Chicago Park District Signs Up For Interpretation

Visitors to Chicago's parks, beaches, conservatories, and gardens can now learn everything from the history of the "Montrose Magic Hedge" to the habits of muskrats and beavers along the Chicago River. The Chicago Park District, in partnership with ComEd/Exelon Corporation, will be completing the installation of more than 200 interpretive signs throughout the city parks this fall. These signs will describe the parks' plants and animals, as well as the natural processes going on around them. "Our goal is to promote awareness of our urban wilderness," says Mary Van Haaften of the Chicago Park District.

Read all about it! Nature comes alive with the aid of a few fascinating facts. Photo courtesy of Chicago Park District.

The Park District has installed the signs in approximately 50 locations across Chicago. The interpretive signs are part of a broader program of community-based nature education and restoration initiatives sponsored by ComEd/Exelon and the Chicago Park District. Other projects include restoration of several Chicago natural areas, such as the Jens Jensen Prairie River in Humboldt Park.

— Dan Spencer