Early visitors to the prairies, oak woodlands and wetlands of the Chicago Region described the landscape as “a species of land like no other.” Within decades of that first wave of American settlement, the vast grasslands and ancient oaks would be a rapidly fading memory, replaced by a burgeoning network of farms and dairies. On the shores of Lake Michigan, the rolling dunes and lake border ravines were in retreat while a great metropolis rose in their place, connecting east and west through a capillary like network of rail lines.
But something else was born in those early years of transformation, an idea that would take root in the rich Illinois loams and grow steadily over the next two centuries. The concept of land conservation, marked by a uniquely midwestern perspective, found fertile ground among the steadily growing population.
Travel across the epic sojourn of conservation Chicago Region style, examining some of the seminal moments and defining struggles that have marked our part of the world as an epicenter of environmental thought and action. Discover not only our rich heritage of setting aside land for the natural world but how a new form of conservation, based on building thousands of privately owned backyard arks is revolutionizing conservation for the decades ahead.
About Our Speaker
Ed Collins, retired Director of Land Preservation and Natural Resources with the McHenry County Conservation District, began his dedicated career in ecological restoration just as the science of restoration ecology was taking root. Over the next 38 years, he applied that emerging science to return the McHenry County Conservation District’s 26,000 acres of oak savannas, wetlands, and tallgrass prairie to biological health. A keen observer of the natural world, Ed is also a gifted writer and storyteller. His hobbies include collecting drain tile memorabilia, constructing stone labyrinths and working as a trained hypnotist.
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The Lake-to-Prairie Wild Ones is celebrating 30 years as a chapter!
Please join us prior to our August presentation with Ed Collins for our 30th Anniversary celebration. We are so proud of the many local native plant enthusiasts who were inspired by what they learned through Wild Ones. Fond memories will be shared of our growth through the years and of course there will be birthday cake. We will be meeting at 6:30 pm at the University of Illinois Extension office auditorium for cake and socializing.
If you would like to celebrate with us please register here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45AEAC22A3F5C52-64617455-wild
or email us at : [email protected]