DOCSLIB.ORG

Chicago Wilderness

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chicago Wilderness CHICAGO WILDERNESS CLIMATE CHANGE AND REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY: A Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations Karner Blue Butterfly photo courtesy of Joel Trick, USFWS CLIMATE CHANGE AND REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY: A Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations INDEX Cover Letter ...................................................2 Situation Anaylsis ........................................ 3 What’s Being Done .......................................5 Recommendations for Further Action .......5 References ......................................................6 City Hall green roof photo courtesy of the Chicago Citation: The Chicago Wilderness consortium. 2008. Climate Change And Regional Biodiversity: A Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations to Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations. The Chicago Wilderness consortium, Chicago IL. CLIMATE CHANGE AND REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY: A Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations 1 Dear Reader, The enclosed document, Climate Change and each of the CW Teams, CW staff, and other scientists and Regional Biodiversity: A Preliminary Assessment professionals within CW member organizations. and Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Although the findings presented in the Preliminary Member Organizations, was prepared by the Chicago Assessment and Recommendations document reflect Wilderness (CW) Climate Change Task Force and the best current research and analysis available to the approved for public distribution by the CW Executive Task Force, the document is preliminary in nature, Council in June 2008. The and reflects the uncertainties Preliminary Assessment and complex challenges discusses the projected effects climate change presents to of climate change within the scientists, natural resource the CW region, the potential managers, and others working impacts of climate change on to protect regional biodiversity. the region’s biodiversity, and It is anticipated that updated current actions undertaken by versions will be developed as CW member organizations to our understanding of climate address climate change impacts. change and its impacts on It also recommends actions regional biodiversity improves individuals and organizations Photo courtesy of John Hayse, Argonne National Laboratory over time. can undertake to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Comments and inquiries are welcomed, and should to develop strategies to lessen the impacts of climate be addressed to Robert Sullivan, Program Manager, change on the region’s ecosystems. Environmental Sciences Division, Argonne National This document is intended to provide CW member Laboratory, at [email protected] or to CW staff member organizations and others with accurate, basic information Christopher Mulvaney, Science & Natural Resources about climate change and regional biodiversity impacts Teams Coordinator, [email protected]. to support public communication efforts. Its conclusions The Task Force thanks the many reviewers whose are based on a review of recent scientific publications thoughtful comments greatly improved the document, discussing region-specific projections for climate change as well as Chicago Wilderness staff who provided critical effects and potential impacts on biodiversity. The topics support during its development. Special thanks are due addressed and the recommendations made are based also the City of Chicago Department of Environment, on discussion among Task Force members, as well as who generously donated staff time to assist with graphic numerous comments provided by reviewers representing design and development tasks. Chicago Wilderness Climate Change Task Force CLIMATE CHANGE AND REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY: A Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations 2 CLIMATE CHANGE AND REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY: A Preliminary Assessment & Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations the negative effects of these existing SITUATION ANALYSIS stressors10 and it will also introduce new “CliMatE CHanGE” REFERS to a substantial stressors that will further impact the native change in the Earth’s climate for an extended species in this region. period of time. “Global warming” refers to Although there is some uncertainty climate change that includes an increase in about the exact nature and severity of the average temperature near the Earth’s climate-change-related impacts anticipated surface. Although the Earth’s climate changes for the Chicago Wilderness region, a naturally, global warming is now occurring number of scientific studies project the rapidly, primarily because of the addition of following impacts: excess carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” to the atmosphere from human • Increased duration and intensity of heat activities, such as fossil fuel burning and waves in summer, with higher levels of deforestation. These greenhouse gases trap humidity and evaporation; 9,11 heat in the atmosphere that would normally • Milder winters with fewer extremely be radiated into space, and the atmosphere cold days; 9 warms as a result. The Intergovernmental • A longer growing season, with fewer Panel on Climate Change, an international frost days; 9 scientific body tasked to evaluate the risk of • Changing patterns of rain and snowfall; climate change caused by human activity, overall, somewhat more rain may fall, has concluded that evidence for the but in fewer rain events of greater “warming of the climate system is intensity, and the ratio of snow to total unequivocal.”1 The potential for rapid and precipitation is expected to decrease;9,12 lasting climate warming poses