Chicago Wilderness Adds New Members; Now 163

In December, Chicago Wilderness welcomed nine new organizations, bringing the member count to 163.

The Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative (AWLI) is a consortium of groups in Illinois and Indiana around Wolf Lake, including individual users, educators, and researchers. As custodians of the Wolf Lake Vision, AWLI seeks to improve Wolf Lake and its surroundings by convening community meetings, holding festivals, seeking funding to restore wetlands, and promoting a bi-state council of Wolf Lake stewards.

Campton Township has demonstrated a commitment to biodiversity through its plan to preserve 1,000 acres of open space for agriculture, conservation, education, and recreation. In 2001, Campton Township voters passed a referendum to provide 18.6 million dollars to preserve open space. The township is currently purchasing land and easements and is beginning to restore more than 200 acres of woodland, savanna, wetland, and prairie.

Chicago's Green City Market seeks to improve the availability of a diverse range of high-quality foods; to connect local producers and farmers to chefs, restaurateurs, food organizations, and the public; and to promote a healthier society through appreciation of local, fresh, sustainably raised products. By running a sustainable farmers market, the organization supports family-owned sustainable farms so they can thrive and retain farmland, which in turn augments biodiversity in agricultural areas.

The Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund is based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and works to acquire, restore, preserve, and manage the rare and valuable prairie lands along the northern border of Chicago Wilderness. The group also promotes conservation education for its members and the public.

Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve supports volunteer public service for the acquisition, care, and custody of natural areas for conservation, education, and recreation. The organization works in their 170-acre preserve on fish stocking, eradication of exotic plants, controlled prairie burns, oak tree planting, and education programs that teach neighbors to distinguish between native and nonnative species.

The Illinois Ornithological Society promotes the scientific and educational aspects of ornithology. The group raises awareness of bird life by publishing a quarterly journal, Meadowlark; conducting field trips, conferences, and ornithological research; and by keeping a record of Illinois bird life.

The Land Foundation of McHenry County seeks to preserve the natural heritage of McHenry County by protecting undeveloped land that provides open space, maintains scenic beauty, preserves agricultural heritage, offers opportunities to observe and study nature, and provides habitat for native species.

The Land Trust Alliance promotes voluntary land conservation and strengthens the land trust movement by providing the leadership, information, skills, and resources that land trusts need to conserve land for the benefit of communities and natural systems.

The Prairie Crossing Homeowners Association was founded on principles of respecting the environment and forging a strong connection between the land and the residents of the Prairie Crossing conservation community. The association created and manages 165 acres of native prairies and wetlands and educates homeowners through workshops and seminars, including training for homeowners in conducting controlled burns on small lots.