News

Chicago Wilderness Welcomes One City and Two Faith-Based Groups

The restoration of 11 miles of streambank along Salt Creek led the City of Rolling Meadows to expand its commitment to conserving biodiversity and ultimately join the Chicago Wilderness consortium in autumn of 2005. A recently established City Environmental Committee is working to raise community awareness of biodiversity, promote native landscaping, and emphasize green space within city limits.

Two faith-based organizations also joined Chicago Wilderness, bringing an exciting new perspective and community to the consortium. Faith in Place creates welcoming spaces for people of all faiths to fulfill two great common responsibilities: loving one another and caring for creation. Recognizing that many people avoid getting involved in the environment because it is perceived as a hopeless predicament, Faith in Place reaches out to people in the places they go to gather strength and hope — their houses of worship — and seeks to foster environmental conversations and consciousness.

At Resurrection Retreat Center, the renewal of spirit and body goes hand in hand with the renewal of the land. A restored prairie project is currently being expanded and an onsite fen is in its third year of restoration. Located near Woodstock, IL, the center welcomes all people for growth and reflection.

Chicago Wilderness now has 185 members.

— Michelle Uting