a significant • Increased frequency of extreme weather challenge for biodiversity conservation.2 events, leading both to more frequent Species’ abundance and distribution and more severe dry spells as well as are dynamic, relative to a variety of factors, more flooding from heavy rains;1,9,12 including climate. As climate changes, the • Changes to water resources including As climate abundance and distribution of plants and reduced water levels in streams, changes, the animals also will change,3,4,5 and is already wetlands, and lakes; more frequent abundance doing so.5,6,7,8 Regional biodiversity is flooding due to heaver rain events; and and distribution already severely impacted by habitat loss lower water quality;5,9,12 and of plants and and disturbance, invasive species, pollution • Reduced ice cover on area lakes, animals also and other stressors9; climate change will including Lake Michigan, with generally will change, interact with and in some cases exacerbate warmer water temperatures.9,12 and is already doing so. American Goldfinch photo courtesy of the the of courtesy photo Goldfinch American Society Zoological Chicago CLIMATE CHANGE AND REGIONAL BIODIVERSITY: A Preliminary Assessment and Recommendations for Chicago Wilderness Member Organizations 3 These changes in climate are expected to impact regional biodiversity in a variety of direct and indirect ways: • Changes in the timing of natural events such as blooming, leaf drop, nesting and egg laying, migration, onset of hibernation, etc.;7,8 • Loss of suitable habitat for some species and increases in habitat for other species;. • Gradual shifting of mobile species (generally northward) as temperatures increase;5,6,8 Kentucky the of courtesy photo leaves oak red Northern of Forestry Division • Disruption of ecological communities distribution. As many as 44 species of birds due to differential responses of species to that currently breed in Illinois may no longer climate change;10 breed in the state by the end of the century, • Disruption of predator-prey relationships including such familiar and widespread species and other inter-specific relationships;8 and as tree swallow, black-capped chickadee, white- • Increased threats from invasive species, breasted nuthatch, house wren, gray catbird, and insect and disease pathogens.5,8 red-eyed vireo, yellow warbler, ovenbird, scarlet tanager, chipping sparrow, Baltimore oriole and These impacts on native biodiversity will American goldfinch. Some bird species with result in changing abundance and distribution more southerly and westerly distributions could of fish, wildlife, and plant species. At this time, move into Illinois.13 Some research has suggested it is impossible to state with precision which that climate change may also negatively impact Climate species will be affected by climate change, or pollinator species; when plants and pollinators warming will exactly how, but increasing scientifically-based respond differently to climate change, pollinator be a particular evidence suggests that many species in the reproductive success may be reduced.14,15 In challenge for Chicago Wilderness region will show effects. general, insect growth will be favored by higher endangered, Species for which the Chicago Wilderness temperatures, which may result in greater threatened, and region is near the southern end of their range damage from insect pests.9 other at-risk may be at particular risk.9 Species for which Also, because some species are associated species. the Chicago Wilderness region is near the with rare natural communities that are northern end of their range may increase in fragmented in this region, their ability to move abundance, and species currently not found within or to new habitat in response to climate in the region may appear. change will be limited.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Climate Change Update to the Chicago Wilderness Biodiversity Recovery Plan
    Climate Change Update to the Chicago Wilderness Biodiversity Recovery Plan: What Does it Mean to the Calumet Region? Dr. Abigail Derby Lewis, Climate Change Ecologist The Field Museum A Changing Global Climate Higher temperatures Changing landscapes Wildlife at risk Rising seas Increased risk of drought, fire & floods Stronger storms & increased storm damage More heat-related illness & disease Economic losses Extreme Precipitation Copyright 2009, City of Chicago Higher Emissions: 31 days Projected number of 100- degree days per year in Chicago Lower Emissions: 8 days Copyright 2009, City of Chicago Impacts of Climate Change in Indiana Union of Concerned Scientists, 2009 **Climate protection policies, if implemented quickly, could reduce emissions significantly below the emissions scenario considered here Impacts of Climate Change in Illinois Union of Concerned Scientists, 2009 **Climate protection policies, if implemented quickly, could reduce emissions significantly below the emissions scenario considered here Climate Change Impacts: Vegetation Plant Hardiness Zones Projected to move northward Within next several decades: 5b – 6a* By end of century: 6b (L) – 7a (H) *Irrespective of future emissions scenarios (Hellmann et al. 2010) Climate Change Impacts: Animals Changes in Abundance & Distribution American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) National Wildlife Federation Climate Change Impacts: Animals Changes in Abundance & Distribution American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) National Wildlife Federation Responses of species will depend on their climatic tolerances and on responses of key species they rely on Climate Change Impacts: Animals Changes in Abundance & Distribution Photo by T. Meyer Specialists and threatened species likely to be most challenged (e.g., Karner Blue butterfly: Lycaeides melissa samuelis) Major Threats To Biodiversity • Habitat Destruction • Invasive Species • Pollution Clark and Pine Nature Preserve in Gary, Indiana.
