The federal government has just announced its most significant investment to date in nature-based projects aimed at creating "climate-ready" coastlines, and Chicago is among the communities that will benefit from this latest round of funding.
Stories by patty wetli
Lincoln Park Zoo Is on Lion Watch, New Cub Due in January
"A birth represents preservation of a species that has faced many challenges in the wild,” said Mike Murray, curator of mammals and animal behavioral husbandry.
This Week in Nature: Winter Olympics a Climate Casualty? Wildlife’s Answer to Elf on a Shelf, and Some Resilient Area Eagles
It’s been another wild week on the nature beat. The United Nations’ biodiversity conference kicked off Tuesday in Montreal with the UN Secretary-General calling humanity a “weapon of mass extinction.” Nowhere to go but up from there.
The Moon Is About To Make Mars Disappear. Here’s How To View Wednesday’s ‘Eclipse’ in Chicago
Sky watchers will have their eyes peeled Wednesday night for a rare-ish celestial event: an “eclipse” of Mars.
Sue the T. Rex Has Given Up a Limb for Science: The Dino’s Comically Tiny Arms Are Now the Stuff of Serious Study
Researchers at the Field Museum are embarking on a project to discover what was the point — if any — of T. rex’s tiny arms.
The $20M Check Is in the Mail. Federal Funds Coming to Englewood Nature Trail
Federal officials popped into Chicago Friday to celebrate the awarding of a $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Englewood Nature Trail.
Ho, Ho, Vroom. The 45th Annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Will Roll Through Chicago Sunday
Tens of thousands of bikers will vroom through Chicago Sunday during the 45th annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.
This Week in Nature: Here’s What Made Us Think, And Laugh, From Volcanic Eruptions to Bears’ Ongoing War on Christmas
Every Friday, we’ll be rounding up some of the articles, videos, photos and social media posts that have caught our attention on the topics of climate change, the environment, wildlife, conservation and weather.
Chicago Winter Parking Ban Takes Effect Thursday. What To Know Before You’re Towed
Starting Dec. 1, Chicago’s overnight parking ban takes effect on 107 miles of streets, snow or no snow, from 3-7 a.m. daily through April 1.
Northern Long-Eared Bat, an Illinois Native, Is Newest Addition to U.S. Endangered Species List. Can It Be Saved?
Despite habitat strongholds in places like Illinois, white-nose syndrome continues to decimate the population.
The deadly white-nose syndrome is threatening the northern long-eared bat — one of Illinois’ 13 native bats — with extinction. The race is on to find a cure and protect what’s left of the population.
Promontory Point Supporters Push for Hearing in Front of Chicago Landmark Commission
Preservationists are pushing for Promontory Point to be granted Chicago landmark status. Will their case be heard?
Have You Heard? Sandhill Cranes Passing Over Chicago in Near Record Numbers
Sandhill crane migration is reaching its peak. For those who've wondered whether there are more of the birds this year than in the past, the answer appears to be yes.
Chicago 2022 Holiday Events Guide: Lights! Markets! Action!
Between indoor, outdoor and drive-thru options for light displays, it's safe to say this holiday season will be bright. We've also rounded up a baker's dozen of holiday markets.
Friends of the Chicago River, Openlands and Others Join Chorus Calling on Pritzker To Halt Damen Silos Sale
“Any riverfront improvement opportunity should be part of a master plan that recognizes the Chicago River system as the wondrous natural resource it is rather than the uncared for alleyway it used to be,” said Friends of the Chicago River.
Christkindlmarket Is Back, Time To Get Your Gluhwein on Chicago. Here’s What’s New in 2022
One of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions — the German-style Christkindlmarket — kicks off this weekend, and it’s bigger than ever, with a new location in Aurora.
Naomi Davis Asks Woodlawn To Put Its Faith in G.O.D.: Garden-Oriented Development
Davis, founder of Blacks in Green, envisions Woodlawn teeming with biodiversity, resilient in the face of climate change and capable of supporting a local workforce employed in green business such as horticulture or composting.
Chicago’s Oldest House Was Once Hoisted Over the Green Line. The Latest Change: It Has a New Name
The Clarke House, built in 1836, is now the Clarke-Ford House to reflect the stewardship of Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford, who rescued the building for posterity.
Large Events — Looking at You, Riot Fest — Now Require Approval of Park District Board of Commissioners
On Wednesday, commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the Park District’s code that gives members of the board the final say on permits for large-scale events held in the city's parks.
The Check Is in the Mail, And Being Stolen. Chicago Police Warn of Recent Thefts, Check 'Washing'
The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert following several reports of checks stolen from U.S. postal boxes.
Winter Weather Advisory Tuesday, Days After Record High Temps: Yep, Chicago Weather in a Nutshell
A winter weather advisory went into effect Tuesday morning for much of the Chicago region, a far cry from last week's balmy 70-degree temperatures.
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Oldest Resident Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight for About 300 Years. Its Days Are Now Numbered.
A bur oak has towered over the zoo’s south lawn, opposite the primate house, since before there even was a zoo. It even predates the founding of the United States of America.
Chicago Announces Compost Pilot Program That Draws on Expertise of City’s Community Gardens
Six community gardens will test the logistics of a compost program that could be expanded if it proves successful and scaleable.
Work Suspended After Noose Discovered at Obama Center Construction Site
Construction firm Lakeside Alliance is offering a $100,000 reward to help find whoever committed the “act of hate.”
Chicago Hits Record-Tying High Temp Thursday. But Winter Is Coming
The forecast calls for highs in the mid-70s on Thursday, which could approach the date's record high of 75 degrees set in 2020.
South Side Voters Speak Up for Trees in Jackson Park and South Shore. Is Anyone Listening?
Voters sent a message to officials by overwhelmingly supporting an advisory referendum calling on the city of Chicago to stop cutting down trees in Jackson Park and South Shore.
Sale of Damen Silos to MAT Asphalt Owner Draws Fire From McKinley Park Activists, Who Want To Halt the Deal
Activists in McKinley Park are calling on the state to postpone the sale and give the community an opportunity to weigh in on the decision.
