*This program can be attended without background on Part I.  The area is so large, we need two sessions to share all its beauty.

What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city.  Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as well as Visitor Information Assistant Laura Lewis as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series. 

Continue reading “Midewin Prairie 101: Part II”

What is Midewin (pronounced mi-DAY-win) National Tallgrass Prairie? Learn about the history and geography of this very special place less than an hour from the city.  Join C2ST and longtime Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie volunteers Greg DuBois, Ron Kapala, and Christina L. Sammet, Ph.D., as they take us on a virtual journey to explore restored wetlands, prairies, and observe wildlife. While learning why conservation is so important, visit some of the best examples of restored prairie. Register now for Prairie 101 to join the conversation on how Midewin will change and what change means for wildlife and recreation in this two-part summer evening series. 

Continue reading “Midewin Prairie 101: Part I”

Here’s a trivia question: what contains 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, claims the world’s largest freshwater sand dune, provides water for more than 40 million people, and may harbor a ‘Nessie-like’ monster of its own? Perhaps you correctly guessed it is the Great Lakes! One of the world’s most important freshwater resources. Tune-in to hear from Alliance for the Great Lakes staff who are working hard to preserve those resources for all of us. Continue reading “Working Together to Keep the Lakes Great”

Join us to take a tour of some local wetlands while learning about innovative research methodologies from the scientists who implement them. The Great Lakes are one of the world’s most incredible freshwater resources, comprising 20% of the world’s surface freshwater; however, many of us do not fully appreciate how impressive they are. Shedd Aquarium is a key cog in preserving the integrity, health and biodiversity of the Great Lakes region for the plants, animals and people that depend on them. To further that mission, Shedd has a team of research experts who are not only dedicated to Great Lakes conservation initiatives, but also to informing and involving the public in those efforts. Continue reading “Conservation Stories: Shedd Aquarium’s Local Freshwater Research”