    [Show full text]
  • 1998-Fall.Pdf
    Fall 98 Cover F&B_ Fall 98 Cover F&B 12/24/15 9:45 AM Page 3 Chicago EXPLORING NATURE & CULTURE WFALILL 19D98 ERNES S FIRE AS A FRIEND • T HINKING LIKE A SEED Fall cov 02 - 12_ Fall cov 02 - 12 12/24/15 10:10 AM Page cov2 is Chicago Wilderness? Chicago Wilderness is some of the finest and most signifi - cant nature in the temperate world, with roughly 200,000 acres of protected natural lands harboring native plant and animal communities that are more rare—and their survival more globally threatened—than the tropical rain forests. CHICAGO WILDERNESS is an unprecedented alliance of more than 60 public and private organizations working together to study and restore, protect and manage the precious natural resources of the Chicago region for the benefit of the public. Chicago WILDERNES S is a new quarterly magazine that seeks to articulate a vision of regional identity linked to nature and our natural heritage, to celebrate and promote the rich nat - ural areas of this region, and to inform readers about the work of the many organizations engaged in collaborative conservation. Fall cov 02 - 12_ Fall cov 02 - 12 12/24/15 10:10 AM Page 1 CHICAGO WILDERNESS A Regional Nature Reserve Keeping the Home Fires Burning or generations of us inculcated with the gospel according them, both by white men and by Indians—par accident; and Fto Smokey, setting fire to woods and prairies on purpose yet many more where it is voluntarily done for the purpose amounts to blasphemy. Yet those who love the land have of getting a fresh crop of grass, for the grazing of their horses, been wrestling with some new ideas about fire—new ideas and also for easier travelling during the next summer.” that are very old.
    [Show full text]
  • Chicago Wilderness Region Urban Forest Vulnerability Assessment
    United States Department of Agriculture CHICAGO WILDERNESS REGION URBAN FOREST VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND SYNTHESIS: A Report from the Urban Forestry Climate Change Response Framework Chicago Wilderness Pilot Project Forest Service Northern Research Station General Technical Report NRS-168 April 2017 ABSTRACT The urban forest of the Chicago Wilderness region, a 7-million-acre area covering portions of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, will face direct and indirect impacts from a changing climate over the 21st century. This assessment evaluates the vulnerability of urban trees and natural and developed landscapes within the Chicago Wilderness region to a range of future climates. We synthesized and summarized information on the contemporary landscape, provided information on past climate trends, and illustrated a range of projected future climates. We used this information to inform models of habitat suitability for trees native to the area. Projected shifts in plant hardiness and heat zones were used to understand how nonnative species and cultivars may tolerate future conditions. We also assessed the adaptability of planted and naturally occurring trees to stressors that may not be accounted for in habitat suitability models such as drought, flooding, wind damage, and air pollution. The summary of the contemporary landscape identifies major stressors currently threatening the urban forest of the Chicago Wilderness region. Major current threats to the region’s urban forest include invasive species, pests and disease, land-use change, development, and fragmentation. Observed trends in climate over the historical record from 1901 through 2011 show a temperature increase of 1 °F in the Chicago Wilderness region. Precipitation increased as well, especially during the summer.
