We want to target people and organizations that may be new to Chicago Wilderness and who are interested in the renewed Green Vision, especially on the topics of increasing nature access and benefits to all people and addressing the legacy of environmental injustice in the Chicago Wilderness region. 

Share information about the event in your enewsletters, print publications, and via social media.

TEAM and WORKING GROUP UPDATES

We encourage all partners to participate on committees. Simply login to the CW Partner portal to join and participate on the committees. Watch this short training video for more information.

Want to add members of your staff to the CW portal so that they can get involved? Send Laura Reillytheir name and email address.

The Corporate Council will met on February 11 from 1 PM to 3 PM. The Green Infrastructure in the Built Environment Goal and next steps will be discussed. Tom Slowinski from V3 will present on the Gray Willows Wetland Mitigation Bank is a partnership between V3 and Campton Township.  The project is located on the 208 acre Gray Willows Farm, which was purchase by Campton Township in 2010 as part of their Open Space Program.  The wetland mitigation bank involves the restoration of 49.52 acres of wetland and 46.24 acres of woodland and prairie buffer to generate 52.37 wetland credits. Construction was completed in 2018 and planting and seeding was completed in 2019.  The progress of the very successful restoration to date will be summarized.

*What should we remember from 2020 that could be useful in 2021
*How will virtual programming play a role in your post COVID programming? Is it here to stay?

The Excellence in Ecological Restoration Program (EERP) recognizes large, high-quality natural areas and the organizations that manage them. Program accreditations are presented biannually. This accreditation program is administered by the Commission on Excellence in Ecological Restoration. 

Applications are now open. The deadline is March 31, 2021 Applications may only be submitted by the legal owner of the site; however, partners may assist in completing the application for the agency/organization.

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