The
Habitat Project
Serving the conservation community of Chicago Wilderness…
Life — for endangered species and rare ancient prairies,
for woodlands and wetlands and the wildlife that live in them
— depends on people! Though the challenges are great, and
the resources rather slim, the choice is ours. By accepting this
challenge we not only can make a difference in nature's future,
but we can learn about and enjoy all that nature offers us.
The Habitat Project is a network of thousands of volunteers and
staff — scientists, monitors, land managers and advocates
— who work side by side to assure the holistic and effective
conservation of Chicago Wilderness, a regional nature reserve.
Monitor Wildlife:
Bird Census
The Bird Conservation Network (BCN) raises awareness of the conservation
needs of birds throughout our region by educating the public and
working with policy makers to improve bird habitat. Monitoring
projects include the ongoing BCN Census and the Cook County West
Nile Virus Study. Contact Lee
Ramsey at 847-501-4683 or leeramsey@comcast.net.
Calling Frog Survey
Five years ago, we had scant knowledge of the status and distribution
of frogs and toads within the Chicago region. Now, thanks to the
Calling Frog Survey, nearly 150 dauntless data collectors are
trained to monitor the Chicago region's wetlands in search of
the 13 species of frogs and toads that live here. Some of us also
look for salamanders, snakes, and turtles. Contact Karen
Glennemeier at 847-965-1150 x20 or kglennemeier@audubon.org.
Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network
The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network is a diverse group
of volunteers who, over more than 15 years, have identified and
counted butterflies, running more than 3,000 routes on sites in
Illinois. These investigators collect data that are valuable to
scientists, researchers and land managers in evaluating how restoration
practices and other changes affect butterfly populations. Contact
Melanie Manner at 847-464-4426
or ibmn@sbcglobal.net.
Plants of Concern
Administered by staff and volunteers of the Chicago Botanic Garden,
Plants of Concern trains volunteers to monitor populations of
threatened or endangered plants. Information about habitat quality
and disturbance levels helps reveal the factors that influence
rare plant populations. Contact Susanne
Masi at 847-835-8269 or smasi@chicagobotanic.org.
Plant Community Monitoring
The 2003 Woods Audit assessed the status of the upland forests
and woodlands of Chicago Wilderness. The 2005 Grassland Audit
turned to prairies and grasslands to obtain a region wide assessment
of their condition. We also conduct ongoing monitoring of selected
restoration areas. Contact Karen
Glennemeier at 847-724-5226 or kglennemeier@audubon.org.
Dragonfly Monitoring Network
Network volunteers monitor dragonfly and damselfly populations
at public and private sites, in the tristate area. The data is
shared with local naturalists. Everyone interested in becoming
a monitor is encouraged to contact Craig
Stettner at 847-925-6214, or cstettne@harpercollege.edu.
For more information go to The
Habitat Project homepage.
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