    [Show full text]
  • Changing Landscapes in the Chicago Wilderness Region: a Climate Change Update to the Biodiversity Recovery Plan
    Changing Landscapes in the Chicago Wilderness Region: A Climate Change Update to the Biodiversity Recovery Plan Version 1.0* April 2012 Prepared by the Chicago Wilderness Climate Change Task Force * This plan is the first iteration needed to create momentum for climate action for nature in the Chicago Wilderness region. Climate change science, policy responses, and funding are changing rapidly. This is considered a living plan that will remain flexible in the face of evolving circumstances. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Sections Section 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………………....3 Section 2: Climate Change and Terrestrial Communities………………………………......16 Section 3: Climate Change and Aquatic Communities………………………………….....32 Section 4: Climate Change and Green Infrastructure……………………………………...46 References.............................................................................................................................51 Figures and Tables Figure 1.1: Map of Chicago Wilderness…………………………………………………...59 Figure 1.2: Similarities and Differences between CCAP and CAPN……………………...60 Box 1: Past Climate Changes and Projected Future Trends in CW Climate System….......61 Table 1.2: Climate Change Impacts to Taxonomic Groups………………………………... Figure 2.1: Climate Change as a Threat Amplifier………………………………………63 Table 2.1: Broad Brush Matrix Table of Communities X Climate Change Impacts X. Existing Threats…………………………………………………………………..........….64 Table 2.2: Detailed Table of CW Terrestrial Community Type and Climate Change Impacts …………………………………………………………………………….
    [Show full text]
  • Lessons Learned from Chicago Wilderness—Implementing and Sustaining Conservation Management in an Urban Setting
    Diversity 2012, 4, 74-93; doi:10.3390/d4010074 OPEN ACCESS diversity ISSN 1424-2818 www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity Review Lessons Learned from Chicago Wilderness—Implementing and Sustaining Conservation Management in an Urban Setting Liam Heneghan 1,*, Christopher Mulvaney 2, Kristen Ross 3, Lauren Umek 1, Cristy Watkins 4, Lynne M. Westphal 5 and David H. Wise 3, 6 1 Department of Environmental Science and Studies, DePaul University, 1110 W Belden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614, USA; E-Mail: [email protected] 2 Chicago Wilderness, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022, USA; E-Mail: [email protected] 3 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 3354 SES, 845 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; E-Mails: [email protected] (K.R.); [email protected] (D.H.W.) 4 The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605-2496, USA; E-Mail: [email protected] 5 USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 1033 University Place, Suite 360, Evanston, IL 60201-3172, USA; E-Mail: [email protected] 6 Institute for Environmental Science & Policy, School of Public Health West, Room 529, 2121 West Taylor Street (MC 673), Chicago IL 60612, USA * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-773-325-2779; Fax: +1-773-325-7448. Received: 12 January 2012; in revised form: 30 January 2012 / Accepted: 6 February 2012 / Published: 15 February 2012 Abstract: We summarize the factors that shaped the biodiversity of Chicago and its hinterland and point out the conservation significance of these ecological systems, addressing why conservation of Chicago’s biodiversity has importance locally and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change in the Windy City and the World
    CHICAGO COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION TOOLKIT CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE WINDY CITY AND THE WORLD A TOOL FOR UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE SCIENCE IN THE CHICAGO REGION Find this and other climate action tools at Environment Culture and Conservation climatechicago.fieldmuseum.org A Division of Science INTRODUCTION Research conducted by The Field This booklet provides Chicago Museum from 2008 to 2011 shows that leaders and residents with a basic Chicago residents generally think understanding of climate climate change is real and is an change as it relates to our important issue that needs to be addressed. region, so they can take action informed by scientific, global, and local But… they often don’t understand how it knowledge. relates to their lives or what they can do about it. WEST RIDGE FOREST GLEN MILWAUKEE CORRIDOR This booklet is informed by studies conducted by Field Museum anthropologists in PILSEN seven communities BRONZEVILLE throughout Chicago (see map). The studies NORTH KENWOOD- were commissioned OAKLAND by the Chicago Department of RESEARCH Environment to engage diverse COMMUNITIES SOUTH CHICAGO communities in the Chicago Climate Action Plan. Visit ROSELAND http://fieldmuseum. org/climateaction to download reports. ECCo • climatechicago.fieldmuseum.org • 1 INTRODUCTION This booklet also presents best practices The examples in this booklet also in climate action from the Chicago show the power of building on region, from The Field Museum’s communities’ strengths—such research. They demonstrate the diverse as DIY skills, frugality, conserving water, and creative ways in which and growing food—to implement broad communities are responding to climate action strategies in climate change. locally meaningful ways that will encourage widespread participation.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report2012
