News

Surfing for Nature

As conservationists get ever more Web-savvy (yes, even those fresh-air fiends get stuck in front of a computer every so often), more and more sites about Chicago-region nature are sprouting up. Here’s a list of some recent sites of note:

lakecountyspecies.org — From the American bur reed to the yellow-throated warbler, this site features brief profiles on more than 400 plants and animals found in Lake County, Illinois. Both students and nonstudents can search using keywords or browse various categories. The site includes pictures with basic information such as common and Latin name, habitat, and season.

fpdccvolunteers.org — Though it was created for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s habitat restoration volunteers, this site is for all visitors interested in restoring Illinois’ prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Volunteers can choose from an organized list of restoration groups, read about those organizations, and access workday schedules. They can also find more about the district’s programs and events, which are listed by schedule, location, and specific volunteer roles.

mightyacorns.org — With a mixture of outdoor, hands-on activities and a solid ecology curriculum, the Mighty Acorns program encourages fourth through sixth graders in urban areas to learn about nature and develop a long-lasting interest in its preservation. This site explains how to get your community or corporation involved.

dupageforest.com/video — This collection of streamable videos explores the wonders of nature in the DuPage Forest Preserves. Titles range from “Brood XIII Is Coming!” (about cicadas) to “Barn Owl Recovery Project.”

aprairiejournal.com — A Prairie Journal is a new online literary magazine created by frequent Chicago WILDERNESS writer LeAnn Spencer. Dedicated to prairie lovers around the country, this magazine includes essays, poetry, and artwork. The Web site contains past and current issues, contributors’ biographies, and actively encourages submissions.

— Meghan Watt