our mission

Great challenges face the Chicago region. Uncontrolled growth places pressures on the environment. Simultaneously, huge strides are also being made in conservation, natural areas restoration, and respect for biodiversity.

These two trends may be on a collision course — unless we engage in public dialogue and more farsighted planning. Is it possible for a metropolitan region like ours to grow and prosper without causing more harm to the environment? Can we protect and preserve ecosystem health while sustaining a robust economy and a just society?

These are the topics we explore in the Chicago Wilderness Reports series.

In our fourth report, “People: Nurture & Nature,” we shift our focus from environmental challenges and the state of our regional assets to us — the human residents of Chicago Wilderness. When we look in the mirror, what do we see? As a society, are we becoming disconnected from nature? Will our children grow up to protect wilderness?