    AnnuAl RepoRt2012 1 The Chicago Wilderness Region Embedded in one of North America’s largest metropolitan regions and stretching from southeastern Wisconsin, through northeastern Illinois, into northwestern Indiana and southwestern Michigan is a network of natural areas that includes more than 370,000 acres of protected lands and waters. These natural areas are our wilderness, and they are home to a wide diversity of life. Thousands of native plant and animal species live here among the more than 10 million people who also call the region home. The Chicago Wilderness Alliance Chicago Wilderness is a regional alliance that connects people and nature. We are more than 260 organizations that work together to restore local nature and improve the quality of life for all who live here, by protecting the lands and waters on which we all depend. Our four key initiatives—to restore the health of local nature, to protect green infrastructure, to mitigate climate change, and to leave no child inside—reflect our commitment to using science and emerging knowledge, a collaborative approach to conservation, and a caring for both people and nature, to benefit all the region’s residents. The members of Chicago Wilderness include conservation organizations, cultural and education institutions, volunteer groups, local, state and federal agencies, municipalities, corporations, and faith-based groups. 2 2012 Chicago WildeRness: the hub foR uRbAn ConseRvAtion A MESSAGE froM thE ChAir, ViCE ChAir, And ExECutiVE dirECtor We are approaching the 20th We are still innovating. Our multi-scale approach to greening infrastructure is unique to this region. anniversary of the Big Idea that Our holistic approach to climate mitigation became Chicago Wilderness.
    [Show full text]
  • The Chicago Wilderness Climate Action Plan for Nature: Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies for Biodiversity Sustainability
    The Chicago Wilderness Climate Action Plan for Nature: Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies for Biodiversity Sustainability Kerry Leigh, ASLA CW Climate Change Task Force FluidClarity, Ltd. What is Biodiversity? 3 Levels of • Genetic diversity- the genetic variability among Biodiversity individuals within each species or population 1)Genes • Species diversity- the number & abundance of 2)Species 3)Ecosystems different species in a region or ecosystem • Ecological diversity- the variety of ecosystems • Functional diversity- variety of functions such as energy flow & matter cycling needed for survival of species & communities Why is Biodiversity Important? ¾ Genetic diversity: the most basic component for long-term species survival (*ability to adapt*) & the continued evolution of new species. “If natural selection is the paintbrush of evolution, then genetic diversity is its palette” -J.A. Bailey (2001) Why is Biodiversity Important? ¾ Species diversity: plant, animal, & insect species interact & depend upon one another for what each offers e.g., food, shelter, oxygen, soil enrichment ¾ Species’ abundance & distribution are dynamic, relative to a variety of factors, including climate ¾ As climate changes, the abundance & distribution of plants & animals also will change ¾ Maintaining a wide diversity of species in each ecosystem is necessary to preserve the “web of life” that sustains all living things Why is Biodiversity Important? ¾ Ecosystem/functional diversity: provides the conditions & drives the processes that sustain the global economy
    [Show full text]
  • Chicago Wildernes an Atlas of Biodiversity
    AnAtlasof Biodiversity PROTECTED LAND IN THE CHICAGO WILDERNESS REGION Federal Lands state parks county preserves and city parks privately ownED nature areas nature preserves and scientific areas x o F D e s P la i n e s LAKE MICHIGAN e g a P u D Little Calumet N 0510 Miles K a nk akee AnAtlasof Biodiversity Chicago Wilderness,An Atlas of Biodiversity, is a publication of the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council. The members of the Council include: Brookfield Zoo Canal Corridor Association Chicago Academy of Sciences Chicago Botanic Garden Chicago Park District City of Chicago, Department of Environment The Field Museum Forest Preserve District of Cook County Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Forest Preserve District of Will County Friends of the Chicago River Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Natural History Survey Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Kane County Forest Preserve District Lake County Forest Preserves Lake Michigan Federation Lincoln Park Zoo McHenry County Conservation District Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Morton Arboretum The Nature Conservancy Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission Openlands Project John G. Shedd Aquarium Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter Urban Resources Partnership US Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District US Environmental Protection Agency, Region V US EPA Great Lakes National Program Office US Fish & Wildlife Service USDA Forest Service USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service USDI National Park Service Funds for this publication were provided
    [Show full text]
  • Green Infrastructure Vision
    Green Infrastructure Vision Green Infrastructure Vision Study and Report Drafted by: The City of Crystal Lake Planning and Economic Development Department And Cowhey, Gudmundson & Leder With assistance from : Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Fox River Study Group Illinois Nature Preserves Commission McHenry County Conservation District Openlands The Land Conservancy Adopted: March 2011 Introduction and Purpose The Green Infrastructure Vision was drafted to be a stand alone document providing back- ground and broad based guidance for the City’s Green Infrastructure chapter within the Com- prehensive Plan. The Green Infrastructure Vision is important as it identifies the green resources and possible site strategies located within the City. The 2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Green Infrastructure chapter takes it another step further and identifies a goal and specific ac- tions and success indicators for each of the resource areas and site strategies. The Green Infra- structure Vision and Green Infrastructure chapter work together to provide a wealth of informa- tion on the City’s natural features and future actions that can maintain these features and adopt new site strategies. Green infrastructure can be defined in two primary ways and both are important to understand the complete green infrastructure vision. The term can be used to identify a greener, more envi- ronmentally sustainable version of typical gray infrastructure; for example, permeable pavement for parking lots or roadways or a natural bio-swale versus a drainage pipe. In this context, green infrastructure describes products, technologies, and practices that use natural systems that mimic natural processes—to enhance overall environmental quality and provide utility services.
    [Show full text]
  • Wooded Communities Varied Over Time and Space
    22 AN ATLAS OF BIODIVERSITY woodedwooded commcommunitiesunities illars PPof Mighty Cathedral Aisles rees in the Chicago Wilderness region once grew as lone sentinels on the Tprairie. They grew in open groves and sun-dappled woodlands where they sometimes attained the noble shapes that reminded visitor Ellen Fuller of cathedral pillars 150 years ago. These wooded communities varied over time and space. They blended into each other The crown of a bur oak on their borders. The categories we have created (Quercus macrocarpa) to describe them are only rough descriptions spreading out as wide as it of nature. is tall recalls the open savan- nas of pre-settlement times. Climate, soils, topography, and drainage set The Millennium Oak, located limits on the kinds of natural communities that at The Morton Arboretum can live in our region. Other forces shape the in Lisle, Illinois, pre-dates landscape within the limits created by these Illinois’ 1818 statehood. factors. In our landscape, in the thousands of years before large-scale settlement, fire was the most important shaping force. In those times it was the frequency and intensity of fire that determined whether a giv- en piece of ground would be an open grove or walnut (Juglans nigra). The understory in these a dense forest. We can arrange the pre-settle- woods was equally varied. Some had thickets ment wooded communities on a shade gradient, of shrubs like American hazel (Corylus ameri- and when we make such a division, we find that cana) and wild plum (Prunus americana). Other our shade gradient is also a fire gradient.
    [Show full text]
  • 2002-Spring.Pdf
    Chicago EXPLORING NATURE & CULTURE WILDERNESSSPRING 2002 chicagowildernessmag.org WILD KIDS WILD YARDS WELCOME BACK WHOOPERS What is ChicagoWilderness? Chicago Wilderness is some of the finest and most significant nature in the temperate world, with a core of roughly 200,000 acres of protected natural lands harboring native plant and animal communities that are more rare – and their survival more globally threatened – than the tropical rain forests. isCHICAGO an WILDERNESS unprecedented alliance of 143 public and private organizations working together to study and restore, protect and manage the precious natural ecosystems of the Chicago region for the benefit of the public. www.chicagowilderness.org Chicago WILDERNESS is a quarterly magazine that celebrates the rich natural heritage of this region and tells the inspiring stories of the people and organizations working to heal and protect local nature. www.chicagowildernessmag.org OPPOSITE: Prairie smoke from East Main Street Prairie in Cary, Illinois by Pat Wadecki. Prairie in Cary,Illinois Prairie smoke from EastMain Street CHICAGO WILDERNESS A Regional Nature Reserve Everyday Heroes hese days the people universally venerated as Martha hadn’t planned to start a campaign, but she was heroes are the firefighters and policemen who, by alarmed at what she saw and cared enough to do something Tdint of character and training, throw themselves about it. into mortal danger to care for others. Their altruism, Young Jean-Luc Mosley and Cora Thiele (shown here) are duty, and courage are inarguably heroic. heroes in my eyes, along with their compatriots featured on But I find I don’t have to look as far as that for heroes.
    [Show full text]